In recognition of her work in Indigenous rights, justice and reconciliation, Dr. L. Jane McMillan, StFX anthropology professor and co-director of the Deveau Institute for Indigenous Governance and Social Justice at StFX, has been appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia. The Order of Nova Scotia is the province’s highest honour. It recognizes people from diverse fields of endeavour who have distinguished themselves through their lasting contributions to the province.
Dr. McMillan was also honoured with a Treaty Commemoration Medal at Pier 21 on Treaty Day. This special medal marks the 300th anniversary of the Peace and Friendship Treaty of 1726.
It was co-designed by Mi’kmaw artist and StFX honorary doctorate recipient Alan Syliboy. The Treaty Medal was presented by Nova Scotia Lieutenant-Governor Mike Savage and Kji Saqmaw Norman Sylliboy to Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals recognized for their leadership roles in the meaningful revitalization of Treaty relations.
“I am profoundly honoured to receive these awards,” Dr. McMillan says. “The gratitude I have for the people who nominated me for the Order of Nova Scotia and supported me throughout my career is immeasurable. I didn’t get here alone. This recognition is shared with everyone who supported me, worked with me, and engaged with me in advancing Indigenous rights.”
Dr. McMillan says she is “forever indebted” to members of the Mi’kmaq Nation, the Marshall family, and in particular the Mi’kmaw Grand Council for including her among the people to receive the Treaty Commemoration medal. “I truly appreciate this acknowledgement, I will carry this close to my heart.”
An acclaimed legal anthropologist and educator, Professor McMillan has dedicated three decades to advancing Indigenous rights, governance, and justice. Dr. McMillan’s collaborative, community-led scholarship has significantly influenced public policy, legal discourse and systemic change. As set out in the Order of Nova Scotia investiture, “Revered by community Elders for her integrity and humility, her life’s work epitomizes the very action within reconciliation.”
Dr. McMillan graduated from StFX in 1995, with honours in anthropology. She now chairs the Anthropology Department where she held a Canada Research Chair for Indigenous Peoples and Sustainable Communities from 2006 to 2016. Her book, Truth and Conviction: Donald Marshall Jr. and the Mi’kmaq Quest for Justice, serves as vital resource for understanding treaty rights and systemic inequities.
