Premier recognizes Micmac nation

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The Micmac people of Nova Scotia are a nation and should be dealt with as such, the province's premier said.

The relationship between the province and the Micmac must be conducted on a nation-to-nation level, Premier John Savage said during his speech before the 24th annual assembly of Nova Scotia chiefs in Dartmouth July 7.

"When a non-Native government deals with the Native community, the relationship is nation-to-nation," Savage said. "These are not discussions between a government and the citizens governed. These are negotiations between nations."

Native reaction to the premier's comment was enthusiastic.

"It was so good I kept expecting to hear him say 'April Fool," said Union of Nova Scotia Indians head Alex Christmas. "To negotiate as equals is something we've always aspired to do."

It is unlikely that Natives in the province will feel any impact from Savage's comments for at least six months, Christmas said.

Savage, who is also Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, said he will begin negotiations with Native leaders to update the Treaty of 1752. The treaty guarantees Natives some hunting and fishing rights.

All outstanding issues between the province and the Micmac, including hunting and fishing and taxation disputes, could be worked out, Savage added.

"The treaty can be modernized with terms relevant to today without diluting the rights it guarantees," Savage said. "We can strengthen the treaty rights."

Negotiations between the province and the Micmac are scheduled to commence Oct. 1.