Key Takeaways
- The Rights Implementation Agreement has been signed between Parks Canada and eight Mi’kmaq First Nations in New Brunswick, giving the Mi’kmaq a role in managing national parks and historic sites.
- The agreement creates a co-management board that will make decisions for New Brunswick’s two national parks and five national historic sites.
- The co-management board will operate on a consensus-based decision-making model, with no single party having veto power.
- The agreement aims to promote the preservation of Mi’kmaw heritage and practices, as well as increase economic opportunities for Indigenous people.
- The partnership is seen as a step towards reconciliation and self-determination for the Mi’kmaq people.
Introduction to the Agreement
The Rights Implementation Agreement is a significant development in the relationship between Parks Canada and the Mi’kmaq First Nations in New Brunswick. After nearly seven years of negotiations, the agreement has been signed, marking a new era of cooperation and co-management of national parks and historic sites. The agreement creates a co-management board that will make decisions for New Brunswick’s two national parks, Kouchibouguac and Fundy, and five national historic sites, including Fort Beauséjour-Fort Cumberland and Beaubears Island.
Historical Context
The signing of the agreement is particularly significant, given the historical context of the relationship between the Mi’kmaq and the Crown. The first Peace and Friendship Treaty was signed in 1725, enshrining the rights of the Mi’kmaq to continue hunting, gathering, and fishing practices on Crown land. However, these agreements have not always been respected, and the Mi’kmaq have often been alienated from their traditional lands and practices. The new agreement aims to address this historical injustice and promote a new era of cooperation and respect.
Co-Management and Decision-Making
The co-management board will operate on a consensus-based decision-making model, with no single party having veto power. This approach is based on traditional Mi’kmaq decision-making practices, which prioritize collaboration and consensus-building. The board will consist of two Parks Canada representatives and four Mi’kmaq representatives, ensuring that the Mi’kmaq have a significant voice in the management of the parks and historic sites. This approach is seen as a key step towards reconciliation and self-determination for the Mi’kmaq people.
Preservation of Mi’kmaw Heritage
The agreement aims to promote the preservation of Mi’kmaw heritage and practices, as well as increase economic opportunities for Indigenous people. The co-management board will work to develop stewardship plans that ensure the Mi’kmaq are able to practice their traditional activities on the lands, such as hunting, gathering, and fishing. The agreement also includes provisions for the restoration of wildlife and the promotion of Mi’kmaw teachings. Additionally, the partnership aims to increase the number of Indigenous people working with Parks Canada, providing economic opportunities and promoting cultural exchange.
Increased Indigenous Involvement
The agreement marks a significant shift towards increased Indigenous involvement in the management of national parks and historic sites. The Mi’kmaq will have a greater say in the decision-making process, ensuring that their perspectives and knowledge are taken into account. The co-management board will also work to promote Mi’kmaw place names and increase the visibility of Mi’kmaw heritage at the parks and historic sites. This increased involvement is seen as a key step towards reconciliation and self-determination for the Mi’kmaq people.
Future Implications
The signing of the agreement is seen as a stepping stone towards further discussions about returning the land to the Mi’kmaq. The Mi’kmaq have long advocated for self-determination and the return of their traditional lands, and the agreement is seen as a significant step towards achieving this goal. The partnership is also expected to promote greater understanding and respect between the Mi’kmaq and Parks Canada, paving the way for future collaborations and initiatives. As the co-management board begins its work, it is expected to have a positive impact on the preservation of Mi’kmaw heritage and the promotion of Indigenous economic opportunities.
