The Assembly welcomed Chief Annie Bernard-Daisley of We’koqma’q officially to the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs table.
KMKNO provided an update on the consultation on the Avon River Aboiteau bridge replacement. The Assembly directed KMKNO to seek funding to hire an engineering firm to do a third-party analysis of the project.
Chief Annie Bernard-Daisley and KMKNO spoke on We’koqma’q’s Netukulimk Livelihood Plan and the tags that have been ordered for community harvesters. Because tag production takes up to four weeks, MCG offered to support the community of We’koqma’q to attempt to get them tags faster. The Assembly expressed their support for We’koqma’q Livelihood Plan.
Burchells LLP provided an update on the legal work being done on the Moderate Livelihood file. The Assembly provided direction to Burchells on letters they wanted drafted on their behalf and for additional research that they would like to see conducted.
Burchells LLP also provided an update on the Assembly’s cannabis file. The Chiefs discussed concerns about the legality of the cannabis stores in their communities, the products that are being sold, and the possibility of other illegal drugs being sold at these stores. The Assembly decided that want to continue to move forward with a Mi’kmaw Cannabis Regime, allowing time for communities to review the Mi’kmaw Cannabis Law and the development of regulations and operational plans for the sale of cannabis and designated reserve lands, and for discussions with independent store owners.
KMKNO provided an update on the Indigenous Protected and Conservation Areas and the creation of a Mi’kmaq Land Trust. At the last September meeting, the Assembly appointed Chief Rod Googoo to sit on the board for the Land Trust for Unama’ki. Discussion was had on who could replace Chief Googoo on this Board.
KMKNO provided an update on the work conducted with Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation on the transfer of the property in Cape Breton. At a previous Assembly meeting, it was decided that Potlotek and We’koqma’q would cost share the operating costs of a property. Where there has been a change in leadership in We’koqma’q, KMKNO has offered the opportunity for reconsideration. Chief Bernard-Daisley has agreed that We’koqma’q is still interested in this property.
Regional Chief Prosper provided an update from the Assembly of First Nation, his discussion with National Chief, setting up his office and what projects/files he has been working on thus far in his new role. Chief Bernard-Daisley addressed the need for increasing the voice of Native Women at the AFN level.
The Assembly discussed meeting requests received from the leaders of the Green Party, the NDP party and the Conservative party. They worked to book meeting times for each of these requests.
The Assembly discussed the vacant portfolios and Co-Chair seat. The Assembly elected Chief Bernard-Daisley as Co-Chair. The Chiefs will be conducting a strategic planning session on the portfolio structure. To fulfill immediate needs the Assembly appointed:
Chief Gerald Toney – Fisheries
Chief Annie Bernard-Daisley – Women
Chief Tma Francis – Cannabis
Chief Norman Bernard – Justice
Chief Sidney Peters – Housing
Chief Wilbert Marshall – Indigenous and Conservation Protection Areas
