About Tripartite
The Mi’kmaq • Nova Scotia • Canada Tripartite Forum was formed in 1997 as partnership between the Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq, the Province of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada.
The Tripartite Forum is a vehicle to address and resolve issues that impact the lives of all Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq.
Vision
Building a foundation for prosperous and vibrant Mi’kmaw communities through partnership, commitment and respect
Mission
Committed to working and learning together in partnership, in a manner that respects the needs of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq
The logo of the Tripartite Forum is the Mi’kmaq eight-pointed star. The historic Mi’kmaq symbol originally had seven points to represent the traditional seven districts of the Mi’kmaq nation. An eight point, representing the British Crown was added when the Mi’kmaq began signing treaties with the British Crown. All discussions of the Tripartite Forum will be guided by the spirit and intent of the treaties and the treaty relationship.
Value Statements
- Commitment: We are committed to working in open-minded relationships where all parties strive to reach the organization’s vision
- Partnership: We will work together in good faith to build a strong and healthy Mi’kmaw community that will benefit all Nova Scotians
- Respect: We develop our relationship based on mutual trust and respect, where we learn and grow together
The Tripartite Forum is comprised of three (3) levels: Executive, Officials and Working Committees. Each level has representation from each of the three (3) parties.
- Working Committees
- Health
- Social
- Education
- Economic Development
- Justice
- Culture and Heritage
- Sports and Recreation
The Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq
The Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq (UNSM) participates in the Mi’kmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Tripartite Forum, established in 1997 as a partnership between the Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq, the Province of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada.
The Tripartite Forum is a venue for the three levels of government to meet and resolve issues that are impacting our communities in the areas of health, social, education, economic development, justice, culture and heritage and sports and recreation.
The UNSM leadership represents the interest of five (5) of the 13 Mi’kmaq First Nations and 60% of the registered Indian population in Nova Scotia.
The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq
The Mi’kmaq • Nova Scotia • Canada Tripartite Forum was formed in 1997 as a partnership between the Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq, the Province of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada. The Tripartite Forum aims to strengthen relationships and resolve issues of mutual concern affecting Mi’kmaw communities. The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq (CMM) co-administers the Tripartite Secretariat which assists in the daily operation of the forum.
In 2021, the Tripartite Forum secretariat was split between The CMM, and the UNSM Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq. The working committees are administered by both organizations. The CMM administers Culture and Heritage, Education and Sports and Recreation working committees. The officials and executive committees are administered by each tribal council (every other meeting).
For more information regarding the Tripartite Forum committees administered by The CMM, please visit our staff page and contact our Liaison ([email protected]) or Tripartite Administrator.
Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association
The Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association (NSNWA) is a provincial Indigenous organization incorporated under the Nova Scotia Societies Act that develops and delivers programs promoting equal opportunity for Indigenous women, 2SLGBTQQIA people and their families.
The NSNWA co-administers the Tripartite Secretariat which assists in the daily operation of the forum. As well, the NSNWA has Tripartite members representing the association at the officials, working committee and secretariat level.