Democracy 250 co-chairs John Hamm and Russell MacLellan celebrated National Aboriginal Day by joining members of the Mi'kmaq community in Millbrook today, June 21, for the premiere of the film: Democracy 250: A Mi'kmaq Perspective.

Commissioned by Democracy 250, the hour-long film, shot at Mersey Lodge, Milton, Queens Co., includes a candid discussion on Mi'kmaq history and hopes for the future between the co-chairs and Mi'kmaq participants, Dr. Dan Paul, Cathy Martin, Ashley Julian and Jamie Battiste.

Dr. Hamm said the film will help educate viewers on the very sophisticated form of government Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq had well before European settlement. "While it is important that we celebrate the birth of parliamentary democracy in Nova Scotia and Canada, we cannot lose sight of the fact that the Mi'kmaq had a highly-advanced form of participatory government in place well before 1758."

The film also speaks to the challenges Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq continue to face and what can be done to ensure the success of future generations.

"Hopefully this film will open a lot of eyes to all that the Mi'kmaq have contributed to our province and country, and create a greater understanding of their culture, their beliefs and their on-going struggles," said Mr. MacLellan.

EastLink TV, which partnered with Democracy 250 and the Office of Aboriginal Affairs to create the film, will be airing Democracy 250: A Mi'kmaq Perspective throughout the summer.

The film will also be made widely available to schools and libraries.

Media Contact: Moira MacLeod
              Democracy 250
              902-424-1122    
              E-mail: macleoml@gov.ns.ca