Aboriginal Consultation

The Department of Energy consults with aboriginals on all major energy projects including Deep Panuke, Stealth Ventures Coalbed Methane Project, Alton Gas, and tidal energy.

We do that to ensure the aboriginal community receives firsthand information about energy resource development; to help communities broaden their understanding of the energy industry; and to address Mi'kmaq issues and concerns.

Together, the Department of Energy and the Mi'kmaq have developed "The Energy Consultation Table." It's a consultation process to assist in working collaboratively and positively on the development of Nova Scotia's offshore and onshore energy sector.

The Department is also working with proponents of energy projects to ensure they engage with aboriginals on their projects at an early stage of development.

The Department of Energy continues to work with industry, the Mi'kmaq, and the Office of Aboriginal Affairs to facilitate discussions and work towards an efficient consultation process.

The Government of Nova Scotia is committed to a coordinated, meaningful consultation process with the Mi'kmaq, which is reflected in the Consultation Terms of Reference, and the Province's new Interim Consultation Policy.

The Province released an Interim Consultation Policy in June 2007 to all departments. This was developed by an inter-provincial team, which included the Department of Energy, Department of Justice and Office of Aboriginal Affairs.

In July 2007, Canada, Nova Scotia and the Mi'kmaq signed a Consultation Terms of Reference, which is currently in a one year pilot phase. The Terms of Reference (ToR) lays out a process to be followed when departments make a decision to consult with the Mi'kmaq. Links to both documents are below:

Nova Scotia Interim Consultation Policy (pdf)

Terms of Reference for a Mi'kmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Consultation Process (pdf)

For more information about consultation with the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia, please contact:

Sandra Farwell
Manager, Policy and Planning
NS Department of Energy
Tel: (902) 424-1700

Jay Hartling
Consultation Coordinator
Office of Aboriginal Affairs
Tel: (902) 424-4214