Nova Scotia Chronology
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1725-1779
Peace and Friendship treaties are signed with Mi'kmaq and Maliseet First Nations and the British Crown on the East Coast.
July 2, 1997
Tripartite Forum Memorandum of Understanding is signed between the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia and Canada. The forum's mandate is to discuss, investigate and negotiate measures that will assist in the resolution of issues of mutual concern between the parties.
October 1, 1998
A Treaty Commemorative Statement is signed acknowledging and re-affirming the longstanding treaty relationship between the Crown and the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia. The Statement is signed by the Grand Chief of the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia and the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia.
September 17, 1999
In the Donald Marshall case, the Supreme Court of Canada affirmed a treaty right to hunt, fish, and gather in pursuit of a moderate livelihood, stemming from the Treaties of 1760-1761. The Supreme Court did not define how these rights were to be implemented, but instead encouraged the Parties to negotiate a resolution in a fair and equitable manner.
There are 34 Mi'kmaq and Maliseet groups in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and the Gaspé region of Québec who are potentially affected by the Marshall decision.
November 17, 1999
The Supreme Court of Canada issues a second Marshall ruling on a motion for rehearing.
January 10, 2001
The Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia and Canada release a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to work together to resolve outstanding issues and begin a negotiation process to consider issues of Aboriginal and treaty rights.
February 9, 2001
The Federal Ministers of Indian and Northern Affairs and Fisheries and Oceans jointly announce the launch of Canada's long-term strategy to address the Marshall decision, including a mandate to enter a broad tripartite negotiation process to consider issues of Aboriginal rights, title and treaty rights to land, resources and self-government.
June 7, 2002
The thirteen Mi'kmaq Chiefs of Nova Scotia, Province of Nova Scotia and Canada sign an Umbrella Agreement reaffirming the longstanding relationship and commitment to work together in good faith to resolve issues of mutual concern. Signing of the Umbrella Agreement opens the way for parties to start negotiations.
November 10, 2003
Beginning of Framework Agreement meetings.
February 23, 2007
The Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, Nova Scotia's Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, and the Mi'kmaq Grand Chief signed a Framework Agreement under the Made-in-Nova Scotia negotiation process. This process is designed to address the treaty and Aboriginal rights and title of the Mi'kmaq in Nova Scotia.
Without prejudice and under the protection of the June 7, 2002 Mi'kmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Umbrella Agreement.