Actions and Commitments:
Exploring Stakeholder: "Government of Nova Scotia"
Updates on this page: 47
April 17, 2024
Eskasoni, Province Celebrate Opening of New Long-Term Care Home
NationTalk: Mi’kmaw elders and seniors across the province now have access to long-term care in a Mi’kmaw community. A new 48-room home named Kiknu, a Mi’kmaw word meaning “our home,” in Eskasoni is the first in the province to be built in a First Nation community. An event to mark the home’s opening was held...
April 10, 2024
Youth Mental Health Sites Announced
NationTalk: Young Nova Scotians and their families will soon have easier access to mental health and addictions services and related supports in their communities. Brian Comer, Minister of Addictions and Mental Health, announced the locations of seven new Integrated Youth Services sites today, April 10, in Stellarton, Pictou County. Each will offer multiple services, which...
April 2, 2024
Can reconciliation and profit coexist? Clearwater Seafood thinks so
On the East Coast, an Indigenous firm is charting a unique course that other First Nations are watching closely JASON KIRBY PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARREN CALABRESE THE GLOBE AND MAIL Frozen cockles and Arctic surf clams at Clearwater Seafoods’ Highland facility in Glace Bay, N.S. In the gleaming-white Highland Fisheries plant in Glace Bay, on the...
March 8, 2024
Funding for Community Projects Working to End Gender-Based Violence
NationTalk: Community groups working on the front lines know what is needed to prevent gender-based violence and how to support those impacted by it. That is why the Province is funding 16 community-based organizations for projects that address gender-based violence. “With this funding we are able to support partners like the Elizabeth Fry Society to...
January 10, 2024
Canada signs over $355 million bilateral agreement with Nova Scotia to improve health care over three years
This investment will increase access to a primary health provider, reduce backlogs and wait times, further support mental health services, and provide greater access to health data. NationTalk: Health Canada, Halifax, Canada – Canadians want and deserve a health care system that provides timely access to health services whenever and wherever they are needed. That...
December 14, 2023
Funding to Help End Gender-Based Violence
NationTalk: A historic funding agreement signed today, December 14, will see the federal government invest $18.3 million over four years to help Nova Scotia end gender-based violence. Through the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the Province can help fund programming by community-based service providers that aligns with Standing Together, the provincial action plan...
October 2, 2023
Residential schools tried to eradicate Mi’kmaw. The language needs help to survive
Teaching Mi’kmaw is essential, and educator Noreen Sylliboy wants more provincial support CBC Indigenous: Teacher Noreen Sylliboy stands in front of a class of Grade 5 students and starts with a simple lesson that names the days of the week and the seasons, speaking in a language that only a few thousand Nova Scotians know. She...
September 29, 2023
500 students in Nova Scotia place orange flags in the shape of a heart as symbol of healing
APTN News: Students from regional schools in Nova Scotia joined forces with students from Sipekne’katik Mi’kmaw Nations to plant orange flags at the former Shubenacadie Indian Residential School. “Today we are changing the narrative,” said De-Anne Sack, a band councillor of the Sipekne’Katik Nation. “This orange heart is love it is love for our people,...
September 7, 2023
Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society to Launch Mandatory Indigenous Cultural Competence Training
Beginning in October, practicing lawyers in Nova Scotia can begin taking the Indigenous Intercultural Awareness and Competency Training called The Path. The Path was approved by Council at the November meeting as mandatory training for all practicing lawyers in Nova Scotia. All practicing members must complete this training by June 2025. This is part of the Nova...
July 14, 2023
Nurse performs Halifax hospital’s 1st smudging ceremony — for her sister’s baby
‘We feel really empowered,’ says new mom Brittany Pennell after smudging at IKW Health Centre Nurse performs Halifax hospital’s 1st smudging ceremony — for her sister’s baby Click on the following link to listen to “As It Happens” https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/halifax-hospital-smudging-ceremony-1.6907186?cmp=newsletter_Evening%20Headlines%20from%20CBC%20News_1617_1187285 Nurse Courtney Pennell gets goosebumps whenever she thinks about performing her hospital’s first-ever smudging ceremony on...
July 13, 2023
Competitors welcome return of North American Indigenous Games
Mi’kma’ki set to greet young athletes from 750-plus nations CBC News: Pjila’si. Welcome. Thousands of athletes are about to experience Pjila’si for the first time as the 10th edition of the North American Indigenous Games get underway in Atlantic Canada. The event is the first since 2017 because of cancellations due to COVID. It runs July 16-23...
July 7, 2023
Ben & Jerry’s Land Back tweet on Canada Day gets praise from First Nations people
Others called for boycott of ice cream company after tweet says Canada is on stolen land CBC News: Ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s is being praised by many First Nations people in Canada for a tweet supporting the #LandBack movement on Canada Day. The tweet from the Canadian branch of the company read: “Another day...
June 19, 2023
New Home for Pictou County Sports Hall of Fame
NationTalk: A new multi-use facility in Trenton will house the Pictou County Sports Hall of Fame and serve as an events and meeting space for the community. The Province is investing almost $1.5 million in the project, which will also support development of new exhibits highlighting the accomplishments of African Nova Scotian and Mi’kmaw athletes...
May 11, 2023
Province Invests in Training More Nurses
NationTalk: Anyone interested in becoming a nurse in Nova Scotia will have more options as the Province is increasing the number of nursing seats across the province, with many opening this fall. Premier Tim Houston announced today, May 11, the government will support a new nursing program at Acadia University, in partnership with Cape Breton...
April 21, 2023
Ottawa signs agreement with Nova Scotia First Nations chiefs on health services
Agreement another step to transform design and delivery of health services for Mi’kmaq in Nova Scotia CBC News: Canadian Press – The federal government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Nova Scotia’s Mi’kmaq chiefs on the transfer of federal health services.Friday’s agreement with the 13 chiefs continues a process that will ultimately transform the...
April 4, 2023
Pilot projects could pave way forward for Indigenous health care
Based on the principles of nationhood, individual Indigenous communities take the lead in determining how their communities will work with partners to address health care disparities. iPolitics: Four community-led pilot projects have seen significant improvements in health care for Indigenous communities across the country, supporters say, leading to a push for the government to address...
April 4, 2023
Cdn. Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) Releases Health Human Resources Assessment Report
NationTalk: Ottawa – Today, the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) released its report on health human resources (HHR) in Canada. The report, titled “Canada’s Health Workforce: Pathways Forward”, provides key findings designed to inform stakeholders (including governments). The report provides evidence-informed approaches to addressing the current challenges facing the Canadian health workforce. The three...
March 8, 2023
Increased Funding for Organizations That Support Women
NationTalk: The Province is providing $8 million to help organizations supporting women experiencing gender-based violence meet an increased demand for their services and address rising operating costs. “Transition houses, women’s centres and other organizations provide critical support services to women experiencing gender-based violence and their children,” said Karla MacFarlane, Minister responsible for the Nova Scotia...
February 24, 2023
More Funding to Support Healthcare Recruitment in Mi’kmaw Communities
NationTalk: Health and wellness organization Tajikeimik will receive funding from the Province to help recruit Indigenous healthcare workers. In collaboration with the L’nu Nursing Initiative at Dalhousie University, Tajikeimik will create a magazine and website focusing on Mi’kmaw nurses and career opportunities. These resources will promote nursing programs, provide information to help navigate application processes...
February 11, 2023
As more high schools add Indigenous- focused compulsory courses, some warn against a siloed approach
‘Reconciliation will only exist … when we see it in every aspect of a student’s experience,’ says professor CBC News: As a Shakespeare fan who loves sharing his work with students, Windsor, Ont., English teacher Carolyn Howlett admits she felt a bit apprehensive when her board began work shifting its Grade 11 English course to focus...
December 14, 2022
New Indigenous cultural safety training for health-care providers
COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS OF NOVA SCOTIA A new online course called To Know Better is to Do Better: Translating Indigenous Knowledge to Health Practice for Health-Care Providers in Nova Scotia is now available. The six-module online course will teach health-care providers how to create culturally safe environments for Indigenous patients in their clinics and offices....
November 29, 2022
NS Government: Province Seeks Feedback on Racism, Discrimination in Healthcare
NationTalk: The Province is asking diverse groups to share their experiences in order to improve Nova Scotia’s healthcare system. The Department of Health and Wellness and health system partners have launched an online survey to collect feedback from communities that might have experienced systemic racism and discrimination in the healthcare system. This includes Indigenous people,...
November 9, 2022
Nova Scotia Joins National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence
NationTalk: Gender-based violence is a complex issue that can happen in any relationship, and it continues to be a significant barrier to achieving gender equality in Canada. Today, November 9, Nova Scotia joined the Government of Canada and other provinces and territories to sign the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence at the 40th annual...
November 9, 2022
National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence a significant step towards gender equality
Pictou County, Nova Scotia – Women and Gender Equality Canada Living a life free from violence is a fundamental human right, but gender‑based violence (GBV) continues to be a significant barrier to achieving gender equality in Canada. It is one of the most pervasive, deadly, and deeply rooted human rights violations of our time. Federal,...
October 26, 2022
New Practical Nursing Program Will Train 30 L’nu Students
Nova Scotia is training more healthcare workers to provide a diverse range of care in communities across the province. Starting in the 2023-24 academic year, aspiring practical nursing students can learn as part of a Mi’kmaw cohort at the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Pictou campus. “We’re so pleased to be working closely with Mi’kmaw...
July 11, 2022
AFN Calls For First Ministers Meeting on UNDRIP at Council of The Federation
Assembly of First Nations: BC Regional Chief Terry Teegee issued the following statement after a meeting with provincial and territorial premiers today in advance of the Council of the Federation meeting taking place later today in Victoria, BC. “It is important for First Nations to meet with premiers on priorities and initiatives that impact our...
July 7, 2022
The Wije’winen Health Centre opens in Halifax
CTV News – Atlantic: A new health care centre is opening in Halifax on Friday to help promote urban Indigenous wellness. The innovative approach to health care delivery aims to help bridge gaps in health care for Indigenous people in the region, while specializing in the complex health needs of the urban Indigenous population. Known...
May 12, 2022
Cape Breton University and Dalhousie University Pilot Undergraduate Medical Education Partnership
NationTalk: Today, Cape Breton University (CBU) and Dalhousie University (DAL) have announced they will partner on a Medical Education Pilot Initiative aimed at innovative and creative solutions to alleviate family physician shortages in rural Nova Scotia, including Cape Breton, Mi’kmaq and African Nova Scotian communities. In a bold and innovative strategy to address healthcare needs...
October 29, 2021
Legislation to make Mi’kmaq first language
Government of Nova Scotia – Mi’kmaq is Nova Scotia’s first language and legislation next spring will help preserve, revitalize and promote it. The government will start working immediately with Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey, the collective voice for Mi’kmaq education, and other Mi’kmaq organizations and communities to develop legislation to support this effort....
August 4, 2021
Shubenacadie school
Aug. 4, 2021: CBC – The team of researchers searching for evidence of unmarked graves at the former Shubenacadie Residential School in Shubenacadie, N.S., has concluded its search without finding graves connected to the institution....
July 13, 2021
Indigenous Language Cultures Program
Ku’Ku’Kwes News – Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey will be in charge of administering $513,492 in funds for various programs and projects under the federal Indigenous Language Cultures Program to revive and preserve the Mi’kmaw language in the province. The federal funds will go towards supporting multiple projects with First Nation schools, communities and organizations in Nova Scotia. Some...
July 12, 2021
Canada and Nova Scotia commit funding to NAIG
Both the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia are committing new funding for the hosting of the 2023 North American Indigenous Games. The new funding agreement will see the Province of Nova Scotia providing an additional $2.5 million for the Games, in addition to the $3.5 million already committed. This funding will...
June 1, 2021
Shubenacadie school
June 1, 2021: CTV News – There is an official list of 16 students who died while attending the Shubenacadie school, but Bernard said survivors have come forward in the past three years to provide the names of more missing children....
September 30, 2020
Premier apology to Indigenous and Black citizens for systemic racism in justice
Toronto Star – Premier Stephen McNeil apologized to Black and Indigenous Nova Scotians for systemic racism in the provincial justice system and said the government is committed to reform. McNeil said he putting together a restorative justice team composed of members of the Black and Indigenous communities, as well as members of government and the police,...
September 29, 2020
Premier apology to Indigenous and Black citizens for systemic racism in justice system
CTV News – Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil apologized Tuesday to Black and Indigenous Nova Scotians for systemic racism in the province’s justice system, and said the government is committed to reform. McNeil said he is putting together a restorative justice team composed of members of Black and Indigenous communities, as well as members of government...
July 8, 2020
Appointment of Crown Attorney dedicated to prosecuting human trafficking offenses
Senior Crown Attorney Ms. Josie McKinney, the first Crown attorney dedicated to the prosecution of human trafficking offences is Mi’kmaq and Maliseet and an alumna of the Indigenous Black and Mi’kmaq Initiative at Dalhousie University in Halifax....
June 10, 2020
The Restorative Research, Innovation & Education Lab (RRIELab)
The Restorative Research, Innovation & Education Lab (RRIELab) located in the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University will be led by a fully funded chair held by Professor Jennifer Llewelyn, a distinguished global leader in restorative justice. The lab’s vision is to be a global centre of excellence that will accelerate the growth and...
February 20, 2020
Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation
$1.4M per yr over 5 yrs Investing more into programs, services and supports that will raise awareness, prevention and directly help victims and survivors, with an added focus on Mi’kmaw and African Nova Scotian communities. hire family and victim support navigators for Halifax Regional Municipality, Cape Breton Regional Municipality and the South Shore. These navigator...
December 13, 2019
Commercial development of Maskwiomin
Researchers at Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton University have received a $850,000 grant to develop a traditional Mi’kmaq medicine for potential future commercial production as a skin ointment. Maskwiomin is made from the oil of birch bark and is used to treat skin conditions such as rashes, eczema and psoriasis....
July 4, 2019
Nova Scotia
Beginning July 9, name change fees will be waived for residential school survivors and their families who want to reclaim names that were changed by the residential school system. Once the legal change of name is complete, fees to change a name on a driver’s licence and a government issued photo ID will also be...
February 26, 2019
Fair Treatment of Indigenous Peoples in Criminal Prosecutions in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Crown attorneys are now guided by a new comprehensive policy “Fair Treatment of Indigenous Peoples in Criminal Prosecutions in Nova Scotia” when conducting criminal prosecutions involving Indigenous peoples in accordance with the established special legal and constitutional status of Indigenous peoples. The policy references: years of dislocation, lack of economic opportunity, forced family disruption...
February 15, 2019
Indigenous Family and Unity Act
The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs (Assembly) have called upon the Prime Minister and the Government of Canada to bring forth the important discussions of the Indigenous Family and Unity Act, with the proposed changes that First Nations communities, across Canada, have collectively brought forward. The legislation, in its current form, does not recognize...
October 26, 2018
Cape Breton University seeks funds to build a Centre for Discovery and Innovation
CBC – Cape Breton University is seeking funding from the federal and Nova Scotia governments to build a Centre for Discovery and Innovation, a modern research and instructional facility, including the Marshall Institute which would focus its work on environmental justice and Indigenous approaches to climate change. The institute, named after Donald Marshall Jr., the Mi’kmaw...
October 12, 2018
New health facility for Eskasoni First Nation
No formal acknowledgement of the negative impacts of previous colonial government policies Eskasoni First Nation, District of Unama’ki in the traditional un-ceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people celebrated the grand opening of a new, state-of-the-art health centre more than twice the size of the former space that makes it the largest on-reserve health centre in...
May 4, 2018
Nova Scotia commits funds to 2020 NAIG
Nova Scotia has committed $3.5M funding for the 2020 event that will be held in Halifax and Millbrook, First Nation in Truro, NS....
April 6, 2018
Special court opened on Wagmatcook First Nation
A special court opened on the Wagmatcook First Nation in Victoria County, Cape Breton, that combines provincial court services, along with Aboriginal Wellness court and Gladue court. (CBC News)...
September 7, 2017
Hiring three community outreach specialists
In partnership with the Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association and the federal government, three community outreach specialists who have experience in dealing with trauma have been hired to provide cultural support to families and community members until March 31, 2019. $790K from Fed. Govt. until March 31, 2019 + $458K from NS...