Nova Scotia proclaims Mi’kmaq as the province’s first language

Mi’kmaq was officially enshrined as the first language during a ceremony in Potlotek First Nation on Sunday

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Legislation to recognize Mi’kmaq as Nova Scotia’s first language has been proclaimed by the province and affirmed by Mi’kmaw chiefs. 

Mi’kmaq was officially enshrined as the first language during a ceremony in Potlotek First Nation on Sunday.

Grand Chief of the Mi’kmaq Grand Council Norman Sylliboy has said in a statement he’s pleased the government is working to ensure the Mi’kmaq language thrives for future generations.

Sylliboy says preserving the language is very important as it holds the history, teachings and cultural identity of Mi’kmaw people.

The province say the first language act is aimed at ensuring meaningful access to Indigenous language and culture.

The act will take effect on Oct. 1, which is Treaty Day.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 17, 2022.

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This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.

The Canadian Press