Native Council of Nova Scotia facts for kids

The Native Council of Nova Scotia is an organization that helps about 25,000 Mi'kmaq and other Indigenous peoples in Nova Scotia. These are people who might not be officially recognized as "status Indians" by the government, or they live in towns and cities instead of on special reserve lands.

The Council works hard to make life better for these communities. They focus on improving their social lives, helping them find jobs and build businesses, and making sure their voices are heard in government decisions. Their main office is in Truro, and they have other offices across Nova Scotia, including Sydney, Nova Scotia, Liverpool, Dartmouth, Digby and Coldbrook.

Understanding Identity for Indigenous Peoples

In Canada, there are different ways Indigenous identity is recognized. According to a 2016 census, over 51,000 people in Nova Scotia identify as Indigenous. However, fewer than 19,000 of them were considered "status Indians" by the government. Many Indigenous people choose to live off-reserve, often moving to cities like Halifax for school or job opportunities.

When people live off-reserve, they might not be part of the 13 official Mi'kmaq bands in Nova Scotia. This can mean they are not included in important discussions, like those about natural resources or the environment. They might also lose some of their traditional land and hunting rights.

A big court case in 2016, called the Daniels decision, was very important. It said that non-status Indigenous peoples should also be considered "Indians" under Canada's Constitution. This decision could lead to big changes in how federal and provincial governments support all Indigenous peoples.

Programs That Help Communities

The Native Council of Nova Scotia runs several programs to support Indigenous youth and families.

Helping Youth Find Jobs

In 2017, the Council launched a project called Helping Prepare for Employment/Education (HYPE). This program helps young First Nations people get ready for jobs or further education. It offers workshops to teach important skills and helps them find places to work and gain experience.

Supporting Healthy Living

The Council also supports programs that encourage healthy eating habits. These initiatives help communities learn about nutrition and access healthy food options, which is important for everyone's well-being.

Working for Change

The Native Council of Nova Scotia is actively involved in politics to advocate for its members.

Protecting the Environment

The Council is against a method of getting oil and gas called hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking." They believe it can harm the environment.

Fighting for Rights

After the Daniels court decision, the Council has been pushing both the federal and provincial governments to make real changes. They want better access to important services like health care, education, and social support for all Indigenous peoples. They also want to ensure their members have fair access to commercial fishing rights, as outlined in the Marshall decision.