The Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia and the Federal Government have signed a co-management arrangement for Parks Canada-administered places in the province. Locally that would include Cape Breton Highlands National Park; and historical sites St. Peters Canal, Grassy Island near Canso, and the Alexander Graham Bell Museum in Baddeck.
The agreement recognizes and respects traditional activities such as harvesting and other land-based cultural practices and re-establishes the role of the Mi’kmaq in the governance and management of the lands.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park (Parks Canada photo)
A Mi’kmaw Relations Advisor with Parks Canada, Lindsay Marshall, says it is called the Toqi’maliaptmu’k Arrangement which means “we will look after it together”.
Marshall says he anticipates park visitors won’t notice much of a change under this new 10 year arrangement
A seven-person Co-Management Board will be established, providing advice to the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs and the Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature
