The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs – are demanding that all work by Atlantic Gold be stopped in Pleasantfield, Nova Scotia and that no further exploratory or drilling permits be approved by Nova Scotia Lands & Forestry or the Nova Scotia Department of Energy and Mines for this area. The Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office has told the Province and Atlantic Gold that Lake Rossignol and the surrounding landscape has tremendous cultural significance to the Mi’kmaq, and that no work – exploratory or otherwise – should take place in this area.

“This area is far too sensitive – for numerous cultural and archaeological reasons – for any work to be done here,” said Chief Deborah Robinson, Governance Lead for the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs. “We are opposed to any work being conducted in the Pleasantfield area.” The Mi’kmaq are concerned that any exploratory work in this area could open the door for future developments in the Pleasantfield area and, have stressed that this is unacceptable. With support from Mi’kmaw organizations, the Assembly has been working to see the Mersey area is listed as an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area. The Mi’kmaw communities in the area, the Assembly and Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office have been clear that no work should occur in an area of such high cultural importance to the Mi’kmaw Nation.

“Our ancestors spent a lot of time along the shores of Lake Rossignol, and along the Mersey River which is well documented in our stories and in archaeological records,” said Keptin Jeff Purdy, Mi’kmaq Grand Council. “We continue to have many significant cultural connections to this area today and this is why we want to see this area protected.”