Treaty Day

When the English arrived in Mi'kma'ki, (the Mi'kmaq homeland that includes present-day Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, central and eastern New Brunswick, the Gaspe Peninsula and Newfoundland) the Mi'kmaq and the Crown signed treaties of peace and friendship so they could live in harmony and peace. The 1752 Treaty showed the Crown's intentions to make peace, provide trading posts, and protect the land and way of life for the Mi'kmaq people. The Treaty also designated October 1st as the date on which the Mi'kmaq people would receive gifts from the Crown to "renew their friendship and submissions."

In 1985, the Supreme Court of Canada affirmed the Treaty of 1752 was still strong and called upon Her Majesty to honour the Treaty and others made with the Mi’kmaq Nation. In 1986, Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr. proclaimed every October 1st as Treaty Day. People continue to gather in Halifax on October 1st to enjoy various events in celebration of Treaty Day. It’s reunion for many Mi’kmaq and a time for non-aboriginal to learn a part of Nova Scotia’s 12,000-year-old history.