Key Takeaways
- The Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada have signed the Toqi’maliaptmu’k Arrangement, a co-management agreement for Parks Canada-administered places in the province.
- The arrangement reinforces Indigenous rights and strengthens the relationship between the Mi’kmaq community and the federal government.
- The agreement will enable collaborative decision-making, shared stewardship, and joint initiatives on issues such as land management, cultural practices, and historic site preservation.
- The Toqi’maliaptmu’k Arrangement is the first of its kind in Nova Scotia and demonstrates a Nation-to-Nation approach to co-management.
- The arrangement will be implemented through the establishment of a co-management board and will involve community engagement and participation.
Introduction to the Toqi’maliaptmu’k Arrangement
The Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada have made a significant step towards reconciliation with the signing of the Toqi’maliaptmu’k Arrangement. This co-management agreement will enable the two parties to work together in the administration of Parks Canada-administered places in the province. The arrangement, which means "we will look after it together," is the first of its kind in Nova Scotia and marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the Mi’kmaq community and the federal government. The Toqi’maliaptmu’k Arrangement is built on years of collaboration and a shared desire to protect and preserve the natural and cultural resources of the region.
Background and Context
The Toqi’maliaptmu’k Arrangement is the result of years of negotiation and collaboration between the Mi’kmaq community and the federal government. The agreement reinforces Indigenous rights and strengthens the relationship between the two parties. According to Chief Sidney Peters of the Glooscap First Nation and Co-Chair of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs, the arrangement "strengthens our role in helping to oversee national parks and national historic sites, protects our Mi’kmaw rights, and ensures that the Mi’kmaw voice is part of decision making on these lands going forward." The agreement demonstrates a commitment to reconciliation and a willingness to work together to protect and preserve the natural and cultural resources of the region.
Key Components of the Arrangement
The Toqi’maliaptmu’k Arrangement will enable the Mi’kmaq and Parks Canada to make decisions using their respective protocols. The two parties will work together on issues of shared responsibility, including commemorating and respecting historic and contemporary Indigenous connections to sites, collaborative archaeology and land stewardship, and enabling harvesting and other land-based cultural practices. The arrangement will also involve the establishment of a co-management board, which will provide a framework for decision-making and ensure that the Mi’kmaq community is actively involved in the management of Parks Canada-administered places. According to Jaime Battiste, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the arrangement "reflects a commitment to respect, balance, and our shared responsibility to future generations."
Comparisons to Other Co-Management Agreements
The Toqi’maliaptmu’k Arrangement is not the first co-management agreement of its kind in Canada. There are several other examples of Parks Canada-administered places that are cooperatively managed with Indigenous partners, including Gwaii Haanas in British Columbia, the Torngat Mountains in Newfoundland and Labrador, and Saoyú-ehdacho in the Northwest Territories. These agreements demonstrate a commitment to reconciliation and a willingness to work together to protect and preserve the natural and cultural resources of the region. The Toqi’maliaptmu’k Arrangement builds on these examples and demonstrates a Nation-to-Nation approach to co-management.
Implementation and Next Steps
The implementation of the Toqi’maliaptmu’k Arrangement will involve the establishment of a co-management board, which will provide a framework for decision-making and ensure that the Mi’kmaq community is actively involved in the management of Parks Canada-administered places. The arrangement will also involve community engagement and participation, with a community celebration planned for 2026. The specific details of the arrangement will evolve over time, but the commitment to co-management and shared stewardship is clear. According to Chief Peters, the Toqi’maliaptmu’k Arrangement "demonstrates how we can create Nation-to-Nation arrangements, where the Mi’kmaq can truly work alongside the federal government as equal partners." The arrangement is a significant step towards reconciliation and a commitment to protecting and preserving the natural and cultural resources of the region.
Conclusion
The Toqi’maliaptmu’k Arrangement is a significant step towards reconciliation and a commitment to protecting and preserving the natural and cultural resources of Nova Scotia. The agreement demonstrates a willingness to work together and a commitment to co-management and shared stewardship. The arrangement is the first of its kind in Nova Scotia and builds on examples of co-management agreements in other parts of Canada. The implementation of the arrangement will involve the establishment of a co-management board and community engagement and participation. The Toqi’maliaptmu’k Arrangement is a positive step towards reconciliation and a commitment to protecting and preserving the natural and cultural resources of the region for future generations.
