It is no surprise that at this time in our history the Federal Government of Canada is acting on issues that deal with Aboriginal Treaty Rights. After The Donald Marshall decision came down in 2001, the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Robert Nault, offered to commence exploratory discussions with the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Quebec to get a better understanding of the goals and expectations of each of the parties with respect to issues of Aboriginal Treaty rights and identify areas where progress is possible. Following these exploratory discussions, the parties could decide whether to enter into a formal negotiation process. Involving provincial governments in processes of dialogue is a key objective for the federal government.

“The Government of Canada is committed to building productive, sustainable relationships with First Nations through negotiations and co-operation, rather than litigation. The Government is confident that the next three years will bring significant progress on those goals.”
(INAC, Robert Nault, 2001)

Robert Nault

In February 2001, Canada appointed Mr. Thomas Molloy, Chief Federal Negotiator in relation to finding long-term solutions to the issues surrounding Aboriginal and Treaty Rights in the Maritimes. As part of that mandate preliminary discussions and must be conducted with interested parties here in the Province of New Brunswick.

In the sprit of cooperation’s the NBAPC has agreed to participate in this process though the facilitation of preliminary discussions.

Representatives for the NBAPC have held meetings throughout the province of New Brunswick, in order to solicit views pertaining to the Treaty concerns. During these meeting the facilitators also shared information with the communities regarding the Molly process, and the direction that this process would potentially take.