The 2021-2022 KMK audited financial statements were presented and approved.
KMK presented the EverWind Fuels Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). EverWind Fuels is a private developer of green hydrogen and green ammonia production and storage facilities, in Point Tupper, NS. The MOU a commitment for both parties to work together, in good faith, on the development of a Benefits Agreement. The Assembly wants to ensure that Mi’kmaw Treaty Rights are protected in this MOU. The Assembly’s legal counsel confirmed the MOU is without prejudice to Treaty Rights and to any concerns that may come forward in the Consultation process. The Assembly approved the MOU.
The Joint Regional transportation Agency (JRTA) presented an overview of their organization, partnerships and future transportation projects. Chief Bernard-Daisley raised concerns about the safety of our people, especially with human trafficking, asking about the JRTA’s plans for safe transportation. Chief Toney spoke about the importance of involving the Mi’kmaw communities that fall within their study area, and those living in the Halifax Regional Municipality, through the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre. District Chief Pictou spoke about the need for the ferry system to improve. Chief Potter raised concerns about funding issues with transportation and employment opportunities with work that may be planned for their region.
Chief Terry Paul spoke to the Assembly about the communities considering providing last year’s profits from surf clams to the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre. The Assembly requested that a meeting be planned through Ulnooweg Development Group to talk about their surf clam business and to receive a presentation from Mi’kmawey Debert.
Jennifer Deleski, from Membertou, provided an update on Nova Porte in Sydney.
KMK provided updates on their work on citizenship, on the Wula Na Kinu and the Harvester Identification processes. The Assembly spoke about the importance of this work.
KMK gave an update on the proposed amendments to the Indian Act by the Government of Canada and on the Vital Statistics Act by the Province of Nova Scotia. Indian Act amendments were tabled in December 2022 and recommendations were made to Nova Scotia to work with Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada to understand how the changes to the Vital Statistics Act could impact those with Status.
The team working on Maw Kleyu’kik Knijannaq at KMK provided updates on their work on the customary code and the upcoming visits to Chiefs, Councils, and communities. Discussion was also had on transition planning with Mi’kmaw Family and Children’s Services.
KMK gave an update on the critical evaluation by First Peoples Law of the Terms of Reference of a Mi’kmaq-Nova Scotia Canada Consultation Process. KMK will be looking at how the recommendations made can be implemented to help build upon the existing process to help it better align with recent case law and UNDRIP.
Discussion was also had on Fisheries and a request to increase the Total Allowable Catch in LFA 41.
Jennifer Copage provided an update on behalf of AFN Regional Chief Prosper on the upcoming AFN AGA to be held in Halifax in July and the Strategic Planning Sessions. Discussion was also had on filling seats in various Chiefs’ committees for AFN. She also provided an update on the Child Welfare settlement agreement and the AFN Human Resources investigations.
Chief Denny spoke about recognizing Daniel Paul for his work and contributions to the Mi’kmaw Nation.
KMK shared information on Hemlock Woolly Adelgid treatment process that was previously presented to the Assembly and how things are going with the treatment program.
