Overview
In this mock consultation exercise, learners will experience the basics of treaty implementation in Mi’kma’kik, witnessing how the Mi’kmaq and the Crown work together to reach agreements in a modern context. Through a fictionalized case study on Unama’kik moose management, based on a real example of modern day consultation, learners will strengthen their understanding of how the treaties work today, and see what the phrase “we are all treaty people” can mean in practice.
Learners will...
- Be introduced to the modern treaty implementation process.
- Understand treaty implementation through a concrete example based on real experience.
- See the continuity of Mi’kmaw priorities between the 18th century treaties and contemporary treaty implementation.
- Understand themselves as part of treaty implementation as a “treaty person.”
- Grasp some of the complexity in contemporary treaty implementation.
Focus
Before beginning the mock consultation, educators will share a brief introduction (included in the supplementary materials) to establish context for the activity.
Learners are then divided into two groups: one representing the Crown, and another representing the Mi’kmaq. Group members are assigned roles: a lead negotiator, associate negotiators (2), researchers, and community members (Mi’kmaq and non-Mi’kmaq).
Each group gets a copy of the one-page fictional case study on Unama’kik moose management (see supplementary materials) and will read it together. Individually, learners will make some inferences about what they believe the outcomes of the negotiation might be. The groups will then negotiate a solution, as described in the provided case study.
Ultimately, learners will understand that accommodations to treaty rights must 1) involve the Mi’kmaq in a meaningful dialogue; and 2) create an accommodation that addresses Mi’kmaw concerns. The case study is designed for there to be no “right” answers—just creative solutions that must address the concerns of both parties.
PE!
It is important that learners have a clear understanding of the following content:
- The Mi’kmaq as the indigenous people of Nova Scotia and the Atlantic region.
- Mi’kma’kik as the ancestral homeland of the Mi’kmaq.
- Understand the concepts of netukulimk and msɨt no’kmaq. (See LE F4)
- Mi’kmaw core cultural values. (See LE F8)
- The oral traditions inherent in Mi’kmaw culture and practice. (See LE F10)
- The basics of Treaty Renewal. (See Treaty Renewal introduction)
Teacher Tip
This LE requires good listening and respect for a range of opinions and ideas. It is important to set some expectations for dialogue at the outside. Educators might find a helpful connection between RR3 and LE F12.
LE Materials
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