Mi’kmaq Chiefs Sign Interim Agreement on Sydney Marine Expansion

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate
July 21, 2015

The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs recently signed an Interim Agreement with the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) on the Sydney Marine Terminal Expansion Project.

This Agreement is a result of consultation with the Mi’kmaq under the Terms of Reference for a Mi’kmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Consultation Process and solidifies the good working relationship that has been established between the parties.

“The Mi’kmaq have supported this project and recognize its importance as it will contribute significantly to the ongoing development of the tourism industry on Cape Breton Island,” said Chief Terrance Paul, Co-Chair of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs and Chief of Membertou.

Through this Agreement CBRM, as the project proponent, will provide and accept only those bids which include a stipulation that at least 5 percent of the project development costs are to be attributed to the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia resources.

“It’s important that we have a voice in this matter,” continued Chief Paul. “The Mi’kmaq have constitutionally protected Rights and a stake in any project that happens on our lands and waters.”

The Assembly is pleased that the Municipal government has come forward, in good faith, to work with representatives of the Sydney Harbour Working Group, and more specifically with Membertou and Eskasoni First Nations, who are leading the Sydney Harbour consultations on behalf of 12 Mi’kmaq communities.

“With the continuous collaborative efforts of the working committee, I am confident the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia will realize employment and tangible opportunities” said Chief Leroy Denny, Eskasoni.

The proposed Sydney Marine Terminal Expansion will be under the care of CBRM and will involve the construction of a second cruise ship berthing wharf in Sydney Harbour that is capable of docking 300 metre plus vessels.

The Kwilmu’kw Maw- klusuaqn Negotiation Office/Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative works on behalf of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs in the negotiations and consultations between the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia, the Province of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada. KMKNO was developed by the Mi’kmaq, for the Mi’kmaq. The purpose of these negotiations and consultations is to implement our Aboriginal and treaty rights from the treaties signed by our ancestors in the 1700’s. For further information visit our website at www.mikmaqrights.com.

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For more information contact:

Crystal Dorey, Communications Officer
Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative
Phone: (902) 843-3880
Cell: (902) 957-0549
E-mail: crystaldorey@mikmaqrights.com

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