We, the Mi’kmaq, have lived on our territorial lands, ocean and inland waters in the seven districts of Mi’kma’ki since long before recorded time. Kisu’lk (The Creator) formed these lands and waters and placed us here, to live in perpetual balance with our territory, its resources and its living beings.
The seven districts, including the extensive marine areas around them, and our Mi’kmaw system of governance pre-date the establishment of any provincial boundaries. Respecting the autonomy of our sisters and brothers from other areas of Mi’kma’ki, the Maw-lukutijik Saqmaq are principally involved in the districts of Unama’kik, Eskikewa’kik, Sipekne’katik, Kespukwitk and the portions of Siknikt and Epekwitk aq Piktuk that fall within Nova Scotia.
The people from Mi’kma’ki had laws (Teplutaqn) applicable to our citizens, our lands and our waters long before European contact. Mi’kmaw and Indigenous laws are built from our cultural understandings, practices, worldviews and values, some which may still be unwritten, but our oral laws have been part of our culture for endless generations.
Indigenous Laws are part of the constitutional fabric of Canada.