​We are a part of Canada: says Mi'kmaq chief, while accepting Order of Canada award

​#ChiefTerryPaul, #Membertou, #FirstNations, #Indigenousrights, #NovaScotia, #OrderofCanada
 
Cape Breton, Jul 3 (Canadian-Media): Chief Terry Paul, Membertou First Nation in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, joined the Order of Canada on June 30, a day before Canada’s 150 years celebrations, media reports said.

​Image of Chief Terry Paul. Image credit: Facebook page

Only 7,000 people, till now have received this award.

Paul, who was first elected chief in 1984 and won re-election in 2016, said the award, in fact, was the result of the work he had received from his community.

"It's certainly the work of a team and the community itself. I feel I'm really representing the community of Membertou in receiving this award and I'm very, very proud to do that," he said.

"It's an amazing feeling to be honoured like this," Paul told CBC News, CBCNews reports said.

Acknowledging his unique leadership in upholding Indigenous rights and for building a unique model of sustainable financial independence in the Membertou community, Paul said,

"I know that a lot of our people have issues with the way the country started, and the issues that are still left. They feel they should be dealt with," Paul said. "But at the same time, we are a part of Canada — we're Canadian citizens for sure,’’ and added he would like to celebrate with other Canadians "because tomorrow, we'll still be living together."
 
(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)

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