A Treaty Day ceremony today, Oct. 3, honoured the importance of the treaty relationship and the achievements and leadership of Mi’kmaq elders and youth.

“The celebration of the 30th annual Treaty Day is an opportunity for the Mi’kmaq and other Nova Scotians to renew our special treaty relationship,” said Deputy Premier Diana Whalen, on behalf of Premier Stephen McNeil, who is Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. “It is also an occasion to celebrate the important contributions of Mi’kmaq youth and elders.”

During the Treaty Day awards ceremony, provincial officials and Mi’kmaq representatives presented awards to elders and youth from Mi’kmaw communities across the province. The award winners for 2016 are:

Grand Chief Donald Marshall Senior Memorial Elder Award
— Lottie Mae Johnson (Eskasoni)
— Stephen Joseph Julian (Sipekne’katik)

Chief Noel Doucette Memorial Youth Achievement Award
— Julian Marshall (Membertou)
— Trent Lynds (Sipekne’katik)

Sister Dorothy Moore Educational Scholarship
— Julia Marshall(Eskasoni)
— Giselle Stevens(Eskasoni)
— Keenan Bernard(Eskasoni)
— Shanna Francis (Eskasoni)

Grand Chief Donald Marshall Senior Memorial Scholarship
— Graduate: Natalie Denny (Eskasoni)
— Undergraduate: Charlotte Paul(Glooscap)

Treaty Day marks one year since the Mi’kmaq and the province launched the Treaty Education Nova Scotia initiative. It creates opportunities to learn about the province’s shared history, including culture, traditions and heritage, as well as the peace and friendship treaties.

The Mi’kmaq and the province are developing treaty education programs and services for the education system, the provincial public service and the general public.

Treaty Day began in 1986 with the signing of a proclamation by then Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr. and marks the beginning of Mi’kmaq History Month in Nova Scotia. For more information on Treaty Day and Mi’kmaq History Month, visit www.mikmaqhistorymonth.com.

Source: Release