This week, our team met with the Minister Chris Tibbs and members of his team to hear about the province’s decision to withdraw from the MOU on the South Coast Fjords feasibility assessment. This was not a conversation, rather a delivery of information. We have all been aware of the PC governments intent to pull out of this initiative since the election, but I suppose naively, we assumed there would be a discussion amongst the participants of the MOU prior to this decision.

Many of us remember the pride we felt when the MOU was first signed, there was a genuine sense of partnership, excitement, and shared purpose. Leaders at every level spoke about protecting biodiversity, honouring our deep connections to the land and water, and working together for the good of future generations. It truly felt like we were stepping into that work side by side. I think back to sailing the South Coast Fjords with community members, project partners and youth, and assuring them that we were doing our part to help protect this incredible place for generations to come.

This week’s announcement feels quite different, and I know many of us are feeling unsettled by that shift. What is most difficult is the lack of communication leading up to this decision. When something this significant changes direction so suddenly, and without meaningful conversation among all the partners, it naturally raises concerns. We have lived through governments making unilateral decisions before, and it is hard not to feel echoes of that history now.

What makes this especially challenging is that the decision seems to have been made with a narrow focus on economics, without fully considering the broader picture. Conservation is not separate from economic well‑being, it is part of it. Tourism in this province depends on the beauty and health of our lands and waters. Our fisheries rely on strong conservation measures to survive. These are not small considerations, and they deserve space in the conversation.

Our intention in signing the MOU was simply to explore possibilities together, to look at the science, the cultural knowledge, the economic realities, and the long‑term needs of the region. A feasibility study is just that: a study. It is a chance for everyone to understand the impacts, benefits, and challenges before any decisions are made. That is why collaboration and open communication are so important.

Even with this setback, our commitment to the South Coast Fjords has not changed. We will continue to show up, to advocate for balanced and thoughtful approaches, and to remind all partners that decisions about these lands and waters must include the voices of the people who depend on them.

Last week, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s major foreign‑policy speech at the World Economic Forum stated, “When we only negotiate bilaterally with a hegemon, we negotiate from weakness… This is not sovereignty. It’s the performance of sovereignty while accepting subordination.”

While I agree with the intent behind Prime Minister Carney’s message, I can’t help but ponder how it directly speaks to the challenges we continue to face as Mi’kmaq people, not just in economics, but nearly in every aspect of our lives. Our Nation, like so many others, is far too familiar with these uneven power dynamics. Whether we are engaging with federal or provincial governments or navigating our relationship with law enforcement agencies such as the RCMP, the scales are rarely tipped in our favour.

In the wake of the recent shootings in Mi’kma’ki, tragedy once again serves as a harsh reminder that our safety, our rights, and our sovereignty cannot depend on systems that have historically failed to protect us. They remind us why we must stand together and speak collectively.

One voice can be dismissed but many voices joined in purpose cannot be ignored. When we are united, we move with a power far greater than challenges we face. As we continue to navigate these relationships, let us all support measures to create systemic change that will no longer tolerate policies that ignore our inherent rights and harm our people.

CBC Article: Atlantic chiefs call for ‘meaningful action’ after 2 First Nations men killed by RCMP | CBC News

It is with a heavy heart that I share the sad news that our colleague and friend, Howard Thistle, passed away last week after a hard‑fought health battle. This loss is felt across our Nation and by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Howard was with us for many years, working in our Health and Wellness department, and in that time, he touched countless lives.

For those that knew Howard, knew he was a true champion for our people. He spoke up consistently and courageously for the betterment of Indigenous healthcare, always pushing for systems and services that honoured our voices and our needs. Among our staff, he was admired and appreciated, not only for his knowledge and dedication, but for his kindness, his great sense of humour and his ability to connect with people in a way that made him one of our most contacted staff members. He was the person who would lend a hand and who always went above and beyond to ensure that others were taken care of.

We extend our sincere condolences to Howard’s family, friends, and all who are grieving his loss. As we move forward, our team is committed to honouring him each day through the work we do. We will continue to model the values he embodied: compassion, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to our people. May his spirit guide us as we continue the important work he cared so deeply about.