Passes for Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia

Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site

Vehicle identifier for Mi'kmaq visitors
© Parks Canada

• Overview
• Questions and Answers

Overview

The Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia now have entry without charge to all national parks and national historic sites in Nova Scotia, thanks to an interim arrangement signed by Parks Canada and the Nova Scotia Assembly of Mi'kmaq Chiefs.

This arrangement is a positive step forward in the relationship between two close neighbours who share many common objectives in cultural and natural resource management. "It is very much a roadmap for sharing knowledge as we work together to reach our common goals," said Chip Bird, Field Unit Superintendent for Parks Canada, Cape Breton. "This arrangement will go a long way to help strengthen Parks Canada's relationship with the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia."

The entry without charge program is one outcome of the arrangement. "The Mi'kmaq have always had strong connections to the lands throughout Nova Scotia," said Chief Gerard Julian, Co-Chair of the Assembly. "Gaining free access to these parks and important lands is a significant step for our people and as we move forward in our government to government relationship."

Mi'kmaq may access this program by presenting their Indian Status Card at the local Band Office or at a Parks Canada Visitor Reception Centre to receive a vehicle identifier. This identifier is for display in the vehicle when visiting either national parks or national historic sites. At a national historic site, the Indian Status Card must be presented at the Visitor Reception Centre.

The identifier is available to 13 Mi'kmaq First Nations in Nova Scotia and their members, and other Mi'kmaq who are on the General Indian List of Nova Scotia. In addition to the entry without charge program, this arrangement will result in the establishment of advisory committees to plan and manage areas of common interest in these national treasures in Nova Scotia.

The arrangement was negotiated through the Made in Nova Scotia Process which brings together the Government of Canada, the Province of Nova Scotia and the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia.

Parks Canada manages a network of 45 national parks, 168 national historic sites, and four national marine conservation areas, while setting the stage and inviting Canadians and people from around the world to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery at Canada's treasured natural and historic places.

Kwilmu'kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office (KMKNO) works on behalf of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs in the negotiations and consultations between the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia, the Province and Canada. KMKNO was developed by the Mi'kmaq for the Mi'kmaq.

For more information on KMKNO visit www.mikmaqrights.com.

Questions and Answers

The National Parks Interim Arrangement is an agreement between Parks Canada and the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs. This agreement was developed through the "Made in Nova Scotia Process" between Canada, Nova Scotia and the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia.

1. Where is the vehicle identifier used?
   The vehicle identifier allows entry without charge into national parks and national historic sites. It covers the vehicle, driver and up to six other people in the vehicle. It tells Parks Canada staff that the vehicle is permitted to be in the park. Your vehicle may be ticketed or towed if Parks Canada cannot clearly see the vehicle identifier.
2. Where can I use the vehicle identifier?
   You can use the vehicle identifier to enter without charge at all national parks and national historic sites in Nova Scotia.
3. How would I use the vehicle identifier at a national historic site?
   You can enter a national historic site without charge by showing your Indian Status Card at the entrance to the site.
4. What does the vehicle identifier allow me to do?
   The vehicle identifier allows you to enter all national parks and national historic sites in Nova Scotia without charge. You can also use trails and services that are normally provided without charge in national parks/national historic sites in Nova Scotia. You still must get fishing and camping permits and pay camping fees.
5. What happens if I lose my vehicle identifier?
   Your band office has a record of the vehicle identifiers they have issued. You can get a new vehicle identifier from your band office once Kwilmu'kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office (KMK) has verified your information.
6. Do the vehicle identifiers expire?
   Yes. The expiration date is indicated on the vehicle identifier.
7. Can I sell the vehicle identifier or give it to another person?
   No. It is null and void if sold or given to someone else.
8. Where can I find more information?
   You can get more information about Parks Canada programs by visiting www.pc.gc.ca and about Kwilmu'kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office, the Mi'kmaq Rights Initiative, by visiting www.mikmaqrights.com.
9. Who does the National Parks Interim Arrangement apply to?
   The Interim Arrangement applies to the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia as represented by the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs.