We, the M’kmaq, band members and supporters of Millbrook First Nation (MFN), call on the relevant authorities  to support and enable the establishment of a toll-highway that passes through Millbrook First Nation territory. Such a measure would promote financial sustainability, community development, and Indigenous sovereignty in a time of growing need. The government has proved we cannot rely on them anymore!!

Rationale & Purpose

Precedent among First Nations and Indigenous communities

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke recently announced that it is exploring road tolls on major highways (Routes 132 and 138) crossing its territory to offset looming federal budget cuts. Toll rates under consideration are about US $4.60 per car.  
Similar strategies have been used elsewhere:

A private reserve road operated by Soowahlie First Nation (British Columbia) was temporarily tolled during a highway closure — the funds went toward road maintenance and community programs.
In the United States, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe has considered toll booths on state/federal highways crossing reservation lands to fund flood-recovery and neglected infrastructure.
In Alberta, the Siksika Nation has floated the idea of tolls or lower speed limits along highways traversing its lands to improve safety and discourage heavy transport through their communities.

These examples demonstrate that tolling by Indigenous communities can be a legitimate and pragmatic tool to raise revenue, maintain infrastructure, and assert control over transit through their territories.
Local precedent — economic viability of toll roads in Nova Scotia

The now-decommissioned toll on the Cobequid Pass (Amherst ↔ Truro) once generated about CA$19.9 million annually before the pandemic. Over its lifespan from 1997, it collected nearly CA$390 million in total toll revenue.  
This confirms that toll-financed highway systems in Nova Scotia can reliably generate significant funds — supporting maintenance, infrastructure, and operating costs.

Supporting community sovereignty and self-determination

A toll system under MFN authority would enable the community to invest in essential local programs — e.g. housing, education, infrastructure, health, and cultural initiatives — independently of inconsistent federal funding or external austerity measures.
By controlling transit and revenue on highways that cross our territory, MFN could affirm its rights and exercise meaningful economic sovereignty — aligning with wider Indigenous aspirations for self-governance and financial independence.

Proposed Toll Structure & Use of Revenue

Charge a modest toll per light vehicle — comparable to other First Nations’ toll rates (e.g. ≈ US $4.60, or a fair Canadian equivalent).
Adjust for heavier vehicles/trucks, given their greater wear on infrastructure.
Use toll revenue to:

Maintain and upgrade roads and related infrastructure on MFN lands.
Fund community programs (housing, education, health, elders/youth supports, etc.).
Invest in long-term community economic development and capacity building.

Benefits

Provides a stable, predictable revenue stream directly under MFN control.
Reduces dependence on federal transfers, which may fluctuate or be cut.
Enables community-led decision-making over land use and infrastructure.
Strengthens MFN’s path toward economic self-sufficiency and sovereignty.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Given the urgent need for sustainable funding, the demonstrated success of toll roads in Nova Scotia, and the precedent among other First Nations, we believe establishing a toll highway through Millbrook First Nation territory is a viable, just, and strategic measure.

We thus call on:

Millbrook First Nation leadership and governing council to initiate a feasibility study and community consultation;
Provincial and federal governments to respect and support the process;
Citizens, allies, and supporters to sign and endorse this petition.

Our community deserves the right to control its land, infrastructure, and future. A toll highway could be a powerful step toward that goal!