Mi'gmaw connections

Rights Implementation

In December of 2024, eight Mi’gmaq First Nations in New Brunswick and the Government of Canada, as represented by Parks Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada signed a co-management agreement. The agreement provides a framework for the implementation of rights, needs and interests related to shared governance and shared stewardship of the natural and cultural heritage across Parks Canada administered sites in New Brunswick, including Kouchibouguac National Park.

Parks Canada acknowledges the roles and responsibilities that Indigenous peoples play in protecting and conserving the lands, waters and ice that have been their home since time immemorial. The Rights Implementation Agreement represents one of the ways that Mi’gmaw Nations in New Brunswick, Parks Canada, and Crown-Indigenous Relations are collaborating to recognize and implement historic treaty rights.

Parks Canada and Mi’gmaw partners have been working in the spirit and intent of this agreement for many years. Kouchibouguac National Park, situated on the unceded lands in the Siknikt District of Mi’gmagi, collaborates with Mi’gmaw communities and organizations in various ways, including activities that support conservation and cultural continuity such as species recovery, habitat restoration, work with Mi’gmaw knowledge holders, Mi’gmaw Guardians (Gelotigetjig), ecological monitoring, and archaeological monitoring and investigations.

The park also works with Mi’gmaw communities and organizations to develop and deliver visitor experiences, including interpretive materials and activities, with the goal of fostering a better understanding of Mi’gmaq peoples’ perspectives, cultures and traditions.

Shared Governance

Shared governance is a term that refers to the sharing in the decision-making process and making decisions collectively. You may also have heard this referred to as “cooperative” and “collaborative management” or “co-management.”

Shared governance agreements provide ways for Parks Canada and Indigenous peoples to engage in collaborative decision-making for protected heritage places. This enables collaborative management of national parks and heritage places informed by Indigenous Knowledge, values, and principles, and facilitates Indigenous peoples to exercise their rights and responsibilities as stewards of the lands, waters, and ice they have inhabited for millennia.