Nova Scotia AFN Regional Chief Paul Prosper appointed to Senate

The regional chief who fronted the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) executive committee during the ousting of its national chief last week has landed a Senate appointment.

Gov. Gen. Mary Simon appointed Paul Prosper as an independent senator for Nova Scotia to fill a vacancy in Canada's upper chamber on Thursday, according to a news release issued by the Prime Minister's Office.

Prosper is a lawyer and a former chief of Paqtnek Mi'kmaw Nation, about 180 kilometres northeast of Halifax, and has been the AFN regional chief for Nova Scotia since 2020.

"It represents, I think, an incredible opportunity to serve not only, you know, all constituents within the province of Nova Scotia but throughout Canada and to really bring my experience, my knowledge, my approach to some of the pressing issues and challenges that face our country and work with other committed individuals to make this country a better place," he said.

Prosper often spoke for the AFN's executive committee during the dispute with former national chief RoseAnne Archibald, who was ousted from her role last week during a virtual assembly.

She posted about the appointment on her Facebook page.

"There are no coincidences. The regional chief who is speaking for other regional chiefs re: their #coup against me," wrote Archibald on Facebook.

Prosper said he wanted to focus on his accomplishments at the moment. 

"I respect RoseAnne Archibald, I do, it's just that we're on different sides of an important issue that was decided upon recently," he said.

Cory Julian, the current chief of Paqtknek, said Prosper is a warm and thoughtful leader and they were sad to see him leave when he took on the regional chief role, but they're proud of the heights he's reached.

"He's a role model in our community," said Julian.

"He was the first ever in our community to ever be appointed as senator and regional chief. So to see him go on to bigger things, we're really proud of him."

Mi'kmaw senator also appointed in N.L.

Judy White, who is also Mi'kmaw and a member of the Flat Bay Band in Newfoundland, was also appointed as an independent senator for Newfoundland and Labrador on Thursday. 

White is a lawyer with an extensive career in human rights, Indigenous governance, and legislative matters and most recently served as director general of Indigenous Services Canada's education branch.

"Paul Prosper and Judy White have dedicated their careers to advancing the rights of Indigenous Peoples, and I know they will be important voices for their communities, their regions, and all Canadians in the Senate," said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the news release.

The new senators were recommended by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments.

Prosper said he hopes his appointment will inspire other Mi'kmaw youth to dream of taking on political office.

He said he still has to learn about the position but he's lucky to be able to turn to former senator Dan Christmas and sitting Sen. Brian Francis, both of whom are also Mi'kmaw, for advice.