March 5, 2021
The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs has announced that Viola Robinson, Lead Negotiator for the Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Made-In-Nova Scotia Process, is retiring, effective March 31, 2021.
Ms. Viola Robinson has been trusted and inspiring leader for the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia for decades. From the 1970’s, Viola has worked to end discrimination against the Mi’kmaq, advocating for changes to the Indian Act that discriminated against Aboriginal women.
Viola was a contributor in the development of the Made-in-Nova Scotia Process, appointed as a Mi’kmaw Advisor, and in 2011 moved to the role of Lead Negotiator by the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs. As Lead Negotiator, Viola always said she would never agree to give up the Rights of her people.
“Viola has been a steadfast beacon for the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia, and Aboriginal peoples across Canada, for a great number of years,” said Chief Sidney Peters, Co-Chair of the Assembly. “While we are saddened to see Viola go, we know that her wisdom and dedication to implementing the Rights of the Mi’kmaq, will continue to guide us well into the future. We wish Viola many wonderful years of retirement.”
In her career, Viola served as President of the Native Council of Nova Scotia, President of the Native Council of Canada and was one of seven Commissioners who travelled across Canada with the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in the early 1990’s. Viola holds a Law Degree (LL.B.) and an honorary Doctor of Law (LL.D.) from Dalhousie University, as was also the recipient The Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Confederation, 1992; the Halifax YWCA Women’s Recognition award, 1997; the Frances Fish Women Lawyers’ Achievement Award, 2003; the Order of Nova Scotia, 2009; Officer of the Order of Canada, 2011; and the Indspire Award in 2013.
Discussions have begun on who will be the new Lead Negotiator for the Mi’kmaq at the Rights Implementation table, but at the time of this release, no official decision has been made.