This morning, I was honoured to raise the Mi’kmaq flag at a ceremony at Government House and the Mi’kmaq flag will fly for the full duration of Mi’kmaq History Month.  I was pleased to be joined by Grand Chief Norman Sylliboy in raising the flag. This was Grand Chief Sylliboy’s first event at Government House since his selection as the Grand Chief of the Mi’kmaq Grand Council in late July 2019. 

I was delighted to learn that the topic for this year’s Mi’kmaq History Month poster is “The Year of Indigenous Languages” and recognizes the significance of the Mi’kmaq language in the United Nations International Year of Indigenous Languages.   It is vital that we preserve the Mi’kmaq language and I commend the many initiatives that are underway around Nova Scotia to teach younger generations.

Treaty Day and Mi’kmaq History Month provide a wonderful opportunity to honour, preserve and promote Mi’kmaq history, heritage and culture. We should all take time to learn and understand the important place and role of the Mi’kmaq in the history and development of Nova Scotia. 

As The Queen’s representative in Nova Scotia, it my pleasure to extend warm greetings on the occasion of Treaty Day 2019 and I hope all Nova Scotians will take time to honour and celebrate this important day.

We are all Treaty People.

The Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc, ONS, QC
Lieutenant Governor