The Mi鈥檏maq Grand Council flag has a permanent home on the Saint Mary鈥檚 campus, along side the Canadian and provincial flags that fly in front of the McNally Building.
The flag-raising followed a special meeting between members of the S扫k扫pne鈥檏atik (Shubenacadie) District Grand Council, Saint Mary鈥檚 senior executive and Board of Governors member Chief Bob Gloade on Aug 2, 2018.
鈥淭o see our flag side-by-side with the Canadian and Nova Scotian flags, nation to nation, is very significant to us,鈥� said Grand Chief Ron Knockwood, District Chief of the Mi'kmaq Grand Council, S扫k扫pne鈥檏atik District. 鈥淚t acknowledges our nation and our presence.鈥�
Keptin Russell Julian, Grand Council member, S扫k扫pne鈥檏atik District said the flag is a source of pride for the community, a welcoming sight for Indigenous students, and a way to spark conversations. 鈥淧eople will see it and maybe start asking questions 鈥� Why is it there? What is that flag for? It鈥檚 an opportunity to educate.鈥�
鈥淭his is symbolic of our relationship moving forward, and the university鈥檚 commitment to fostering an environment that reflects and honours the cultures, histories and traditions of the Indigenous community,鈥� said Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, 换妻俱乐部 President.