Partnership Background
Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation and the Municipality of the County of Antigonish are in northeastern Nova Scotia. Paqtnkek First Nation is situated on the Traditional Territory of the Mi’kmaq Nation and is part of the Peace and Friendship Treaty. The two communities are about 20 kilometers away from each other and share a strong regional connection.
This partnership participated in the Cycle 1: 2-year Participation Stream (2016-2019) of the CEDI program.
Key Milestones and Collaborative Community Economic Development Initiatives
Auku’kamkewey Friendship Accord
During workshop 3, the partnership began drafting a Friendship Accord. It was further developed through collaborative engagement and signed in a ceremony that deeply resonated with community members on May 5, 2018. The partnership agreement created a foundational anchor point that formalized the relationship and commitment to ongoing collaboration between the two communities.
1. Auku’kamkewey: Regional Economic Development Forum
On May 14, 2019, the partnership hosted a regional forum to catalyze other First Nation-Municipal collaboration across Nova Scotia. The forum hosted over 75 representatives (30 Mi’kmaw, 31 municipal, 18 third parties) to share best practices and inspire similar partnerships. The intention of this forum was to lead by example and promote regional economic development collaborations. Some of progress they have made is that communities that attended have begun hosting their own forums and discussions on collaboration.
2. Joint Advocacy Plan
The partnership developed a Joint Advocacy Plan to influence the Government of Nova Scotia to open funding programs to First Nation-municipal partnerships. Two of the key supporters of this plan is Chief Prosper and Warden McCarron.
3. Joint Energy Renewables and Efficiency Initiatives
The partnership advanced several joint energy and sustainability initiatives focused on reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and supporting long-term clean energy goals. Together, the communities successfully secured funding from Efficiency Nova Scotia to hire an Onsite Energy Manager (OEM), who completed work within the County and initiated energy audits of band-owned facilities in Paqtnkek. Both communities also conducted independent energy audits and worked toward developing a joint community energy plan once baseline data was established. In addition, the partners received solar energy buy-back agreements with the provincial government and secured funding through the Low Carbon Communities Program to undertake a joint solar feasibility study, which was scheduled for completion in August 2021. Community engagement was also prioritized, with plans developed to host a Community Energy Fair to share information, build awareness, and encourage local participation in renewable energy and efficiency efforts. Together, these initiatives reflected a coordinated approach to sustainable energy development and collaborative climate action.
Auku’kamkewey Friendship Accord Ceremony
On May 5, 2019, the two communities formally strengthened their relationship by holding a Friendship Accord Signing Ceremony attended by Senators, Provincial Ministers, and other dignitaries. The event marked a significant milestone in the partnership, with both communities passing council resolutions in support of the agreement prior to the signing. During the ceremony, leaders signed the Friendship Accord, exchanged gifts, and planted a ceremonial tree at a sacred Mi’kmaw site to symbolize long-term collaboration and mutual respect. The celebration also garnered national media attention, including coverage from CBC, highlighting the importance of the agreement and the commitment of both communities to building a strong and lasting relationship.
In the Media
- May 17, 2019: Forum focuses on progressive partnership between Paqtnkek, Antigonish County
- January 15, 2019: Highway interchange gives Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation access to cut-off land
- May 6, 2018: Paqtnkek and Antigonish County sign 'historic' friendship agreement
- March 5, 2018: Divided by a Highway, a Mi’kmaw Nation Paves Its Road to Revival in Nova Scotia
- July 4, 2023: Antigonish County, Town and Paqtnkek hold first Tri-Council meeting
- February 13, 2024: Community Leaders Creating Clean Energy Future
Photo Gallery
Quotes
”CEDI has allowed us to build and strengthen our relationships, our knowledge and understanding of how we govern and how we operate day to day as local governments. That process is an important component of reconciliation and will allow us to determine where our collective community goes in partnership through CEDI and beyond."
“At first I wasn’t sure of this process. But the ceremony for the Friendship Accord changed my mind. This partnership is important. We’ve never signed anything except the Peace and Friendship Treaty and that Friendship Accord. I promise I’ll do everything in my power to keep this partnership on track.”