In a ceremony highlighted by joy and possibility, StFX and the Board of Directors of The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq signed an agreement June 23 that helps to formalize and strengthen their collaboration, and that will help amplify Indigenous knowledge, support treaty education, and build stronger frameworks that elevate Mi'kmaq governance, history, and identity within university life.
A ceremony to honour the Board of Directors of The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq was held at StFX's Frank McKenna Centre for Leadership as the university celebrated its commitment to support community-responsive collaborative research and learning to advance the teachings of etuaptmumk, netukulimk, msit no'kmaq and t'an wetapeksi'k and the principles of the Peace and Friendship treaties.
In signing the agreement, The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq and StFX committed to work in solidarity to recognize and reclaim Mi'kmaw language, laws, and self-governance in experiential learning and transformative research alliances and to craft pathways for intergenerational healing and vibrant nation-building.
"This is a really big day for StFX and for the Mi'kmaq Nation," said Dr. L. Jane McMillan, co-director with Elder Kerry Prosper of the Deveau Centre for Indigenous Governance & Social Justice at StFX. Dr. McMillan and Elder Prosper co-organized the event.
L-r are CMM Executive Director Angie Gillis; Chief of Sipekne'katik Michelle Glasgow; Chief of Pictou Landing Tamara Young; Chief of Bear River Carol Dee Potter; Chief of Wasoqopa'q Deborah Robinson; Chief of Annapolis Valley Gerald Toney; Chief of Glooscap Sidney Peters; Dr. Jane McMillan; Elder Kerry Prosper; Jeanine Gunn; Bill Gunn; StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin; Academic Vice-President Dr. Amanda Cockshutt; and Associate Vice-President Research and Graduate Studies Dr. Erin Morton.
Dr. McMillan shared with those gathered the back story of this journey, including how StFX is working to decolonize the institution and to create opportunities for students and faculty, in partnership "with you, the experts," she said. "Today we're gathering to foster these goals to create an enriched education. We have this opportunity to really align with the strategic plan of The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq We have all these wonderful opportunities to put that possibility into action," she said.
"This understanding is more than just an agreement on paper," noted Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq Executive Director Angeline Gillis. "Today takes an important step forward."
Not only does the agreement strengthen the partnership with StFX, but it also recognizes the importance of educational planning that supports decolonization as well as collaboration on education and research that includes and reflects "our way of knowing."
The partnership is courageous, grounded in respect and collaboration, and it reflects values that are needed, she said.
Chief of Sipekne'katik, Michelle Glasgow, signs the agreement.
MEANINGFUL NEXT STEP
"What a wonderful moment," StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin said as he welcomed all to campus in celebration of this collaboration agreement, "an agreement rooted in trust, respect, and a shared commitment to building a better future grounded in Mi'kmaq knowledge, rights, and nationhood. Today is not just a ceremonial moment. It is a meaningful next step in a relationship that has been growing over time and one that will shape the future of our university and our communities in deep and lasting ways."
What is our role as a university, Dr. Hakin asked the crowd. "We need to be the lubrication, the oil that makes things happen," he said. "Universities are for the people."
There is a lot happening to help amplify Indigenous knowledge, support treaty education, and build stronger frameworks that elevate Mi'kmaq governance, history, and identity within the fabric of university life, but there needs to be more done, he said. That is why it is so important, this idea of coming together and thinking about ways we can grow together and help each other to make a difference and to change things for the better.
Dr. Hakin thanked The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq Chiefs for their leadership, collaboration, and trust. "Thank you for being here today. This is a special moment. It is an honour to be part of it."
Senator Paul Prosper sent remarks via video. "It's an incredible day with these two entities coming together," he said as he noted how the agreement provides the opportunity to do something that is quite transformational. Senator Prosper noted he sees the possibility of incredible advantages to emerge from this.
Along with the commitment signing, the June 23rd event included a smudging ceremony, a ceremonial gift exchange, a campus tour, and the opportunity for StFX faculty to share their research interests with members of the board of directors.
Michelle Peters opened the ceremony with the Honour Song and closed the event with a song.
Chief Sidney Peters, Glooscap Mi'kmaq Nation
Signatories on the agreement included Chief Deborah Robinson, Wasoqopa'q; Chief Tamara Young, Pictou Landing; Chief Carol Dee Potter, Bear River; Chief Sidney Peters, Glooscap; Chief Gerald B. Toney, Annapolis Valley; Chief Michelle Glasgow, Sipekne'katik; Chief Robert (Bob) Gloade, Millbrook; Chief Cory Julian, Paqtnkek; District Chief Dr. Sherry Pictou, Kespukwitk; Angeline Gillis, Executive Director, Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq; StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin; StFX Academic Vice-President & Provost Dr. Amanda Cockshutt; Elder Kerry Prosper and Dr. L. Jane McMillan, co-directors of the Deveau Centre for Indigenous Governance & Social Justice at StFX; and Dr. Erin Morton, StFX VP Research, Graduate & Professional Studies.
