If you want your news/articles to be promoted on this page, send your information to Nigel Gloade, Communications Officer at ngloade@millbrookfn.ca or call (902) 324-3379.
Be sure to include ALL relevant information (including the who, what, when, where, why and how to find out more).
The Millbrook Chief and Council have decided to postpone the highway slow down until after Hurricane Teddy to ensure everyone's safety. We are working towards a safe plan to educate the public on our Inherent Treaty Right to fish for a Moderate Livelihood. A date will be announced in the upcoming weeks.
- Millbrook Chief and Council
From: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
News release
July 15, 2020 — Ottawa, Ontario — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
The Government of Canada is working in partnership with Indigenous peoples to renew the relationship based on affirmation of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership.
A historic agreement has been concluded for the settlement of the Halifax County 1919 Invalid Surrender Specific Claim with Sipekne'katik and the Millbrook First Nation. The parties agreed upon a compensation amount of $49,204,071 to settle the specific claim.
This specific claim addresses the issue of Canada breaching its duties with respect to the surrender and sale of three reserves of the Halifax County Band, which subsequently divided into what is today Sipekne'katik and the Millbrook First Nation. The reserves, IR#15 at Sambro, IR#16 at Ingram River, and IR#18 at Ship Harbour, were set aside in 1784, 1820, and 1848 respectively. Canada accepted this claim for negotiation in 2008 on the basis that Canada failed to conduct a surrender meeting and surrender vote in accordance with the Indian Act.
Settling this specific claim is a significant step on the journey to reconciliation with Sipekne'katik and the Millbrook First Nation, helping to right past wrongs and create a better future for the members of these communities.
Canada will keep working in partnership on the priorities of Sipekne'katik and the Millbrook First Nation, and advance on the path of reconciliation.
Quotes
"Today marks another step forward on a path of renewal and reconciliation with Sipekne'katik and the Millbrook First Nation. The settlement is a result of the continued work to right past wrongs, resolve longstanding disputes, and rebuild trust with members of Sipekne'katik and the Millbrook First Nation. This agreement will help support the communities' ongoing efforts to improve living conditions and expand economic opportunities in their communities."
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
"We are pleased that our community ratified the 1919 Halifax County Invalid Surrender Claim. This settlement will benefit our membership today and into the future as our planned investments pay dividends."
Michael Sack
Chief of Sipekne'katik
"It has taken 100 years to finally secure what the Halifax County Mi'kmaq were after in 1919 – land in Halifax Regional Municipality. This was a difficult negotiation. Our negotiation team working with the Councils overcame all the obstacles in our path. I am proud to say we have been able to honour the dreams of our ancestors while helping our current and future members to have access to more opportunities – now and into the future."
Bob Gloade
Chief of Millbrook First Nation
"Since 2015, we have ensured the relationship with Indigenous communities is paramount on our path to reconciliation. This settlement agreement between the Government of Canada, Sipekne'katik and Millbrook First Nation is another example of that partnership and will help make resources available for new opportunities and prosperity for these communities"
Kody Blois
Member of Parliament, Kings-Hants
"I am pleased that this 100-year-old Mi'kmaq land rights claim has finally been settled. A century is a long time for the people of Millbrook First Nation to wait. We recognize the importance of Reconciliation and I look forward to the Government collaborating in partnership on future projects in Mi'kma'ki. It was an honour to advocate for this agreement to be finalized. All My Relations."
Lenore Zann
Member of Parliament, Cumberland Colchester
Quick facts
On November 21, 2019, 52 percent of eligible voters for Sipekne'katik participated in a ratification vote, with 79 percent voting in favour of the settlement agreement. For the Millbrook First Nation, 61 percent of all eligible voters participated in a ratification vote, and 88 percent voted in favour of the settlement agreement.
The settlement will also provide the option for Sipekne'katik and the Millbrook First Nation to acquire up to 1,265.35 acres of land on a willing-buyer/willing-seller basis and apply to have it added to reserve in accordance with Canada's Policy on Additions to Reserve/Reserve Creation.
Associated links
Contacts
For more information, media may contact:
Emily Williams
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett,
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
819-934-2302
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@canada.ca
Millbrook First Nation
Nigel Gloade
Communications Officer
902-897-9199
communications@millbrookband.com
Sipekne'katik
Michael Sack
902-758-2049
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Store Owners;
Last week Chief and Council made the decision to allow businesses to resume normal hours of operation. Council did not approve the resumption of normal operations, meaning your business storefront is to remain closed to the public until further notice. Transactions are only to be made via Drive-Thru and Take away windows.
Thank you,
Millbrook Chief and Council
May 15, 2020
Attention Community Members:
The provincial government has eased some of the state of emergency restrictions.
Residents of Nova Scotia will be able to interact with ONE OTHER “family bubble.” If you choose another family unit to be your “bubble,” they become your “family bubble,” as well.
Public beaches will be opening this weekend too. If you wish to visit the beach, continue to social distance (6 feet apart) from non-family members. Check to see if the beach you wish to visit is open before making the trip.
Golf courses are permitted to open on their own discretion. Again, call ahead to make sure they’re open.
Lastly, the provincial and municipal fire bans have been lifted. Backyard fires are okay, as long as they're in a contained fire pit. No brushfires and no burning garbage, just firewood.
Be responsible and respect the new “family bubbling” rule. Although restrictions are being lifted, we have a responsibility to keep one another safe from the COVID-19 virus. The only way we will beat this virus is by following the rules.
Thank you for your understanding and enjoy the long weekend! Millbrook Chief and Council
https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/mobile/two-family-bubbles-allowed-beaches-to- reopen-as-n-s-eases-some-restrictions-1.4941373
