12/06/2025
The decision by the Province of Nova Scotia to withdraw from the Mi’kmaq Nova Scotia Canada Social Assistance Self-Government Agreement is not just an administrative move, it is an example of how colonial systems still respond when Mi’kmaq assert our sovereignty. Many people are asking why this happened, especially when Canada has already legalized cannabis. The answer is rooted in power, jurisdiction, and the long history of governments trying to maintain control over Mi’kmaq self-determination.
Here is the truth:
Cannabis was legalized under provincial authority — not Indigenous authority.
Mi’kmaq were never fully included as equal governing partners, and provinces rely on cannabis licensing and taxation as part of their revenue and regulatory system.
Mi’kmaq-run cannabis shops operate under Mi’kmaq law, not provincial law.
This challenges provincial control and keeps economic benefits in the community, not in provincial systems. When Mi’kmaq create our own economic pathways, colonial structures feel threatened.
By refusing to support provincial raids on Mi’kmaq businesses, our Chiefs asserted self-government.
The unified stance of Mi’kmaq leadership demonstrated strength and sovereignty and instead of respecting that, the Province responded by pulling away from the Social Assistance Agreement.
This is not about cannabis. This is about control.
It sends a message: if Mi’kmaq do not obey provincial systems, essential services can be withdrawn. This is a colonial tactic that has been used for generations to pressure Indigenous communities into compliance.
It punishes those who are most vulnerable.
Any disruption to social assistance affects families, parents, Elders, and communities already facing the impacts of poverty created through colonization.
At Piloiangitasi, we stand firmly with Mi’kmaq sovereignty, Mi’kmaq self-governance, and the protection of our people from colonial harm. Our communities have governed ourselves long before provincial governments existed, and we will continue to do so.
We support the leadership who stood together.
We support the businesses operating under L’nuwey law.
We support our people as we navigate yet another attempt to limit our inherent rights.
Mi’kmaq rights do not disappear because a province walks away from a table.
Our ancestors carried them. We carry them now and our future generations will continue to uphold them.
Piloiangitasi remains committed to strengthening Indigenous governance, lifting our communities, and protecting our people from policies that seek to divide, punish, or control.
Let us stand together, stay informed, and continue building systems rooted in our own laws, values, and teachings.
