Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, 13 chiefs, and a group of other prominent figures attended the first day in Potlotek on Sunday morning to announce the new Mi'kmaq Language Act.

The law officially recognizes Mi'kmaq as a first language in the province. For Pictou Landing Chief Andrea Paul, the announcement was historic.

Paul said, "I felt like I was a part of history." "It's something very important."

Denny explained, "Just decades ago, our language was not welcomed here on this land." "We were forced to lose our language and not speak it."

The Premier believes the Mi'kmaq Language Act is another important step on the bright path to reconciliation.

Houston said, "It is a bold and very important step for the community to know that their province supports them and sees the importance of their language in this case, but their culture in general." Aside from the ceremony and symbolism, the act will make the Mi'kmaq language more visible.

Denny said, "We will be able to learn it in all schools, not just Mi'kmaq schools, and not just Mi'kmaq communities, but in the entire province."

While the legislation was announced on Sunday, it was first passed by the provincial legislature in April.

Mi'kmaq chiefs signed a resolution to affirm and support the provincial legislation on behalf of their communities.

The historic Mi'kmaq Language Act will come into effect on Sunday, October 1, which is also Treaty Day.