Login Members Only
The NSNU sits on and operates in Mi’kma’ki, the traditional and unceded territories of the Mi’kmaq.
As settlers and visitors of Nova Scotia we acknowledge the importance of these lands, which we call home. We are all Treaty People.
We do this to reaffirm our commitment and responsibility to improve relationships between nations, to work towards healing the wounds of colonialism and to improve our own understanding of local Indigenous Peoples and their cultures.
We honour and offer gratitude to those ancestors of African descent. We recognize that African Nova Scotians are a distinct people whose histories, legacies and contributions have enriched that part of Mi’kma’ki known as Nova Scotia for over 400 years.
As one of the country’s influential spokespersons of health care, it is the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU)’s duty and responsibility to uphold reconciliation and safety for Indigenous people in our care.
On June 3rd, 2025, the CFNU apologized to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples for the harms Indigenous Peoples have faced historically and currently face in health care.
CFNU President Linda Silas began the apology by paying respects to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Knowledge Holders and Elders of the past, present and emerging. Joined by the CFNU’s National Executive Board, Silas spoke to nearly 1,200 union nurses about the harms Indigenous people have faced historically and currently face in care and about CFNU’s commitment to doing better. They spoke to colonization and health care, the withholding of care, the realities of Indian hospitals, forced sterilizations and the recognition that racism continues to threaten Indigenous patient safety.
Office of L'nu Affairs
Visit this webpage to find more resources collected in support of Mi’kmaw and Indigenous people in Nova Scotia. Resources include Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq, Native Council of Nova Scotia, Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq, Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative, access to First Nations’ websites, National supports, and more.
Indigenous Health & Mental Health Resources
Canadian Mental Health Association
Organized through the Canadian Mental Health Association’s website, this page is regularly updated with resources available for download addressing issues of health and wellness within and for Indigenous communities.
Nova Scotia Native Women's Association
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. NSNWA is a collective of 16 local chapters across Nova Scotia—visit their website to be connected with an appropriate staff member using their directory.
First Nations, Indigenous Resources
Nova Scotia Health
Visit this webpage to access culturally-safe mental health and addiction services dedicated to First Nations and Indigenous communities in Nova Scotia.
Hope for Wellness Helpline
Offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Experienced and culturally competent Help Line counsellors can help if you wat to talk, are distressed, have strong emotional reactions and/or are triggered by painful memories. Phone and chat counselling is available in English and French, and on request, phone counselling is also available in Cree, Ojibway and Inuktut.
Visit their website to live chat with a counsellor or call the following number available 24/7:
1-855-242-3310
Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre | 209-2021 Brunswick Street, Halifax
The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Society is a non-profit, board governed organization that currently operates nine core programs. It is one of one hundred and nineteen Friendship Centres across Canada, and opened its doors in 1973.
Every One Every Day Kjipuktuk/Halifax | 2169 Gottingen Street, Halifax
A project of Wije’winen/Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre, Every One Every Day brings together people from different parts of the North End neighbourhood to create and learn from one another. These projects involve sharing spaces, skills and resources. They range from batch cooking and community meals, getting outside to explore the neighbourhood, sharing cultural knowledge and traditions, as well as making, crafting, building, repairing and much more.
Jane Paul Indigenous Resource Centre | 440 George Street, Sydney
JPC is a not for profit organization providing a variety of supports and services to Indigenous women who found themselves living in Sydney, off reserve and away from community resources, many of whom found themselves in high-risk situations experiencing violence, homelessness, poverty, addiction, mental health struggles, involvement with different agencies, disruption of family life, and/or experiencing involvement with the criminal justice system.
Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey | 206-90 San’tele’sewawti, Membertou
A unified team of chiefs, staff, parents and educators who advocate for and represent the educational interests of Mi’kmaq communities. They also protect the Educational & Mi’kmaq Language Rights of the Mi’kmaq people.
Eskasoni Mental Health Services | 4555 Shore Road, Eskasoni
EMHS provides a wide range of services to the Mi’kmaq people of Eskasoni, Cape Breton. Services include but are not limited to, adult clinical & therapeutic support, Residential School support, youth clinical & therapeutic support, Eskasoni crisis & referral centre, community-based engagement, and access open mind youth space.
In 1993, Premier John Savage and Mi’kmaw Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy declared October as Mi’kmaq History Month - the official month to recognize and celebrate Mi’kmaw culture and heritage.
The Mi’kmaq History Month Committee, established to promote and encourage educational and cultural activities in October, draws on the expertise of representatives from the Mi’kmaq Grand Council, Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw communities and organizations, as well as the Federal and Provincial governments.
Each October, community activities, events, sharing and showcasing the Mi’kmaw history takes place across Nova Scotia. Everyone is encouraged and welcome to participate in Mi’kmaq History Month events.
Learn more about Mi’kmaw History and find additional resources at mikmaqhistorymonth.ca
Each year, Mi’kmaq History Month adopts a different theme that highlights a specific aspect of Mi'kmaw culture, history, or contemporary life. These themes are chosen to guide educational events, community celebrations, and learning activities throughout October, helping to deepen understanding and appreciation of Mi'kmaw heritage across Mi'kma'ki.
2025: Storytelling & Storytellers
2024: Food and its significance in Mi’kmaw culture
