About the WMA
Building Prosperity Together
Why WMA Exists
WMA was created to help the Mi’kmaw Nation participate in major economic opportunities in a coordinated, strategic, and business-ready way.
Many large projects require significant due diligence, financing, legal structure, technical review, partner alignment, and long-term oversight. WMA provides a vehicle for the 13 communities to participate together in opportunities that may be difficult for any one community to pursue alone.
At its core, WMA exists to support Mi’kmaw self-determination, economic prosperity, and Nation-level participation in the future of Nova Scotia.
Who We Are
The Wskijinu’k Mtmo’taqnuow Agency Ltd. (WMA), meaning “The People’s Agency,” was established in 2019 by the 13 Mi’kmaw Chiefs of Nova Scotia. The WMA is owned collectively by Nova Scotia’s 13 Mi’kmaw communities and has a governing Board of Directors. The WMA was created to pursue shared economic opportunities that can generate long-term value for the Mi’kmaw Nation.
WMA operates as an independent economic development entity. Its role is to support major partnership opportunities, joint ventures, equity participation, and strategic investments on behalf of its collective ownership.
WMA does not replace the role of individual communities, Chiefs and Councils, community economic development offices, or rights-based consultation processes. Its mandate is focused on economic participation, partnership development, and long-term value creation.
What We Do
WMA identifies, evaluates, develops, and participates in major business opportunities that align with Mi’kmaw values and create shared benefit for the 13 Mi’kmaw communities in Nova Scotia.
Our work includes:
- pursuing strategic partnerships and joint ventures
- supporting Mi’kmaw participation in major projects
- creating pathways for equity ownership and long-term investment returns
- strengthening relationships with industry, government, utilities, financial institutions, and service partners
- supporting opportunities in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, healthcare and medical services, construction, and project financing
- building systems, governance, and communication practices that support responsible growth
WMA focuses on opportunities that are regional, large-scale, or complex enough that they benefit from a collective Mi’kmaw approach.
Where We Work
WMA’s work is rooted in Mi’kma’ki and focused on opportunities that affect Nova Scotia’s 13 Mi’kmaw communities.
Our projects and partnerships may take place in different regions of the province, but the purpose remains consistent: to create long-term economic benefit for the Mi’kmaw Nation while respecting our shared responsibility to the land, air, water, and future generations.
How We Work
WMA works through partnership, due diligence, and structured participation.
Each opportunity is reviewed with attention to strategic fit, community benefit, financial sustainability, environmental responsibility, partner credibility, and long-term value. Depending on the opportunity, WMA may participate through a joint venture, majority Mi’kmaw-owned partnership, minority equity stake, project financing relationship, service partnership, or other business structure.
WMA is designed to operate at the speed of business while remaining grounded in accountability, stewardship, trust, and collective benefit.
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Our Strategic Focus
WMA’s strategic direction is focused on building a stronger, more visible, and more sustainable organization. Our current priorities include:
- strengthening organizational capacity, governance, and internal systems
- building financial sustainability and long-term value
advancing strategic project development and portfolio growth - strengthening partnerships while maintaining WMA’s distinct role
- improving communication, visibility, and connection with communities
Together, these priorities support WMA’s continued growth as a trusted economic development vehicle for the Mi’kmaw Nation.
Our Commitment
WMA’s work is guided by values that reflect both strong business practice and Mi’kmaw priorities:
Collective Benefit
We pursue opportunities that support shared prosperity across Nova Scotia’s 13 Mi’kmaw communities.
Self-Determination
We support Mi’kmaw participation, ownership, and decision-making in major economic opportunities.
Stewardship
We recognize our responsibility to the land, air, water, and future generations.
Trust
We build long-term relationships based on transparency, respect, and accountability.
Intergenerational Prosperity
We focus on value that lasts beyond a single project, agreement, or investment cycle.
Moving Forward
WMA is building a portfolio of projects, partnerships, and investments that support a stronger economic future for Nova Scotia’s Mi’kmaw communities.
By combining Mi’kmaw values, strong governance, strategic partnerships, and practical business structures, WMA is helping create opportunities that support prosperity today and carry value forward for future generations.