Former AFN regional chief Paul Prosper was named to the senate on July 6. Photo: AFN.
Two Mi’kmaq lawyers from Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador have been appointed to the Senate.
Paul Prosper, the former chief of Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation and a former Assembly of First Nations (AFN) regional chief, will represent Nova Scotia.
Judy White, who was the assistant deputy minister of Indigenous affairs and reconciliation in Newfoundland and Labrador, will represent that province.
Their appointments were formally made by Gov. Gen. Mary Simon today on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Senate appointment recommendations are made to the prime minister by an independent advisory board that reviews submissions.
“It has been an honour to serve First Nations in my capacity as Regional Chief for Nova Scotia,” said Prosper in a statement. “I take pride in the advancements we’ve made in the past several years, and I look forward to seeing the AFN continue its good work, guided by Chiefs, to address the needs of our people. As I begin my work in the Senate of Canada, I will continue to advocate for First Nations inherent and Treaty rights, from coast to coast to coast.”
Dan Christmas, who retired earlier this year, became Canada’s first Mi’kmaw senator when he was appointed to the upper chamber in 2016.
Prosper is coming off a vote that unseated RoseAnne Archibald as national chief of the AFN.
