Mi’kmaq communities and provincial government take step toward economic reconciliation

Press Release

September 25, 2025

METEPENAGIAG FIRST NATION – Eight Mi’kmaq First Nation communities have signed revenue-sharing agreements with the provincial government.

“These new revenue-sharing agreements reflect a commitment made by our government to focus on collaboration and inclusivity under a government-to-government partnership model,” said Premier Susan Holt. “We understand and recognize that building partnerships and fostering relationships with the Mi’kmaq is about creating equity and shared prosperity for all New Brunswickers.”

The agreements share provincial tax revenue from businesses within the First Nation communities and reserve lands that primarily sell goods or services to customers for their personal use; these may include restaurants and businesses selling items such as gas or tobacco.

“Many of our communities do not have the funds to invest in chronically underfunded social programs or invest in economic opportunities,” said Chief George Ginnish of Natoaganeg (Eel Ground) First Nation, who is also co-chair of Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Inc. “The revenue we will see from these agreements will allow each of our communities to determine how to create better opportunities for our members.”

On-reserve retailers are expected to be in the same price range as the five closest off-reserve retailers when it comes to gas and tobacco. The retailers will collect and remit the tax to the provincial government. The provincial portion of the tax will be returned to communities as follows:

• Amounts below $10 million in a fiscal year – 95 per cent paid to First Nation
• Amounts from $10 million to $18 million in a fiscal year – 70 per cent paid to First Nation
• Amounts above $18 million in a fiscal year – 50 per cent paid to First Nation

“Historically, laws and policies were enacted to shut First Nations out of economic ventures and opportunities to the detriment of our communities,” said Chief Rebecca Knockwood of Amlamgog (Fort Folly) First Nation, the other co-chair of Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Inc. “The signing of these agreements is an example of economic reconciliation and helps put us on the path towards self-determination.”

“I want to thank the chiefs for their commitment to ongoing collaboration, transparency and dialogue,” said Indigenous Affairs Minister Keith Chiasson. “These agreements benefit all parties and are a way to advance economic reconciliation, respect treaty and Indigenous rights, and strengthen communities across New Brunswick.”

The government and First Nations will continue working together to have Mi’kmaq communities become more active participants in, and contributors to, the provincial economy.

Communities that have signed the agreements are:

• Amlamgog (Fort Folly) First Nation
• Tjipogtotjg (Buctouche) First Nation
• L’nui Menikuk (Indian Island) First Nation
• Natoaganeg (Eel Ground) First Nation
• Metepenagiag (Red Bank) First Nation
• Esgenoôpetitj (Burnt Church) First Nation
• Oinpegitjoig (Pabineau) First Nation
• Ugpi’ganjig (Eel River Bar) First Nation

Media Contact(s)

Mary-Anne Hurley-Corbyn, communications, Department of Indigenous Affairs, 506-429-2624, mary-anne.hurley-corbyn@gnb.ca.

Jennifer Coleman, Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Inc., 506-292-1241, jennifer@migmawel.org.

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