Honouring Mi’kmaq History

Oct 01, 2025

Each October, Nova Scotians commemorate Mi’kmaq History Month as a time to celebrate the rich culture, knowledge, and traditions of the Mi’kmaq, the original people of this land. It is also a time for reflection, learning, and recommitment to reconciliation.

This year carries special significance as we mark the 300th anniversary of the signing of the first of the Peace and Friendship Treaties. These Treaties, first entered into in 1725 and renewed over the years, remain living agreements that continue to shape the relationship between the Mi’kmaq and all who share these lands today.

The Treaties are not relics of the past but promises for the future. They affirmed mutual respect, peace, and cooperation. They recognized the inherent rights of the Mi’kmaq and established a framework for co-existence that must continue to guide us. Four centuries later, they stand as a reminder of the solemn commitments that were made and the responsibilities, we all bear to honour them.

Mi’kmaq History Month is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of these responsibilities. It calls us to move beyond acknowledgment and into action. To respect the Treaties is to respect the human rights of Indigenous peoples. It means addressing systemic barriers, protecting language and culture, and ensuring that justice and equality are not denied to those who have carried the weight of colonization and displacement.

In Nova Scotia, human rights are protected by law and grounded in the principle of dignity for all. These protections find deeper meaning when connected to the lived experiences of the Mi’kmaq. To advance human rights in this province, we must recognize that reconciliation is not optional. It is central to our collective well-being.

As we honour Mi’kmaq History Month and the 300th anniversary of the Treaties of Peace and Friendship, let us commit to learning, listening, and acting in ways that uphold truth, respect, and justice. In doing so, we honour the Mi’kmaq, strengthen our communities, and bring Nova Scotia closer to a future where human rights are truly shared by all.

The preceding is a message from Joseph Fraser, Director & CEO of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.

Get Involved

  • Participate in events and celebrations.
  • Share stories of Mi’kmaq culture with friends and family.
  • Educate yourself about our treaty relationships.

Resources