Maw-Kleyu’kik Kikmanaq

What is the Maw Kleyu’kik Kikmanaq Tplutaqn?

The Maw-Kleyu’kik Kikmanaq Tplutaqn is an initiative of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs to reclaim Mi’kmaw jurisdiction over Mi’kmaw child and family well-being matters (child welfare) in Nova Scotia. Over the past several years, the Maw-Kleyu’kik Kikmanaq team received feedback from Elders, Knowledge Holders, youth, community members , and others as to what should be included in the law.

Who will the Tplutaqn apply to?

The Tplutaqn will apply to all Mi’kmaw communities and their members who approve the Tplutaqn. The vision is for this law to apply to members living on and off the reserve. The Mi’kmaq are still in negotiations on this issue.

Why is this important?

For too long, the provincial child welfare law has not reflected Mi’kmaw ways of caring for children and families. The Tplutaqn will guide the decisions about Mi’kmaw children, youth, and families involved in child and family well-being matters.  This means the provincial child welfare legislation will no longer apply to the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia. This is about the Mi’kmaq taking care of the Mi’kmaq.  

The Tplutaqn changes the system so it reflects Mi’kmaw realities, strengths, and ways of raising and protecting our children.

Why are the Mi’kmaq asserting jurisdiction?

Caring for Mi’kmaw children and families is an inherent Mi’kmaw responsibility, rooted in our laws, teachings, relationships, and responsibilities to one another.

The Tplutaqn is Mi’kmaw governance in action. It is not delegated authority; it reflects Mi’kmaq exercising responsibility for our children and families under Mi’kmaw law.

What will be different?

• The Mi’kmaq will be in control of our own law and system.
• Mi’kmaw culture, language, values, and relationships will guide the work.
• Earlier support for families, before concerns become crises.
• Removal only as a last resort when needed for child safety.
• Elders, family, and community support included where appropriate.

What does this mean for our communities?

Having the Tplutaqn in place means Mi’kmaw children, youth, and families will be supported under Mi’kmaw law, in a way that reflects our values, culture, language, family connections, and responsibilities to one another.

It means families can receive help earlier before problems become crises. It also means decisions will focus on keeping children safe, loved, and connected to their parents, caregivers, family, community, identity, and Mi’kmaw ways of being, whenever possible.

Most importantly, it means the Mi’kmaq will have a greater role in caring for our own children and families, in our own way, for the strength of our communities now and for future generations.