Mi'kmaw lawyer from Nova Scotia appointed to Senate

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

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement in a statement last week on Thursday. The appointments were formally made byGov. 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'sMainstreet on Tuesday.

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

Prosperserved as the chief of the Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation and as the regional chief for Newfoundland and Nova Scotia atthe 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, wasappointed 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 andit really struck me....Here I am before thismentor 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 ofAboriginal 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 environmentfor future generations of Canadians.

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

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