by Crystal Dorey, Communications Officer, KMKNO

On September 3, the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs heard firsthand, from Minister Younger and his counterparts, the Province’s decision to prohibit shale hydraulic fracturing in Nova Scotia. The Assembly welcomes this announcement, as the Mi’kmaq have been strong advocates against any hydraulic fracturing activity in our traditional territory.

“We were clear that the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia are against all types of fracturing activity on our lands,” said Chief Paul Prosper. “The Province decision to prohibit hydraulic fracturing is exactly what we all wanted to hear.”

Last year the Assembly established their own Hydraulic Fracturing Committee, which is led by Chief Paul Prosper, Assembly Lead Chief of the Energy Portfolio, and made of up representatives from Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office; the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq; Union of Nova Scotia Indians and Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources. The role of this Committee was to conduct research and formulate a position for the Assembly on the concerns the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia have with respect to hydraulic fracturing.

Chief Terrance Paul, Co-Chair of the Assembly stated, “We were extremely concerned with what was happening in New Brunswick. So, hearing Nova Scotia’s decision today is certainly welcomed news.”

“Today both the Mi’kmaq and Provincial governments came eye to eye on a major decision,” continued Chief Prosper. “Our priority ...

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