In 2017, a community survey was conducted which determined the funds from the Mi’kmaw License Plate would be used for youth events and activities. The sale and renewal of Mi’kmaw license plates generate approximately $20,000 annually and these funds have been held in trust since the release of the plates. As requested, KMK brought back a fresh idea for how to distribute those funds. It was proposed using the funds to establish a Mi’kmaw Youth Assembly, which would be structured similarly to the Assembly and provide an opportunity for youth to better understand and participate in governance. The Assembly agreed to use the funds to establish a Mi’kmaw Youth Assembly.
KMK provided an update on the centralization research requested by the Assembly. The team requires access to restricted files from Archive Canada on the government program Centralization, implemented in the 1940s. The Assembly agreed that KMK researchers should request access to these restricted files.
Chief Bob Gloade spoke about lands that Millbrook First Nation has acquired and request to lead consultation on the ScotiaPort rail transit, keeping the Assembly informed of those conversations. The Assembly agreed for Millbrook to take the lead on those discussions.
KMK shared information about a potential purchase of a former DFO building in downtown Dartmouth, which has been vacant since 2019. Discussions were had about using it for affordable housing and partnership opportunities with The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre, Mi’kmaw Child and Family Services, Halifax Regional Municipality, or the province. The Assembly requested that a site visit be booked for the co-lead Chiefs by KMK’s Lands Department so that more details can come back to the Assembly with recommendations.
Regional Chief Andrea Paul provided an update to the Assembly on Canada’s 2024 budget cuts, which are expected to be around 500 million. She also spoke about the progress being made on the Red Dress Alert System, which will send out an alert when any Indigenous woman, girl or 2SLGBTQQIA+ community members go missing. Regional Chief Paul also announced that the Thunderbirds lacrosse team owner has invited the Chiefs to attend the season’s first game, which will be themed ‘Every Child Matters’.
KMK spoke about the upcoming Assembly of First Nations meeting in Ottawa. The governance lead developed a new system for proxies to make things easier for the Chiefs during voting and has developed a resolution assessment kit and candidate information package on those running for National Chief.
KMK’s senior legal advisor provided an update on green investment projects. The Assembly directed KMK to submit a loan application in the upcoming year to invest into projects related to battery storage from wind and solar farms, with plans to work alongside Wskijnu’k Mtmo’taqnuow Agency Ltd.
