Chief Bernard-Daisley brought up the amount of violence in the Mi’kmaw communities and how something has to be done about it. District Chief Sherry Pictou echoed her concerns and spoke about bylaw enforcement and preventative measures. Kji-Keptin Denny voiced concerns about racism in the justice system. KMK’s Executive Director spoke to the possibility of holding a justice and mental health symposium.
KMK presented on Mi’kmawitasik, the cultural tourism project. They spoke about rolling out the trademark for the Mi’kmaw-made initiative. Questions were raised by the Assembly about who would qualify to receive the designation label for their work. For the pilot, the idea was to keep eligibility to those with Status Cards. Assembly members highlighted the need to ensure that the products are authentically made by those with Mi’kmaw ancestry. Discussion was had on establishing a council or committee to manage the approval process. The Assembly requested that this be taken to their Governance Advisory Committee.
KMK discussed the fisheries charges against a Potlotek harvester, speaking about the legal defence and the legal team representing him. That discussion was followed by funding the case. The Assembly decided to use the funds originally allocated for their fisheries court case, that was discontinued, to support this case.
KMK also spoke about green hydrogen, which is a source of renewable energy that relies upon wind energy from offshore wind farms. Discussion was had on how the provincial government has done a reasonable job involving Mi’kmaq in onshore wind farms, but questions how they will be involved in offshore farms. Chiefs talked about also discussed regulations. The Assembly directed the Co-Chairs write a letter to the province to request working collaboratively in the green hydrogen industry.
Chief Glasgow discussed the recent return of regalia to the Millbrook Heritage Centre and how it was unveiled during National Indigenous Peoples Day, but how only a couple Chiefs were available to attend that day. She recommended having another event when all the members of the Assembly could attend. Chief Gloade offered to reach out to the Centre to see if an event could be planned for the Chiefs in August.
Representatives from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) presented on the fuel tax proceeds from the federal fuel charge starting on July 1, 2023. ECCC wants to provide a one per cent return on the overall funds to First Nations groups in Canada. District Chief Sherry Pictou asked why there was no formal consultation with the Mi’kmaq on this. Discussions were had on how the taxes are placing undue hardship upon community members and asked why individuals could not receive this rebate directly at the pumps. Discussion was also had on the percentage being offered. The Assembly will bring this to their Governance Advisory Committee and then follow up with ECCC.
KMK spoke on the renaming of the Coast Guard vessel Kopit Hopson1752 and its dedication ceremony being planned for September 2023. The Assembly was asked to save the date.
KMK provided an update on the emergency order to close the Avon River aboiteau and the Assembly’s request to meet with the Ministers on the matter. The Assembly agreed to continue to push for an emergency meeting and to remain actively engaged in the situation.
Regional Chief Prosper gave an update regarding the vote to remove RoseAnne Archibald from the position of National Chief and the process to select an interim National Chief. The Regional Chief also talked about the upcoming AFN Annual General Assembly (AGA), fundraising and how to find the details the event. He also spoke about regional initiatives and how a strategic plan is being worked on for the east coast regional offices to determine priorities of the region and how those offices can come together to share resources and become more effective in tackling similar or shared issues.
A representative from Parks Canada spoke about the Mi’kmaw youth archaeology camp being planned at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site for this summer. The camp is designed to teach Mi’kmaw youth about their culture through archaeology and other lessons. The camp will be taking place from August 5 to 25th, with 12 youths per camp per week ranging between the ages of 10-14. A website will be launched soon for registration.
KMK provided an overview on the work being done on centralization for the Assembly. A project team is working to gather and research information and an information campaign to inform communities of the details of the project. Members from the team will be heading to communities in the Fall to record stories of centralization.
KMK provided details about the Annapolis Tidal Generation Station, including the decommissioning process. The Assembly was invited to tour the station following the meeting.
