Deborah Robinson, Chief

Chief Deborah Robinson was first elected as Chief of Acadia First Nation in June of 1987 and has consecutively held this position since. Growing up in Yarmouth County, Chief Robinson is the second eldest child to her parents, Louis and Viola Robinson. Deeply influenced by her mother's wisdom, knowledge and political background and her late father's tenacious ethics, honesty, kindness and hard work, Chief Robinson has been an advocate for the Mi'kmaw from a very young age. She believes that leadership is a responsibility that chooses you rather than you choosing it.

Her early political career began as Student Council President and a Mi'kmaw Youth representative for Nova Scotia, while attending high school. Upon graduation, Chief Robinson decided to devote her life to the plight of Native people. Since first being elected, Chief Robinson's community and social development have increased dramatically. Through her role as Chief over the past twenty six (26) years she has held a variety of high profile political positions on behalf of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs, is now the co-chair of the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat, President of Mi'kmaq Family Children Services and many other Aboriginal Organizations.

Chief Robinson has always been a strong advocate for all band members, both on and off-reserve and takes great pride in the fact that she has provided services to all her people. Throughout the years she has held the position of Chief with honour, pride and has often said that "everyone has a unique purpose and many special gifts to share from the Creator". Chief Robinson resides on the Yarmouth Reserve with her husband, David, son Jadon, and daughter Marla and her husband who has blessed with her with 3 beautiful grandchildren.