Chief Sidney Peters spoke about the invitation to participate on a panel for the Mass Casualty Commission proceeding. He will be speaking as an individual who lives in a rural community.
Chief Carol Potter asked about the upcoming Nationhood Conference and confirmed that District Chiefs would also be invited to attend.
KMK provided update on logo development for the Cultural Tourism Mi’kmaw Authenticity work. Ten Mi’kmaw artists submitted, and the Chiefs evaluated those submissions. The Assembly discussed the top-ranking artists and provided direction on how to proceed with the project.
Burchells LLP and a representative of Wskijinu’k Mtmo’taqnuow Agency Limited (WMA) provided an update on the company. The Assembly reviewed the draft budget for WMA for the next two years and discussed potential wind project partnerships.
Chief Wilbert Marshall spoke to the request received from the Province regarding the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and the possibility of it being observed and a general holiday in Nova Scotia. The Assembly agreed that September 30th should be recognized as a general holiday and had discussion about the importance of recognizing Treaty Day as a holiday in Nova Scotia.
KMK provided an update on the consultation on the Avon River aboiteau.
KMK informed the Assembly about Public Services and Procurement Canada’s (PSPC) Canadian Internship program. Chief Deborah Robinson suggested that KMK share information on how DFO developed their Mi’kmaq intern program. The Assembly agreed with PSPC posting for these summer positions.
An update was provided about Band Designates. KMK has been able to confirm funding for another year for these community-based positions.
Representatives of Efficiency Nova Scotia and Breton Group LLP presented their Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (UARB) filing 2023-2025 Demand Side Management Plan. They also provided an update on the Mi’kmaw Home Efficiency project. The Assembly spoke about concerns about how much energy/power bills have been increasing and what the renewable energy projects have to offer as a return to offset these growing costs. The Assembly directed KMK to register as an intervener with the UARB for Efficiency Nova Scotia’s application.
Membertou Geomatics provided update on the collection of Mi’kmaw Ecological Knowledge Studies and the development of an online database to help identify information to be used in the MEKS process.
The Assembly discussed vacant portfolios and will hold a focused meeting to discuss how those seats should be filled.
