The act provides for Mi’kmaw to be officially recognized as the province’s first language. For Pictou Landing First Nation Chief Andrea Paul, the proclamation is historic. “I felt like I was a party to history,” Paul said. “It’s something that’s so important.” The move is also monumental for Eskasoni First Nation Chief Leroy Denny. “Just decades ago, our language was not welcome here in this country,” Denny explained. “We were forced to lose our language and not speak it.” The premier believes the Mi’kmaw Language Act is another important step on the long road to reconciliation. “It’s a step in the journey for the community to know that their province supports them and sees the importance of their language in this case, but also their culture in general,” Houston said. In addition to the ceremony and symbolism, the act will make the Mi’kmaw language more visible. “We’re going to be able to teach it in all schools, not just Mi’kmaq schools, not just Mi’kmaq communities, but across the province,” Denny said. While the legislation was announced on Sunday, it was first passed by the provincial legislature in April. Mi’kmaq Chiefs signed a resolution to affirm and uphold provincial legislation on behalf of their respective communities. “It will set a precedent for the other provinces, I hope,” Pavlos said. “Because, as our Great Chief said, if we lose our language, there’s nowhere to go to reclaim it.” The historic Mi’kmaw Sunday Language Act will go into effect on October 1st, which is also Treaty Day.
