Fact Sheet - Progress Report on Aboriginal and Treaty Rights Negotiations in the Maritimes and the Gasp�sie

21.10.13

Fact Sheet - Progress Report on Aboriginal and Treaty Rights Negotiations in the Maritimes and the Gasp�sie: Under the Peace and Friendship Treaties of 1760 and 1761 in the Maritimes, the Mi’kmaq and the Maliseet signatories did not surrender rights to lands or resources. Today, the Mi’kmaq and the Maliseet First Nations maintain that they continue to hold Aboriginal rights and title throughout their traditional territory. Also, the Supreme Court ruling in the Marshall decision confirmed that the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet possess a treaty right to hunt, fish, and gather for a moderate livelihood.

Over the years, the courts have recognized the existence and validity of Aboriginal and treaty rights but have only partially defined the nature and scope of these rights. A consistent theme throughout these decisions has been the need for governments and Aboriginal people to resolve their issues and find a fair and equitable solution through negotiation, rather than litigation.