Mi’kma’ki [September 11, 2026] – On a consistent basis, the Maw-lukutijik Saqmaq (Assembly) has voiced that they are strongly opposed to the use of glyphosate and other herbicides in Mi’kma’ki. Most recently they were informed about planned spraying along Thomas Road, Digby County, between September 16 and 30, 2026.
The planned spraying along Thomas Road raises serious concerns as one of our Mi’kmaw communities, Bear River First Nation, is close to the spray area. These lands and surrounding areas have long been used for harvesting food, medicines, and other resources. The potential impacts on the lands, waters, wildlife, and ecosystems are a significant concern across all Mi’kmaw communities.
The Assembly is also deeply concerned about the lack of transparency surrounding the Province’s approval of aerial glyphosate spraying in Nova Scotia. Public reports indicate that specific property identifiers for approved spraying have not been disclosed and without this information, Mi’kmaw communities, harvesters and the public cannot determine where spraying may occur, assess potential risks, or raise concerns about culturally important areas.
“Our stance is clear: we do not want glyphosate spraying in or anywhere near our communities. This spraying threatens our ability to safely access and harvest the foods, medicines, and other resources that sustain us,” said Chief Carol Potter, Co-Lead of Environment, Energy and Mines for the Assembly and Chief of Bear River First Nation. “These resources are part of who we are, our way of life, and how we connect with the land. This is about protecting our health as well as our lands.”
The Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia have repeatedly raised concerns and opposition to the Province’s Pesticide Spray Program, including potential impacts on Mi’kmaw Rights and Title, cultural sites, harvesting, wildlife, and ecosystems. On multiple occasions the Assembly has written to the Department of Environment and Climate Change, calling for consultation and expressing continued opposition to glyphosate and other herbicides.
“We do not support the spraying of herbicides or pesticides in Nova Scotia. We will continue to make our position clear, and call for meaningful consultation or, at the very least, adequate response to the concerns we have already raised. We expect the Province to respect our position and meaningfully engage with the Mi’kmaw Nation before any further spraying is authorized,” said Chief Potter.
The Assembly wants to see the planned spraying along Thomas Road immediately halted and that any further pesticide or herbicide spraying is suspended until meaningful consultation has occurred.
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