The Canadian Government has announced a $7.1 million investment over five years to support the revitalisation of the Mi'kmaw language in Nova Scotia.

Jaime Battiste, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, made the announcement on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Pascale St-Onge.

The funding, starting in 2023–24, will be allocated to Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey, the First Nations Regionally Designated Organisation in Nova Scotia.

This initiative is part of a new funding model introduced in 2023–24 under the Indigenous Languages Act.

The model aims to give First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities greater control over funding decisions, establish long-term agreements, and respond to their specific needs.

Mr Battiste, a Mi'kmaw speaker, emphasised the importance of language in identity.

"This funding supports the important work of Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey in creating opportunities for our communities to connect with and learn our language," he said.

Ms St-Onge said the investment highlights the government's commitment to Indigenous-led language revitalisation efforts.

"This investment in the Mi'kmaw language in Nova Scotia, through the leadership and stewardship of Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey, highlights our Government's ongoing dedication to supporting Indigenous-led efforts to reclaim and revitalise their languages," she said.

"By empowering Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey to manage and allocate funding based on their community's priorities, we are fostering a collaborative approach that aligns with the Indigenous Languages Act and supports the cultural and linguistic aspirations of Mi'kmaq communities of this province - Wela'lin."

The funding will support Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey in implementing a language strategy that reflects community priorities.

Resources will be distributed across 13 Mi'kmaq communities, supporting programs such as adult immersion classes, early childhood language nests, after-school programs, and language learning resources.

Chief Leroy Denny, Chairman of the Board of Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey, said revitalising the language is a top priority.

"This funding allows us to support community-based language programs that honour the unique needs of communities and organizations across the province," he said.

Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey represents Mi'kmaq communities in education and language rights.

It oversees the Indigenous Languages Component—First Nations Languages Funding Model for Nova Scotia, managing funding proposals and distribution.

The Indigenous Languages Act, which received Royal Assent in 2019, guides federal efforts to support Indigenous language revitalisation.

The 2024 budget allocated $225 million over five years to continue implementing the Act, with $45 million in annual funding thereafter.