Nova Scotia Treaty Day marked across province

Nova Scotians are marking Treaty Day Wednesday.

Some people are using it as a day of political action, with Mikmaqand allied protesters slowing traffic on Highway 102. Theyre demonstrating against plans for a natural gas storage facility in the area.

Protesters say they chose Treaty Day as their day of protest because they do not believe the federal and provincial governments have adequately consulted with First Nations people. The protest is set to go until about 5 p.m.

• Mi'kmaq chiefs oppose $100M Alton gas storage project

Theleaders say there wasa lack of consultationabout the proposal to create an underground gas storage facility and they're opposed to the dumping of brine waste in the Shubenacadie and Stewiacke rivers.

"The Shubenacadie River has significance for the Mi'kmaq as a food source with cultural and political importance," Cheryl Maloney, president of the Nova Scotia Native Women's Association, said in a statement earlier this week.

"Local citizens and First Nations both are concerned with water quantity and water quality issues and recognize the need for protection of local watersheds."

Other Nova Scotians are gathering in Halifaxs Grand Parade to mark Treaty Day, which launches Mikmaq History Month in the province.

Stephen Augustine, a Mi'kmaq elder from Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick, attended the Halifax event.

"Today the issues are more around education for ourselves and having a better life for Mi'kmaq people in eastern Canada because it's important to understand we are a nation and Canadian society has to recognize who we are," he said.

Many young people attended, too. Jillian Michael ofSipekne'katik First Nation in Nova Scotia said it brings pride.

"It was really showing solidarity to my people and what it means for my treaty friendship," she said.

"Just human beings getting along together and having the understanding and standing up for what you believe in. You couldn't get more out there than standing out there with the flag rooting for your province and people."

What is Treaty Day?

Treaty Day marks the signing of Peace and Friendship Treaties between Mikmaq and Maliseet nations and the British Crown, particularly the 1752 treaty that followed the establishment of Halifax and ensuing war.

The 1752 treaty was signed by Major Jean Baptiste Cope, a Mikmaq leader, and Peregrine Hopson, governor of Nova Scotia.

The original treaty states that all Transactions during the late War shall on both sides be buried in Oblivion with the Hatchet, and that the said Indians shall have all favour, Friendship & Protection shewn them from this His Majesty's Government.

It guaranteed the right of signing Mikmaq people to have free liberty of hunting and fishing, among other commercial promises, such as the right to sell merchandise in Halifax.

The British received the right to live peacefully in the lands they had settled.

• Read the full treaty

Unlike later treaties signed in other parts of Canada, the Peace and Friendship Treaties did not involve First Nations surrendering rights to the lands and resources they had traditionally used and occupied, writes Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada on its website.

The Supreme Court of Canada more recently confirmed that Mi'kmaq and Maliseet First Nations continue to have treaty rights to hunt, fish and gather towards earning a moderate livelihood.

Mikmaq History Month began in 1993, when it was proclaimed by Mikmaq Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy and Premier John Savage.