Pictured, representatives of the provincial government and chiefs of New Brunswick's 15 First Nations.
A new era in Aboriginal-provincial relations has been ushered in with the signing of the Mi'kmaq, Maliseet, Province of New Brunswick Relationship Building Bilateral Agreement in a ceremony at the Legislative Assembly in Fredericton .
The ceremony began with a traditional pipe ceremony and blessing from Maliseet and Mi'kmaq elders,as well as a gift presented to the elders by Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Ed Doherty, Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs.
“Our new relationship will be one of respect, good faith and partnership -- one where we will work together to reconcile First Nations and Crown issues and jurisdictions from this day forward.”
Shawn Graham
Premier
