Memorandum of Understanding establishes framework for collaboration on education, knowledge sharing and future opportunities
MI’KMA’KI [Thursday, July 9, 2026] – The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs (Assembly) and Whale Sanctuary Project have formalized their commitment to working together by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with commitments to collaborating on educational outreach and research opportunities, while recognizing the Mi’kmaw principle of Etuaptmumk (Two-eyed seeing) and confirming opportunities for future collaboration.
With a shared respect for the Wksitqamuk (Earth) and Mi’kmaw worldviews about the environment and all living things, this MOU serves as recognition of shared values in respect to marine animals and their long-term welfare in Mi’kma’ki.
“We’re pleased to further the relationship we’re building with the Whale Sanctuary Project to protect marine life,” said Chief Wilbert Marshall, Natural Resources Lead for the Assembly. “Through knowledge sharing, the integration of our values and understandings, we hope that this sanctuary will be a place to learn, grow and advocate for these important species, for generations to come.”
“Today’s agreement reflects a shared commitment to advancing education and related programming that respects both the science of animal welfare and the knowledge systems that have guided stewardship of these waters for generations” said Charles Vinick, Chief Executive Officer of the Whale Sanctuary Project. “This agreement with the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs codifies and strengthens the work we can do together to educate and communicate our shared respect for all life.”
The Whale Sanctuary Project works to bring an end to the exploitation of captive cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and is creating North America’s first coastal sanctuary for whales retired from aquariums and marine entertainment parks. With the MOU, the Assembly and the Whale Sanctuary Project hope to facilitate employment and skill-based training opportunities, as well as the integration and amplification of Mi’kmaw knowledge in education and outreach related to the sanctuary.
Construction mobilization is underway for the sanctuary in Port Hilford Bay, Nova Scotia, while the Whale Sanctuary Project continues to raise the capital funds to complete the sanctuary and welcome its first whale residents. Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn has been in active consultation on this project since 2021.
In both western science and Mi’kmaw knowledge systems it is well understood that cetaceans are sentient, cognitively and emotionally complex beings. This MOU is a milestone for Mi’kma’ki as part of the global cetacean sanctuary movement and for re-building our relationship with the natural world and all our relations within it.
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