What we do


The vision of the Office of Aboriginal Affairs (OAA) is: Partnership. Negotiation. Direction.

On our journey toward fair and meaningful relationships with Aboriginal Peoples, we strive to build an inclusive, informed and prosperous Nova Scotia.

Specifically, OAA works towards the following strategic goals:

  • To facilitate and support a coordinated approach within Government on matters related to Aboriginal people.
  • To work collaboratively with the Mikmaq, and other federal/provincial agencies to foster economic and social development as well as community capacity building.
  • To enhance Nova Scotians awareness and understanding of issues related to the Mikmaq of Nova Scotia.
  • To continue to build and maintain a sustainable foundation for Aboriginal-Government relations.
  • To represent the interests of Nova Scotians in intergovernmental, bilateral and tri-party negotiations and initiatives.

The Made-in-Nova Scotia Process, the Mikmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Tripartite Forum and our consultation processes remain the cornerstones of our work in building a sustainable foundation for Mikmaq-Government relations. The Made-in-Nova Scotia Process continues to work on issues such as moose hunting, fisheries, and forestry, as well as opportunities in  economic development. The Tripartite Forum has been another key vehicle for collaborative efforts, and manages a project fund for economic and social change. Within government, we work to ensure departments follow  consultation guidelines and the Mikmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Consultation Terms of Reference.

As part of our ongoing effort to make Nova Scotians more aware of the Mikmaq and their way of life, OAA leads or supports a variety of communication efforts, including Treaty Day celebrations, learning guides for schools, and workshops and seminars.

This section provides more detail on the major activities being undertaken by the Office including information on Negotiations , Consultation , Aboriginal and Intergovernmental Relations and Public Education and Awareness .

Summary of progress on Aboriginal Matters in Nova Scotia:  2007 - 2008