Mi’kma’ki/Nova Scotia - On Saturday, Nov. 15 at 12 p.m., a coalition of Mi’kmaw and settler groups and communities from across Nova Scotia are gathering at the Halifax Common to call on the Houston government to respect Mi’kmaw Rights, follow democratic processes and stop selling off Nova Scotia to corporate interests. Led by Mi’kmaw Rights Holders and in solidarity with land defenders at Tqamuoweye’katik / Hunter’s Mountain, organizers are inviting all concerned citizens to join them in demanding accountability from the Nova Scotia government.
“If you live, work, play or pray in Nova Scotia, we want you there,” say Mi’kmaw land defenders Michelle Paul and Glenda Junta. “We’re standing in solidarity with all resistance movements in Nova Scotia. We want to hear your voices.”
The Shoulder to Shoulder Rally comes out of a groundswell of frustration and public outcry from all corners of the province. Since January 2025, the Houston government has made numerous controversial changes to provincial legislation and governance, including the lifting of bans on uranium mining and fracking, consolidating power over municipal development, a willingness to allow private development in protected areas, and changes to the Crown Lands Act that experts warn could infringe on Mi’kmaw Treaty Rights and criminalize legal protest.
Despite this growing unrest, organizers say their message is one of unity and hope.
“We can build a better future for our communities,” says Nina Newington, president of Save Our Old Forests (SOOF). “But only if we work together. Houston’s arrogant disrespect for Treaty Rights and democracy, his attempts to reverse the progress we have made - all this has brought us together, Mi’kmaq and settlers, city dwellers and rural people. We’re building a movement dedicated to a livable future for all.”
But with the Houston government showing no signs of changing course, organizers of the Shoulder to Shoulder Rally say they are urging communities to stand up and have their voices heard.
“We’re coming together to protect Mother Earth from destruction,” says Kukuwes Wowkis, a Mi’kmaw land defender at Hunter’s Mountain. “It’s so crucial for us to protect the lands for the next seven generations, for my grandchildren and yours, before it’s too late.”
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Margaret MacDonell, organizer with Save West Mabou Beach Provincial Park, said: "Nova Scotians care deeply about protecting our beloved natural spaces, and we won't stand for a government that's intent on moving us all backward on conservation. If the government refuses to lead on protecting our environment and communities, then the people of this province will band together."
Akamsha Abraham, a representative with Nova Scotia Student Strike, said: “As students, we stand in solidarity with land defenders and water protectors from Hunters mountain to Palestine, and all across Turtle Island. We are all united in the struggle for Indigenous sovereignty, liberation and the protection of our shared future.”
Maggy Burns, executive director with the Ecology Action Centre, said: “Nova Scotians are fed up. This rally comes after months of growing unrest over the Houston government’s disregard for Mi’kmaw Rights, environmental safeguards and democratic processes. We’ve seen thousands of people from all corners of the province rallying in the streets, organizing in their communities, signing petitions, contacting their elected officials and more. This is the next step in a growing movement to take back our future from wealthy corporate interests and ensure that everyone living in Mi’kma’ki can truly thrive.”
Sarah Trask, organizer with Safe and Responsible Resource Development (SARRD), said: “We stand together unified to address the numerous problems with the current N.S. government. Tim Houston and his government lifted the evidence-based ban on uranium exploration and mining without any consultation with the Mi'kmaq or communities. This leaves the province wide open to exploitation of our waterways, forests, homes and health. This government is showing a destructive pattern of lack of consultation, lack of transparency, removing environmental protections and putting the health and safety of Nova Scotians and our environment at risk.”
Vanessa Hartley with the Centre for Environmental Justice Society, said: “We are here in solidarity with our grassroots grandmothers, water protectors and land defenders. As Black Loyalists our responsibility to this land is one that is sacred. We are here to show our aligned efforts in creating a safer, cleaner and just world. We are here to speak our truth and point out where communities have been forgotten once again.”
Anne Marie Dalton, with St. Matthew’s United Church and the Spiritual Coalition on Climate Action in Nova Scotia (SCOCANS), said: “This rally is an expression of our key values as people of faith. All spiritual traditions hold that the natural world is sacred. We as people of faith have a moral obligation to speak for just treatment of all our neighbours and for those creatures who have no voice. We stand with the Mi’kmaq, who have lived on and cared for this land for centuries. Let’s raise our voices to stop the wrecking of our land, water and air.”
Linda Scherzinger with KAIROS Halifax said: “KAIROS is committed to working with others to protect the sacred gifts of the natural world - clean water, land, forests and air - which provide us all that we need for life and health. We support Treaty Rights and the rights of all people and our fellow creatures. We’re joining on Nov. 15 because all justice work is interconnected and we are stronger together.”
Media contacts:
Michelle Paul
Mi’kmaw Land Defender
(902) 403-4253
mailto:mpaulmikmaq@gmail.com
Nina Newington
President | Save Our Old Forests
c: (902) 698-4347
p: (902) 825-4347
mailto:nsforestprotectors@gmail.com