Chiefs Respond to Letter from Nova Scotia Attorney General

Press Release

December 5, 2025

Mi’kma’ki – The 13 Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs were surprised to receive a letter from the Nova Scotia Attorney General and Minister of Justice this week. In his letter, Minister Armstrong stated that “all cannabis retail activity, including on-reserve activity, must operate under the existing provincial framework” and noted that he issued directive to the RCMP for “enhanced enforcement of illegal cannabis dispensaries, including on-reserve dispensaries”.

Prior to federal legalization of cannabis in Canada in 2018, the Maw-lukutijik Saqmaq (Assembly) reached out to the Nova Scotia government to share understandings on what the regulation of cannabis could be in the Mi’kmaw communities, alongside what Nova Scotia was doing in the rest of the province. The Province rejected those requests, so our regulatory system could not proceed. The result is exactly what we predicted – a system that does not and cannot work in our communities. Attempting an approach in 2025 that ignores previous opportunities to work together, and the formal existing channels to work Nation-to-Nation, is disrespectful.

“Although our perspectives may differ, it’s important to state that the Province does not govern our communities,” said Chief Terrance Paul, on behalf of the Assembly. “We have a right to self-governance and self-determination. This is a clear example of what happens when the Province will not come to the table with us from the outset; an archaic government process we’ve experienced far too often in our communities.”

Minister Armstrong’s directive to the RCMP, inaccurate information provided both in writing and to the media, plus citing a court decision that is currently under appeal, only frustrated the Assembly further.

“The RCMP must respond to the priorities of the Chiefs and Councils in each community,” continued Chief Paul. “Minister Armstrong must understand that the Province does not have jurisdiction to govern our communities, nor do they have a complete understanding of what happens in our communities. Therefore, they cannot decide what is best for our members.”

The Assembly was disappointed with the lack of understanding of the Treaty and Aboriginal Rights and Title implications with Minister Armstrong’s statements.

“We hold Aboriginal Title, Aboriginal Rights and Treaty Rights over our territory of Mi’kma’ki.  This jurisdiction protects our autonomy and our identity. Nova Scotia must realize that a non-collaborative approach has never, nor will ever, be appropriate or acceptable,” said Chief Paul.

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