PRESS RELEASE -- NOTICE OF MI’KMAQ ABORIGINAL AND TREATY RIGHTS November 24, 2006 The Ktaqamkuk (Da-Hum-Goog) Mi’kmaq Alliance, on behalf of its members, issued this Public Notice advising all non-Aboriginal parties about the continuing existence of our rights to traditional Mi’kmaq territory in the greater Bay St. George area. Because of the increasing number of transfers of crown land (land deemed to be part of Mi’kmaq traditional hunting and fishing territory) by the provincial government to private interests, the Mi’kmaq Alliance is stating its position publicly. The Mi’kmaq Alliance contends that a treaty negotiated in Cape Breton between Britain and the Mi’kmaq Nation around the end of the eighteenth century recognized Mi’kmaq territorial rights in the Bay St. George area, meaning that such rights had preexisted. The Treaty set aside lands in Bay St. George for the exclusive use and occupation of the Mi’kmaq people. The Mi’kmaq Alliance also contends that following a federal supreme court decision in British Columbia in 2004, the provincial government has an obligation to consult with the Mi’kmaq people prior to granting licenses and/or permits to develop land the Mi’kmaq define as traditional territory. Consequently, any individual, corporation or association undertaking any kind of development or use of traditional Mi’kmaq territory should be aware that such undertakings may carry with it the risk of a legal challenge. All non-Aboriginal parties intending to use land and resources claimed by the Mi’kmaq people in Bay St. George are now given NOTICE that there are pre-existing Mi’kmaq Aboriginal and Treaty Rights in the Bay St. George area. Bert Alexander Chief Ktaqamkuk Mi’kmaq Alliance Telephone: (709) 643-9679 Email: balexander@nf.sympatico.ca Web Site: www.kma.chebucto.org Back to the News and Events page ©2003 - 2008 KMA - Ktaqamkuk (Taga-ma-goog)Mi'kmaq Alliance   Hosted by Your Community, Online!