The Assembly discussed the use of the name of Edward Cornwallis throughout Nova Scotia and the work of the Task Force in which Chief Rod holds the seat as Co-Chair.
Moderate Livelihood Fisheries was discussed. Chief Terry Paul, Assembly’s Fisheries Lead, and the KMKNO Negotiations Team spoke about negotiations discussions, community engagement, how the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia could move forward and Grand Council participation in these discussions. The Chiefs spoke in-depth on this topic and many issues and concerns were brought forward.
Jaime Battiste, Member of Parliament, spoke to the Federal Government’s position on Livelihood and reconciliation with the Mi’kmaq.
A community member spoke on point of sale tax exemption and the obstacles and challenges that community members are having. The Assembly discussed the work that was done on this topic in the past and where the file currently stands.
The Assembly discussed items that needed to be brought forward at an upcoming meeting with Minister Bennett of Crown-Indigenous Services. KMKNO will compile information requested and prepare key messages for this meeting.
A member of the KMKNO team spoke on the Mi’kmaq Forestry Initiative. The Chiefs approved the operations plans to obtain forestry blocks in Eastern Nova Scotia and Cape Breton for silviculture. KMKNO, CMM and UINR, in collaboration, will develop harvesting plans for these blocks on the Assembly’s behalf.
Information was also provided on the Indigenous Protected and Conservation Areas. The Assembly approved a Terms of Reference to be developed for this work.
The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq (CMM) received direction from the Assembly to host the Mi’kmaq History Month working committee in 2015 for five-years. The Assembly approved and mandated CMM to continue to carry out the planning and facilitation of Mi’kmaq History Month activities, as laid out in the Terms of Reference.
Avon River was discussed. The Chiefs requested that a communications piece be developed and be issued so the public understand their position on this project. KMKNO and MCG were directed to develop this communique together.
