On April 9th, 2025, the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs issued a media release announcing that the Assembly and the Whale Sanctuary Project are in discussions that are working toward a formal Memorandum of Understanding.
Chief Tamara Young states, “Every living species is important to the Mi’kmaq. Respecting and caring for them are part of our traditional understandings and long-held cultural beliefs … If we can have a role in helping to move whales out of captivity into a more natural and freer environment, then we will certainly do that.”
The release adds, “(T)he Assembly support these animals living out the rest of their lives in a natural ocean environment on the unceded and traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq.”
The Whale Sanctuary Project has been participating in First Nation consultation since we first arrived in Nova Scotia. “We see tremendous parallels between indigenous philosophy and practices and the mission of the Whale Sanctuary Project,” says our CEO, Charles Vinick. “We look forward to working with the Council of Chiefs going forward and incorporating indigenous teachings in our programs throughout Nova Scotia.”
Here is the Assembly’s full statement, followed by a plain text version:
Media Release_MOU on the Whale Sanctuary Project_9Apr25Doors Open for Discussions About Establishing a MOU on the Whale Sanctuary Project
For several years a group of dedicated individuals have been working toward establishing the Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP) – the first seaside sanctuary for marine mammals in North America – to be located in Wine Harbour, Nova Scotia.
Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn 1 was first notified about the WSP’s lease request through the Terms of Reference for a Mi’kmaq-Nova Scotia–Canada Consultation Process in October 2021. Since that time, discussions have been ongoing with the Nova Scotia government and the team at the WSP about this important project.
Since its inception, the WSP has been working to bring whales and dolphins currently held in captivity to a seaside sanctuary they are looking to create in the waters off Nova Scotia.
“Every living species is important to the Mi’kmaq. Respecting and caring for them are part of our traditional understandings and long-held cultural beliefs. Opening discussions to work alongside the WSP is something that we are all very intrigued by,” said Chief Tamara Young, Co-Lead of Environment, Energy and Mines with the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs (Assembly).
The marine mammal market does not align with Mi’kmaw principals and the Assembly support these animals living out the rest of their lives in a natural ocean environment on the unceded and traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq.
“If we can have a role in helping to move whales out of captivity into a more natural and freer environment, then we will certainly do that,” continued Chief Young. “We understand that WSP has a lot more work to make the sanctuary happen, but the issue was too important for the Mi’kmaq not to be involved with and to express our support for. These marine animals are not just resources, they are spiritual beings with a purpose and must be respected”.
It is hoped in the coming weeks, discussions will continue so that an official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) can be established between the WSP and the Assembly.
“We share similar values with WSP when it comes to protecting these marine animals, such as respect, reciprocity, sharing and stewardship. WSP has made strong commitments to incorporate and amplify Mi’kmaw values and knowledge systems throughout its operations and we appreciate that. We look forward to seeing where these discussions go and to help bring an end to the exploitation of whales living in captivity and finding ways to protect them in our shared oceans”, said Chief Young.
1 Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn is an initiative that represents the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia in discussions with the Province of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada regarding the implementation of their rights and treaties. It operates under the direction of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs and focuses on rights implementation and protection of Mi’kmaq interests. The initiative was developed by the Mi’kmaq for the Mi’kmaq, emphasizing self-determination and community involvement in decision-making processes.