Mi'kmaw lawyer from Nova Scotia appointed to Senate

Paul Prosper is one of two Mi'kmaw lawyers appointed to the Senate this month.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement in a statement last week on Thursday. The appointments were formally made by Gov. Gen. Mary Simon.

"I'm just really excited and I feel really grateful and honoured to serve in this way," Prosper said during an interview on CBC's Mainstreet on Tuesday.

Prosper, who has more than 25 years of experience in Indigenous legal issues, will fill the Senate vacancy for Nova Scotia. He has been a "life-long advocate for the rights of Indigenous people," the statement reads.

Prosper served as the chief of the Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation and as the regional chief for Newfoundland and Nova Scotia at the Assembly of First Nations.

His Senate appointment follows the retirement of Canada's first Mi'kmaw senator, Dan Christmas, earlier this year.

Christmas, of Membertou, was appointed in 2016. He left his post in Canada's upper house in February, saying he wanted to spend more time with his daughter.

It was Christmas's work in the Senate that inspired Prosper to apply for the position, Prosper said.

"I had the opportunity to present before a committee chaired by former senator Christmas and it really struck me.... Here I am before this mentor and role model for me," Prosper said. "I guess something just clicked. There's a variety of ways one can serve and advance the interests of Aboriginal Mi'kmaw people."

As a senator, Prosper said he's keen on being able to get into the "nitty gritty" of legislation and discussing with others in Senate what work can be done to further the rights of Indigenous people in the province.

He added that more broadly, he wants to work toward protecting the environment for future generations of Canadians.

When asked about possible concerns about the position, Prosper said he's looking forward to working with the government bringing his perspective to the upper house.

"It really dawned on me that I think it's important to try and utilize the process to effect the change from within," he said. "Yes, that might sound quite ominous and daunting, but it does work sometimes."

"In order for a system to work, as as far as I understand it, you need a diversity of opinions."

Judy White, from Flat Bay Band in Newfoundland and Labrador, has also been appointed to the Senate, filling a vacancy for that province.