Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq

Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq UNSM, established in 1969, is an organization providing a unified political voice for the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia.

Guided by Mi’kmaq values, UNSM works with First Nations to support governance, healthy communities, and self-determined Nationhood. The Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq (UNSM) is a tribal organization that has been established for over 50 years. The organization came into existence to provide a unified political voice for the Mi’kmaq people of Nova Scotia, in the face of a proposed federal government

policy to assimilate Canada’s First Nations people into mainstream society. Faced with the prospect of extinction, a group of Mi’kmaq leaders formed, formally known as the Union of Nova Scotia Indians (renamed to the Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq in 2019) to provide political leadership for the Mi’kmaq nation. The organization held its first meeting on July 11, 1969, and ratified its constitution on September 13, 1969, during its first annual general assembly. It was formally incorporated under the Nova Scotia’s Societies Act on July 3, 1970. UNSM operates under its original terms of the Memorandum of Association that was registered in 1970, and its present By-Law that was adopted in July 1992 and later amended during its 28th annual assembly, held in Waycobah in July 1997. UNSM has a long history of advocating and litigating for Aboriginal and treaty rights. It now adds focus on providing innovative governance capacity services to member bands. UNSM works to provide member bands with modern governance knowledge and best practices. Our goal is that each community can further shape the governance templates and concepts toward their own unique needs. It is exciting and fast-paced times for the Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq and looks forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

The deadline for registration is Friday, June 26.Click the post below for more information.
06/23/2026

The deadline for registration is Friday, June 26.

Click the post below for more information.

Unama'ki Fish Camp 2026🐟

Join us for an unforgettable weekend of culture, connection, and outdoor adventure from July 10-12 at the Cabot Shores Wilderness Resort!

This is for Unama’ki youth ages 13-17. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from camp.

📅 Deadline for registration: Friday, June 26, 2026

Spaces are limited. Register now:
🔗https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfSN-EPLUE0YqAFRCMFqjNcwO5TLGluN4A0YhFMMUMKqu2JVQ/viewform
Questions? Contact:
🔹Salena Sylvester, Cultural Projects Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
🔹Katrina Paul, Unama'ki Diabetes Lead
Email: [email protected]

Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day! 🌿Today, June 21, we celebrate the heritage, cultures, languages, and contribution...
06/21/2026

Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day! 🌿

Today, June 21, we celebrate the heritage, cultures, languages, and contributions. It’s also the first day of summer (Nipk), making it a time of both celebration and reflection.

As we recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day, we honour Indigenous resilience, knowledge, leadership, and traditions that continue to strengthen communities across Turtle Island.

At the UNSM, we celebrate the diverse identities, cultures, and experiences that enrich our communities and reaffirm our commitment to respect, inclusion, and belonging for all.
Learn more:
🔗https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100013718/1708446948967

Check out these amazing opportunities with our neighbours! Click the post below to learn more. 👇🏽
06/19/2026

Check out these amazing opportunities with our neighbours!

Click the post below to learn more. 👇🏽

We are hiring for FOUR Nuji-Apoqnmuet positions‼️

The Nuji-Apoqnmuet are responsible for providing support services to Mi’kmaw and Indigenous people, and their families, who request support while receiving care in hospitals in Nova Scotia.

Inverness/Antigonish, part-time, 6-month term: https://mhwns.ca/job-postings/nuji-apoqnmuet-mikmaw-patient-helper-part-time-inverness-antigonish-area/

Cape Breton Regional Hospital, 1-year term: https://mhwns.ca/job-postings/nuji-apoqnmuet-mikmaw-patient-helper-2/

Yarmouth, part-time: https://mhwns.ca/job-postings/nuji-apoqnmuet-mikmaw-patient-helper-part-time-yarmouth-area/

Annapolis Valley, part-time: https://mhwns.ca/job-postings/nuji-apoqnmuet-mikmaw-patient-helper-part-time-annapolis-valley-area/

All open until filled. We are reviewing applications as they are received.

Eskasoni Health Centre Annapolis Valley First Nation Membertou Community Millbrook First Nation Health Centre Millbrook's Official Community Site Potlotek First Nation Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation Pictou Landing First Nation Sipekne'katik First Nation We'koqma'q Community Site Glooscap First Nation Site Wasoqopa'q First Nation Wagmatcook FN Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre IWK Health IWK Foundation Nova Scotia Health Mental Health and Addictions Program Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation

📢Office Closure Notice 📢All UNSM offices will be closed on Monday, June 22, in observance of National Indigenous Peoples...
06/19/2026

📢Office Closure Notice 📢

All UNSM offices will be closed on Monday, June 22, in observance of National Indigenous Peoples Day. We will return to our hours of operation on Tuesday, June 23.

Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable long weekend! 🦅

06/15/2026

OPPORTUNITY:
Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders – Apply now!‍

The Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples is inviting First Nations, Métis and Inuit youth aged 18 to 35 to take part in Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders.‍‍

📅When: October 27 - October 28, 2026
📍Where: Senate of Canada Building, Ottawa, Ontario‍

This initiative brings Indigenous youth together to share their ideas, experiences and perspectives directly with senators as official witnesses before the committee.‍Indigenous youth can apply by submitting a short written or creative piece that reflects their perspectives on issues affecting their communities.‍

If you work with Indigenous youth or know someone who may be interested, please share this opportunity within your network.‍‍

Applications close on Friday, July 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT.‍‍‍

Learn more or apply:
🔗https://sencanada.ca/voices

📢 Indigenous Youth OpportunityApplications are now open for the 6th cohort of the Indigenous Youth Policy School (IYPS),...
06/15/2026

📢 Indigenous Youth Opportunity

Applications are now open for the 6th cohort of the Indigenous Youth Policy School (IYPS), starting in September 2026.

Shared from Indigenous Youth Roots, this program supports First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth (ages 18–29) in building policy knowledge, leadership skills, and connections with Indigenous youth across Canada.

📅Deadline to apply: June 30, 2026.

See the post below to learn more.

As we continue our 12-month journey with the Unama’ki Diabetes Initiative, June’s theme is Culture & Connection (Humilit...
06/11/2026

As we continue our 12-month journey with the Unama’ki Diabetes Initiative, June’s theme is Culture & Connection (Humility), inspired by the Mi’kmaw teaching:

Nipniku’s – L’nuey aq Wanqwajite’tmimk aq Kepmite’tmimk msit mimajuaqn.
Humbly protecting all life

🌿 Culture, land, and community are powerful sources of strength, healing, and wellness!

Did you know?
🔹Traditional ways of living promote balance and wellness.
🔹Cultural connection strengthens overall health.

Learn more about the Unama’ki Diabetes Initiative:
🔗https://www.unsm.org/dept/adi

Hey, We'koqma'q Community Site!👋Join us in our upcoming CPP Focus Group Sessions. Your voice matters! 🔹Men’s Session: Ju...
06/10/2026

Hey, We'koqma'q Community Site!👋

Join us in our upcoming CPP Focus Group Sessions. Your voice matters!

🔹Men’s Session: June 16, 2026
🔹Women’s Session: June 17, 2026

Check out the poster below for full details. 👇
Questions? Concerns? Contact:

Carolyn Stevens, Community Development
📧Email: [email protected]

Kim Milley-MacDonald, Community Development
📧Email: [email protected]

The Mawkim Data Governance Team at the Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq (UNSM) is excited to launch the Mawkim Youth Art Con...
06/09/2026

The Mawkim Data Governance Team at the Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq (UNSM) is excited to launch the Mawkim Youth Art Contest for Mi’kmaq youth ages 8–14!

We want to see artwork that reflects well-being, culture, and community. This contest is part of the development of the Regional Social Survey (RSS), a First Nations-led initiative that will help better understand and support the experiences of First Nations children and families living on reserve.

Selected artwork may be featured in RSS communications, reports, and promotional materials, helping to share the voices and perspectives of our youth.

📅 Data collection for the RSS is expected to begin in Fall 2026, and this contest is an important opportunity for youth to contribute to this meaningful work.
⚠️ A completed Parent/Guardian Consent Form must be included with all submissions.
🚫 AI-generated artwork will not be accepted or considered. All submissions must be original artwork created by the participant.

Check out the contest poster for full details and help us celebrate the creativity, culture, and voices of our young people!

📧 To submit artwork or learn more, contact:
[email protected]

or visit the website: https://mawkim.org

Unama'ki Fish Camp 2026🐟Join us for an unforgettable weekend of culture, connection, and outdoor adventure from July 10-...
06/09/2026

Unama'ki Fish Camp 2026🐟

Join us for an unforgettable weekend of culture, connection, and outdoor adventure from July 10-12 at the Cabot Shores Wilderness Resort!

This is for Unama’ki youth ages 13-17. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from camp.

📅 Deadline for registration: Friday, June 26, 2026

Spaces are limited. Register now:
🔗https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfSN-EPLUE0YqAFRCMFqjNcwO5TLGluN4A0YhFMMUMKqu2JVQ/viewform
Questions? Contact:
🔹Salena Sylvester, Cultural Projects Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
🔹Katrina Paul, Unama'ki Diabetes Lead
Email: [email protected]

Address

90 San'tele'sew Awti
Membertou, NS
B1S0A5

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq:

Share