Their rights by law, our rights by Weji-sqalia'tiek : an exploration of the resistance to systemic erasure of Mi’kmaw land rights within Kjipuktuk

Abstract

This thesis seeks to bring consideration to the history of Kjipuktuk and the continued occupation of unceded Mi’kmaw territory by sharing my personal story of sprouting from the land and how history has influenced my existence. I begin by exploring the worldviews and concepts which have shaped the topics discussed in this thesis. Next it will be necessary to acknowledge some of the most impactful events that shaped the founding of Halifax and my ancestors’ connection to Kjipuktuk. Many people can recognize the existence of historical policies and legislation that directly attacked Mi’kmaw treaty rights; however, many people continue to be unaware of the ways that treaty rights have been eroded through the subsections of policies and legislation. It is through my own story of sprouting from this land that I challenge the policies and legislation to make space to celebrate a Mi’kmaw culture that has survived for so long.