Living History, 25 years after the Marshall decision

The Marshall Case stands as a beacon in the history of Indigenous treaty rights in Canada, its waves rippling through the legal and cultural landscape of our time.

At the heart of this landmark ruling is Donald Marshall Jr., a Mi’kmaw from Membertou, Unama’ki, Cape Breton, whose name would come to echo through the chambers of justice and be embodied in Mi’kmaw youth on land and open waters. The decision upheld Indigenous rights to earn a livelihood from the harvest and sale of fish, wildlife, wild fruit and berries as set forth in the Peace and Friendship Treaties of 1760 and 1761.

Photographing and connecting with proud, young Mi’kmaw harvesters, conservationists, and activists, it was plain to see that Junior’s sacrifices were not in vain. Each face tells a story of enduring spirit within the community.

Living History is on at Eltuek Arts Centre in Sydney, Unama’ki, Cape Breton from Monday through Friday 9am-4pm and Saturday’s from 9am-3pm until November 29.
Free. All are welcome.

Steve Wadden is a settler photojournalist and avid fly fisher, living and working in unceded and unsurrendered, beautiful Unama’ki, Cape Breton Island.