The profound significance of this chain of treaties lies in the fact that they were rooted in nation-to-nation relations and were never about the surrender of land. They were a mutual recognition that each party’s culture, identity, and governance was equally valid – and that this land was to be shared in partnership.

The relationship enshrined in these agreements is not solely between the Crown and the Mi’kmaq – at their core, the treaties call upon all of us to be good neighbours. For the Mi’kmaq, Wolastokokewiyik, and Peskotomohkatewey, these treaties are how we guide our relations with other parties on these lands, including our relationships between each of our respective Indigenous nations.

The Peace and Friendship Treaties include the phrase “our heirs and our heirs forever,” a testament to their enduring relevance. As Lindsay Marshall, a direct descendant of one of the 1725–26 signatories, has said, “we are living the treaty.” Their obligations are as binding today as they were at the time of signing. These obligations extend to all of us: to honour one another’s differences, to look out for one another, and to protect the lands we collectively call home.

For everyone, the greatest knowledge we want all peoples of these lands to learn is that Indigenous History Month is as much about your history as it is ours. We encourage you to learn about the treaties and to reflect on how you are fulfilling your own treaty obligations – because we are all treaty people.

To learn more about June 4th and the treaties see this news release.