The Assembly discussed branding and naming of the Mi’kmaq Forestry Initiative (MFI). The name put forward by the Forestry Advisory Committee is Mimaju’nsuti – “receiving sustenance from the forest.” The Assembly approved the name.
KMK presented on the proposed Project Governance Agreement between KMK, UINR and CMM for the administration of Mimaju’nsuti. The Assembly approved this going forward.
The Assembly’s legal team provided an update on the discontinued civil litigation and discussed the charges laid against Potlotek’s harvester, Craig Doucette. The Assembly agreed to support the defense of Doucette’s fisheries charges.
Chief Annie Bernard-Daisley requested a letter of support of the wrongful conviction of the Quewezance Sisters from Keeseekoose First Nation in Saskatchewan. Odelia and Nerissa Quewezance were convicted in 1994 of the second-degree murder of a Kamsack-area farmer. The sisters have maintained their innocence throughout this period, and someone else has since admitted to the murder. The Assembly directed KMK to draft a letter in support of the conditional release of the sisters, on their behalf.
The Assembly discussed a potential sponsor for the Canadian Coast Guard vessel, Kopit Hopson 1752. A name was recommended and KMK was asked to reach out to see if this individual would be interested in this role.
KMK sought the Assembly’s insight for any Elders or Knowledge Holders in their communities who could provide stories about Pastukopajit awe’katik (St. Peter’s) and the surrounding area. KMK is looking to capture historical information and understand of the significance of the place in a video project being funded by Parks Canada.
The Assembly discussed the proposed lease to develop a portion of the West Mabou Beach Provincial Park into a golf course. The KMK Consultation and Archaeology teams provided information on the rare plant and bird species located in the area and noted concerns about the potential impacts to the flora and fauna. The Assembly directed the Consultation team to draft a letter outlining the Assembly’s concerns, expressing that further archaeological work needs to be done, and requesting consultation on the proposed development.
AFN Regional Chief Prosper discussed several upcoming symposiums scheduled for 2023. Regional Chief Prosper spoke about an offer to transfer some lands to the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia. The Assembly directed KMK and Regional Chief to work with the Lead Chief of Lands and return to the Assembly with more information. An update was also provided on the Terms of Service for the AFN Chiefs Committee, and on several ongoing initiatives including the gathering of the Grand Council and interviews with the Nation’s women leaders.
Chief Leroy Denny discussed the need to interview Elders on the impacts and history of centralization. The Assembly would like to determine potential interviewees and record these videos as soon as possible.
Chief Carol Potter brought up concerns about the elver fishery and quotas available to Mi’kmaw harvesters.
The Assembly discussed regional representation at the 2023 International Indigenous Tourism Conference in Winnipeg in March.
