Mi'kmaq Rights Initiative

The St. Anns Bank (SAB) is a culturally and ecologically important area for the Mi’kmaq. In 2017, it was designated as a Marine Protected Area (MPA) to protect biodiversity.

Using Etuaptmumk, the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia and DFO have been managing this MPA together and deciding what kind of science and activities can occur in this MPA. To date, we’ve collected environmental DNA (eDNA) in water samples to find out what animals are present here. A wide variety of marine mammals - like orcas, white-beaked dolphins and porpoises - and 56 species of fish are using this area, often to migrate between the St. Lawrence and the waters close to Unama’ki.

Earth Keepers from also helped deploy acoustic receivers on the seafloor to pick-up signals from these animals to help us better understand their movements between these different areas.

To learn more, join us tomorrow June 7th, from 12-4pm at the wharf in Iona for the annual Aros Na Mara event. Scientists and Earth Keepers will be there to demonstrate marine science and talk about the SAB MPA.

A few KMK team members were on-site in Annapolis Royal today for the anniversary of the signing of the 1726 Treaty, signed right here (picture with the Mi’kmaw flag flying) 300 years ago. Our team had representation on the event's Steering Committee and at a booth talking about the collaborative archaeology projects we've done with Parks Canada!

Wela'liek to the Grand Council, Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey and all partnering organizations for bringing us together today, Nation-to-Nation to commemorate the signing of the 1726 Treaty.

The 1726 Treaty outlined peace between the Mi'kmaq and the British and that the British would protect Mi'kmaw lands, liberties, and fisheries. Consent was gathered across Mi'kmaw districts, underscoring the importance of collective decision-making.

Photo credit: NS Provincial Archives

Looking for a new opportunity?

Join the Mi’kmaw Customer Care Cohort Webinar with Nova Scotia Power!

June 9th | 6–7 PM

Link below:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89282272829

Learn about careers in customer care and how you can be the voice of your community 🙌🏾

Be Bold. Be Proud. Be Kind. 🏳️‍🌈

Looking for people who are interested in being on a Mi’kmaw Cultural Guidance Team!

Submit a letter outlining your experience and interest before June 15, 2026 to [email protected]

Your voice matters. Help protect Mi’kmaw cultural heritage. 🙌🏾

We're hiring! 📣📣📣

KMK is searching for an administrative support person to support our Fish team and the important work they do. 📝

Click the link for more details and how to apply:https://mikmaqrights.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Job-Ad-Administrative-Support-Fish-Team-May-2026.pdf

Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of one of our colleagues, Jamie Heap. He was proud to be part of the KMK family and will be deeply missed by our whole organization.

Jamie Michael Heap (1977-2026) It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Jamie Michael Heap, age 49, of River Hebert, Nova Scotia on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Born in Yarmouth, ...

Happening this week!🌱

The Mi’kmaw Customer Care Cohort Open House is happening in Glooscap and Wasoqopa'q.

Stop by to explore a meaningful career opportunity with Nova Scotia Power—ask questions, meet the team, and see if this path feels right for you.