Pictou Landing First Nation Chief Andrea Paul quickly became emotional as she spoke to reporters following McNeil’s announcement.
“It’s been a long time coming,” she said.
Paul said she’s grateful to the premier and government, as well as her community.
“This has been a very challenging issue. I know it wasn’t going to be easy for people around Nova Scotia, and I don’t take that lightly.”
The premier’s decision is “a huge statement” when it comes to respecting Indigenous people and their struggles, she said, and sets an example for others to follow.
“We know that marginalized communities are the ones that definitely get hurt the most in terms of not being treated fairly. And I really commend this government for setting the precedent to make things right. I know this wasn’t easy.”