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Mi'kmaw historian, author, activist Dan Paul dies

The Town of Amherst pays tribute to Mi’kmaw historian, author and activist Daniel Paul who passed away on Tuesday after battling cancer.

Paul, who grew up in Indian Brook has been a key figure in our Nations journey to Truth and Reconciliation. Paul's book, We Were Not the Savages, is considered a landmark work in Mi'kmaw literature and Nova Scotia literature that covered 300 years of Mi'kmaw history.

He was a member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Nova Scotia.  In 2022 Paul received a Nova Scotia Human Rights award. According to the commission, the Wel-lukwen Award recognizes "contributions to building cultural awareness and understanding of L'nu'k history, traditions and community."

Councillor Hal Davidson, Chair of the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Committee for the Town of Amherst said “Daniel Paul has been a true champion of human rights and his efforts have brought the work of Truth and Reconciliation to the forefront.  We hope to be able to honor his legacy and continue to strive to improve the lives of all our citizens.”

In honor of Daniel Paul, Town of Amherst Flags are flying at half mast.