April
- KMK brought forward concerns from Mi’kmaw harvesters about provincial bear licenses being issued for Zone 4 in the Highlands. Nova Scotia had previously prohibited bear hunting in Zones 2 and 3 because they were informed that non-Native hunters were using bear licenses as a cover to illegally hunt moose. The Assembly agreed with the concerns brought forward and will be requesting that the Minister of Lands and Forestry expand the bear hunt license prohibition to Moose Management Zone 4 for the 2021 season.
- Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq (CMM) presented the potential name for the Non-Timber Forest Products Cooperative – Wejiaq Wksitqamu’k Cooperative – which means “comes from the earth”. The Assembly agreed with the selection of this name.
- CMM presented the Communications Strategy for Neju Kelo’toqatijik Earth Keeper Network. This Communication Strategy will be used to inform Mi’kmaw communities and the public about the Neju Kelo’toqatijik Earth Keeper Network. The Assembly approved this work moving forward.
- KMK spoke on the Avon River Aboiteau replacement and Highway 101 Twinning project. The Assembly directed KMK to contract Dillon Consulting to develop an independent engineering assessment on the project.
- KMK presented the Guide to Responding to COVID-19 in Mi’kmaw Communities, co-developed by KMKNO, CMM, UNSM and the Mi’kmaq Health and Wellness Authority. The Assembly approved the guide and requested it be shared with the communities.
- Burchells LLP provided an update on current fisheries litigation, charges against community livelihood harvesters, and other legal fisheries concerns.
- KMK and Burchells LLP spoke about concerns community members brought forward on the protection of Indigenous women and girls with the development of work camps. An in-depth discussion was had on the safety of our women and girls. The Assembly established a women-led working committee to continue these important discussions.
- KMK provided an update on the TARR Centre Working Group and their efforts to help make the TARR Centre research available to the public, and their partnership with CBU.
- Representatives from the Canadian Coast Guard – Atlantic Region provided a presentation on the Maritime Search and Rescue Program.
- The Assembly discussed the status of the community Netukulimk Livelihood Plans for 2021. Chief Wilbert Marshall and KMK spoke about the ongoing consultation on the Potlotek plan. Discussions were also had on the development of a harvester reporting app to help further Mi’kmaw harvesting science.
- KMK provided an update on the 2021 Salmon/Plamu Management Plan.
- Chief Andrea Paul provided an update on Northern Pulp.
- KMK provided an update on a property disposal at Sherbrooke Lake.
- The Assembly discussed a Traditional Use Study conducted by Millbrook First Nation on the Atlantic Gold project area. Chief Gloade agreed that KMK could reach out to Millbrook’s Consultation staff to share information on any potential concerns within the project area.
- Regional Chief Prosper provided an update from the regional office for the Assembly of First Nations.