The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs is pressing the provincial government for significant changes to consultation processes around natural resources, following what they describe as a troubling pattern of inadequate engagement on key environmental decisions.
“We’ve been at this table for years, yet we’re still seeing projects approved without meaningful input from our communities,” said Chief Sidney Peters following Tuesday’s quarterly meeting with provincial officials. “The consultation framework looks good on paper, but implementation falls short where it matters most.”
The meeting, which included Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton and several senior departmental officials, highlighted ongoing tensions between Indigenous rights to consultation and the province’s resource development agenda.
At issue are several recent forestry and mining permits granted in territories the Mi’kmaq identify as traditional lands. Chiefs point to a particular 620-hectare harvest approved near Kejimkujik National Park last month that they say received only cursory review with affected communities.
“That approval came through despite our repeated requests for additional environmental assessments,” said Chief Deborah Robinson. “When we talk about meaningful consultation, we mean having our knowledge and concerns actually influence the outcome, not just checking a box.”
The Made-in-Nova Scotia Process, established in 2010, was designed to create a framework for consultation on matters affecting Aboriginal and treaty rights. However, First Nations leaders argue the process has become increasingly formulaic rather than substantive.
According to documents obtained through freedom of information requests, the timeline for consultations has shortened by approximately 40% since 2018, while the number of projects requiring review has increased by nearly a third.
Minister Rushton acknowledged the concerns but defended the province’s record. “We’ve made significant strides in how we engage with Mi’kmaw communities. Are there areas for improvement? Absolutely, and that’s why these quarterly discussions matter so much.”
The Assembly is pushing for several specific reforms, including longer review periods for major projects, dedicated funding for community-based environmental monitoring, and clearer requirements for how Indigenous knowledge must be incorporated into decision-making.
“This isn’t just about legal obligations,” explained Twila Gaudet, consultation liaison for the Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office, which represents the Assembly in consultation matters. “It’s about respecting a relationship and understanding that Mi’kmaw perspectives on land and resources come from thousands of years of stewardship.”
Recent Statistics Canada data shows Nova Scotia’s natural resource sector contributed approximately $2.8 billion to the provincial economy last year. For many rural communities, including several Mi’kmaw nations, these industries represent crucial employment opportunities while simultaneously raising environmental concerns.
The tension reflects broader national conversations about how to balance resource development with Indigenous rights following the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Canada’s adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Daniel Bernard, a resource economist with Dalhousie University, sees potential economic benefits in improving the consultation process. “When Indigenous concerns are properly addressed early, companies actually face fewer delays and legal challenges down the road. The upfront investment in proper consultation pays dividends.”
Chief Norman Bernard of Wagmatcook First Nation emphasized that their communities aren’t opposed to development. “We’ve always been resource people. We understand the importance of forestry and mining to Nova Scotia’s economy. What we’re asking for is a genuine seat at the table when decisions are made about lands we’ve stewarded since time immemorial.”
The Assembly plans to present a formal proposal for consultation reform at the next quarterly meeting, scheduled for January. In the meantime, they’ve requested a temporary pause on approvals for major resource projects in areas identified as high cultural significance.
A spokesperson for Premier Tim Houston indicated the government is reviewing the Assembly’s concerns and remains committed to advancing reconciliation. “The relationship between the province and the Mi’kmaq is one of our most important. We take these discussions seriously and will continue working toward solutions that respect both treaty rights and Nova Scotia’s economic needs.”
For many Mi’kmaw communities, the issue extends beyond procedural reforms to fundamental questions about shared decision-making and governance of natural resources.
“Our treaties never surrendered our rights to the land and its resources,” said Chief Leroy Denny. “Meaningful consultation isn’t just good policy—it’s honoring the nation-to-nation relationship our ancestors established generations ago.”
As both sides prepare for the next round of discussions, observers note that how Nova Scotia addresses these concerns could establish important precedents for resource governance across the country. With several major energy and mining projects on the horizon, the stakes of getting consultation right have never been higher.
