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Published: 06 August 2025

Under the Direction of the Wasoqopa'q First Nation Chief and Council, with consultation from the Wasoqopa'q First Nation EMO

To All Community Members Living On or Anyone Accessing Wasoqopa'q Lands,

Wasoqopa’q First Nation is adhering to provincial guidelines concerning the province-wide burn ban in effect through proclamation under the Forests Act. This is due to heightened wildfire risk resulting from continued hot and dry conditions across the province. We are also adhering to the Travel and activities in woods restrictions, so we ask that our community respect the guidance presented by the province and DNR. We must all do our part to protect our communities and the surrounding areas from Wildland Urban Interface Fires (wildfires which move into urban areas), which can be particularly devastating and can cause loss of property or life.

We encourage all community members to stay informed and follow the current fire restrictions in place to help keep everyone safe.

For the most up-to-date information, please visit the official provincial burn ban page:

• Burn Ban Proclamation: Fire Proclamation, Department of Natural Resources
• News Release from NS DNR: Provincewide Burn Ban in Effect
• Fire Restrictions/BurnSafe: Fire restrictions
• Summary Offence Ticket Regulations: Summary Offence Tickets Regulations
• Travel and activities in woods are restricted: Travel, Activities in Woods Restricted to Prevent Wildfires

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

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Published: 16 July 2025

Wasoqopa'q First Nation is pleased to announce that we have purchased the business operations of MacPherson's located in Liverpool, Queens County. The business operates an appliance & furniture store, hunting & fishing supplies and a variety of other goods. The operation will also continue to lease out the Needs Gas and Convenience store.

MacPherson's has a long history as a successful establishment in Queens, and we plan to continue to deliver the same quality service customers have come to know. The operation will continue to be managed by long-time employee Tyler Frank, a Wasoqopa'q First Nation member.

Wasoqopa'q has plans to develop the land located behind the business operations, which extends to the banks of the Mersey River. These lands will be developed into an outdoor cultural gathering place that is guided by Mi'kmaw traditional teachings.

After five generations of family ownership, our family is honoured to pass the store on to the First Nations community. It's a meaningful transition for us, knowing the store will continue to serve the community with the same heart and eclectic spirit that's made it special for so many years. We've always believed in offering a little bit of everything, and we're thrilled to see that legacy carried forward. We know the store is in the best of hands and can't wait to see it thrive in this new chapter. - The MacPherson Family

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Published: 24 April 2025

Bruce Clarke Law Services Company Limited

(902) 889-3622 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Victoria Ogden
*Address Unknown*

Ms. Ogden:

RE: Ban from Wasoqopa'q (Acadia) First Nation Reserves

We are the solicitors for the Wasoqopa'q First Nation. You have been attending the Yarmouth reserve without the consent, authorization or approval of the Chief and Council of the First Nation. Your attendance has been a disturbance to residents of the reserve.

Chief and Council have reviewed the information and have issued a Ban Order, effective immediately and of indefinite duration, preventing you from entering onto any of its reserve lands or other lands under its jurisdiction or control.

The Indian Act and the First Nation Residency By-Law allow the Chief and Council to control who has the right to enter onto its lands, including controlling access by non-Band Members. The Disorderly Conduct and Nuisances Bylaw gives Chief and Council the power to ban individuals, including for certain behaviours.

As a result of this Ban Order, you are not permitted to enter any Wasoqopa'q First Nation reserve or other lands owned or controlled by it, and are banned from access to any residences, stores, businesses or other facilities located on any such reserve, even if invited by a Band Member.

If you enter onto any of these Wasoqopa'q First Nation lands while under this Ban Order, you will be a trespasser and subject to punishment for an offence under Section 30 of the Indian Act, as well as subject to the laying of an information by the Attorney General of Canada under Section 31 of the Act.

This Ban Order is of indefinite duration and can only be reversed by a future decision in writing from the Chief and Council. Govern yourself accordingly.

Regards,
D. Bruce Clarke, KC

Ban from Wasoqopa'q (Acadia) First Nation Reserves(140 KB)

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Published: 26 March 2025

Angela Gladwin
Regional Executive Director
South Shore Regional Centre for Education Regional Office
69 Wentzell Drive, Bridgewater, NS,
B4V 0A2
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

March 25th, 2025
RE: Flags

Dear Ms. Gladwin:

I am disappointed to read of the recent decision made by the South Shore Regional Centre for Education to discontinue flying the Mi'kmaq flag. I understand that you will only be flying the Canadian and Nova Scotia flag outside your schools and move other flags, such as the Mi'Kmaq, African Nova Scotian and LGBTQ+, inside.

We would remind you that each school and office on the South Shore sits on the unceded land of the Mi'kmaq. The removal of our flag is not only disrespectful to our students but our residential school survivors and the community of Wasoqopa' q First Nation. We have fought long and hard for recognition, respect and reconciliation within the school system.

Now more than ever, we need to celebrate our diversity and reject discrimination. We must provide an all-inclusive environment for our youth. We fear your decision to remove our flag along with the others, will send a message to the community that we are no longer open to diversity and inclusion.

We would ask that you revisit your decision and would encourage consultation within the communities you serve when making such significant decisions.

Sincerely,

Chief Deborah Robinson
Wasoqopa' q First Nation

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Published: 20 February 2025

Any Wasoqopa'q First Nation Band Member wishing to file their income tax return, please bring your paperwork to the nearest Wasoqopa'q First Nation Office

(This service will be provided to Members free of charge.)

Download Form(653 KB)