First Nations leaders from the Mi’kmaq community in Nova Scotia are calling for increased income assistance for First Nations. They are pressing hard on the federal government to improve the state support programs. James Michael, the Mi’kmaq chief negotiator with Ta’n Etli-tpi’tmk representing the 12 of 13 Mi’kmaq First Nations, said that the insufficient federal assistance rates are forcing millions of people to choose between basic necessities. Under the current formula, people living on reserve get as little as $13 a day from Ottawa. By comparison, in stark terms, Nova Scotia provincial provides a minimum assistance of $644 a month for those who qualify for it.
Ta’n Etli-tpi’tmk has been continuously negotiating with the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia since 2021. Their goal is to get a self-governing deal on social assistance by 2024. Negotiations abruptly ended in early 2024. This occurred soon after the Mi’kmaq filed a detailed plan to bring social assistance on reserve up to provincial levels. The Mi’kmaq community is currently advocating for a renewed commitment from Ottawa to have an agreement finalized in this fiscal year.
Current Assistance Rates Leave Residents in Poverty
The federal government provides $726 in monthly support for both renters and homeowners. This assistance doesn’t extend to people without dependents or who are not students. Many community members contend that these rates are not enough to cover basic expenses, especially when it comes to food. James Michael articulated the dire implications of this situation, stating that many individuals must forgo healthy food options due to financial constraints.
“This is not about a handout, this is about enabling people to basically start to lift themselves out of deep poverty.” – James Michael
Leroy Denny, chief of Eskasoni First Nation, criticized the current tracking programs and their ability to assist. He emphasized the long-standing effects of poverty on his community, noting that “our people are tired of the intergenerational trauma caused by an under-resourced federal income assistance program.” This lack of funding has a rippling effect on the health and well-being of those living on reserves.
Community Support Amidst Financial Struggles
Though they fight to overcome inadequate federal assistance rates, a rich community spirit runs deeply through the residents. Many individuals rely on each other for support, sharing resources and helping one another stretch their limited budgets. While James Michaels’ account celebrated this community resilience, he was perplexed by how anyone is able to live at all in such abysmal conditions.
“There’s community support, people helping out other people, and people stretching their dollar as far as it can go. But I don’t know how people do it, to be honest.” – James Michael
The Mi’kmaq community’s resolution, which passed July 9, specifically urges Canada to come back to the negotiation table. Perhaps that’s why they aim to establish a fiscal framework. This would allow them to deliver social welfare on-reserve at levels comparable to those delivered off reserve in the province.
Moving Forward with Negotiations
Advocates contended that more robust income assistance is due. They feel that high rates have people living and dying in poverty and take away their opportunity to succeed. The debate over social assistance is more than a struggle over money. It profoundly intersects with the health and future of First Nations communities.
