Mi’kmaw Conservation Group

Our Story

The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq is a Tribal Council incorporated in 1986 as a not-for-profit organization under the Societies Act of Nova Scotia. Starting with a team of two staff members, almost thirty years later the organization is supported by more than sixty employees. Our mission is, “to proactively promote and assist Mi’kmaw communities’ initiatives toward self-determination and enhancement of community”. . From its main office, located in the Millbrook First Nation, The CMM delivers a variety of community programs and advisory services to First Nations communities in Nova Scotia. The staff consists of a team of professional First Nations experts who bring unique Mi’kmaw perspectives to current issues. As a not-for-profit organization, The CMM receives financial support from various government departments (federal and provincial), as well as from the private sector. The CMM uses this funding to support programs and services primarily to its eight member-communities. The governing body of The CMM is made up of the Chiefs of the eight member-communities.

Aquatic life, and specifically the Bay of Fundy Watershed, is historically significant to the Mi’kmaq. From feeding our communities healthy food, to the spiritual significance of species like the American Eel and Atlantic Salmon in ceremonies and feasts, the bounty of our oceans and streams and the protection of their habitat have always been at the forefront of our minds. Prior to European contact, Mi’kmaq travelled and lived throughout the Bay of Fundy Watershed. The environment, natural resources and waterways provided all the necessities of life. Netukulimk is a way of life; the Mi’kmaw took only what was needed and wasted nothing. It was considered an honor to receive these gifts from Mother Earth and was the foundation of the spiritual connection between the Mi’kmaq and the natural environment which has endured to this day. Today the Bay of Fundy Watershed, which was once so familiar, has changed due to commercial use, population growth, pollution and global warming. The Mi’kmaw Conservation Group will endeavor to take on these and other challenges to fulfill their mission… to promote and restore the concept and practice of Netukulimk in the Fundy Watershed; The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq’s mission: to proactively promote and assist Mi’kmaw Communities initiatives toward self-determination and enhancement of community… The mission of The CMM and objective of the MCG fit together well. The CMM is pleased to have them as part of the family.