Eric Zscheile, KMKNO, spoke on a proposal to create a Mi’kmaq Guardian program for Parks, Forestry and Wildlife. CMM and UNIR have had community visits to discuss with community members the concept of a Mi’kmaq Guardian Program. The Assembly directed the three organizations: CMM, UINR and KMKNO, to submit a funding proposal for this work.
Anthony King, Mi’kmaq Conservation Group, requested use of the Assembly’s St. Croix block of lands for Environment Climate Change and Species at Risk research. The Assembly approved.
Zabrina Whitman, KMKNO Senior Policy Analyst, spoke on the Mi’kmaq Enrollment Process. The Assembly approved the launch of the pilot program this summer.
Bruce Clarke, Burchells LLP, spoke on the Assembly’s Limited Partnership, Saqmawi-Mtomo-Taqney. The Assembly requested that this discussion be tabled for another meeting.
Bruce Clarke also spoke on the Beaubassin Mi’kmaq Wind Management Ltd. Board of Directors. The Assembly agreed to make changes to the Board Members for Beaubassin.
The Assembly discussed the creation of a new portfolio for Economic Development and for Housing, Water and Infrastructure. The Assembly requested more information and to discuss further at another date.
Chief Terry Paul provided an update on the Arctic Surf Clam discussions.
Twila Gaudet, KMKNO Director of Consultation, spoke on Pictou Landing’s desire to apply for funding for an Environmental Assessment on the Boat Harbour Remediation Project. The Assembly supports Chief Andrea Paul and Pictou Landing First Nation in their funding application.
Justin Huston, Office of Aboriginal Affairs, and Bob MacKinnon, Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation, provided an update on Nova Scotia’s current court case with Canada Revenue Agency.
Chief PJ Prosper and Jennifer Cox, KMKNO Child Family Initiative Team, provided an update on the Federal Child Welfare Legislation and provided an overview of the submission that they are making to the Senate Standing Committee and Indigenous Affairs Committee.
Jennifer MacGillivary, KMKNO Benefits Officer, informed the Assembly that research is currently being conducted on the possibility of cannabis retail options, as they had requested.
Jennifer MacGillivary and Bruce Wildsmith, Legal Counsel, provided an update on the Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline Benefits Agreement, originally signed in 1999, and where the Assembly’s ongoing communication to the proponent to have this agreement updated currently stands.
Chief PJ Prosper and Jennifer MacGillivary spoke on Carbon Engineering and the recent meeting with Huron Clean Energy about their clean energy project.
