The Assembly heard from Dr. Strang about the current status of the COVID virus in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia Public Health is working with the Health Directors in Mi’kmaw communities to roll out vaccines for 5- to 11-year-old children. Because of underlying health factors, booster shots will eventually become available for anyone 30 years old or over in the Mi’kmaw communities.
The Assembly congratulated Chief Gerry Toney, Chief Carol Potter and Chief Tma Francis on their recent re-elections.
KMK provided an overview of the Avon River Independent Engineering Assessment. The Assembly accepted Dillon Consulting Limited’s report and maintained that a tidal bridge is the only option to allow unimpeded fish passage for all species without manual manipulation.
KMK, CMM, UINR and EFWC have been working on behalf of the Assembly on Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCA). KMK provided an update on their work. The Assembly agreed to the recommended process for advancing IPCAs in Nova Scotia.
KMK spoke about the Adoptions Record Act in Nova Scotia and Mi’kmaw-specific definitions developed for the Act and regulations. The Assembly agreed with the definitions provided.
Representatives of UNSM presented on the Regional Social Survey. The Assembly agreed with UNSM conducting the survey in the Mi’kmaw communities. UNSM will reach out to each Chief and Council directly on the best ways to reach their members.
KMK presented potential properties that could be of interest to the Mi’kmaq and part of the 2021 negotiation lands set aside for possible future acquisition. The Assembly agreed with the lands identified.
Regional Chief Prosper provided an update on the delegation of individuals from across Canada chosen to meet Pope Francis at the Vatican in December. Regional Chief also provided an update on a number of other items, which included: his recent attendance at a Climate Change conference in Scotland, the upcoming election for an AFN Regional Chief for NB and PEI, the upcoming AFN all Chiefs Assembly meeting, an active class-action lawsuit for Indigenous children-in-care, the needs of Indigenous communities in BC due to flooding and where one can donate, and a recent trip to Newfoundland to meet the Provincial Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation.
Chief Norman Bernard and Pamela Large Moran, from PLM Law, spoke about the Indian Day School settlement claim.
Chief Annie Bernard-Daisley spoke about NSCC developing getaway and wellness spaces on their campus for their Indigenous students. Chief Bernard-Daisley has provided them with a letter of support.
