Efficiency Nova Scotia presented on the Mi’kmaw Home Energy Efficiency Program (MHEEP) and future opportunities through the program. To date, the program, which launched in 2018, has completed upgrades in 900 homes across the 13 Mi’kmaw communities.
A Steering Committee on offshore wind development in Nova Scotia spoke to the Assembly about conducting community engagement to hear Indigenous perspectives. The committee also asked for recommendations of people to sit on their Indigenous Advisory Committee as they move forward with the project.
KMK provided information on racialized data collection by police. Statistics Canada and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) proposed to collect data in 2024 on all racialized victims and accused persons in 2020. The Assembly voiced how they do not support this type of data collection as it poses significant probability of harm, bias, and injustice. The Assembly directed Justice Co-Chair Chiefs to send a letter to Statistics Canada, the CACP, and Chiefs of Police operating in Nova Scotia calling for a halt to this proposed initiative and demand immediate action to end police racial violence.
KMK provided information on the new 345 kV transmission line NSPI is proposing to design, construct and operate from Onslow, N.S. to the New Brunswick border. A Collaboration Agreement was reviewed by the Assembly’s legal advisor and the Assembly agreed to move forward. An Implementation Committee will be formed to carry out the agreement.
KMK provided information on the Mi’kmaw First Program, which is intended to increase procurement from Mi’kmaw Businesses when bidding on tenders and will provide on-the-job training, work experience and mentorship. The Chiefs discussed some of the challenges with training community members for various projects. KMK will be meeting with unions and trade sector councils in the future to address some of the ongoing challenges.
Chief Leroy Denny spoke about the string of protests that have recently taken place across Canada opposing 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive school policies. The Assembly agreed that public advocacy for the two-spirit community was important. The Assembly requested a media release to be issued to proclaim their support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and condemning all anti-2SLGBTQIA+ actions.
Chief Andrea Paul provided an update on Assembly of First Nations upcoming events, including the National Virtual Justice Speaker Series and the Special Chiefs Assembly. The Call for Candidates for the position of AFN Regional Chief for Nova Scotia has been issued and closes October 6, 2023.
KMK provided updates on the moose harvesting checkpoint and the research being done on the health of the moose. Discussion was also had on UINR’s annual feast in the highlands.
KMK provided an update on the Nature Trust and the agreement that is being worked on to provide funding to Mi’kmaw organizations for Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas.
The Maw-Kleyu’kik Knijannaq (MKK) team at KMK provided updates on their initiative including community engagement sessions. Chiefs and council members will be invited to a MKK symposium in December.
