KMK provided an update on the site visit to the Marine House and that documents have been received from the current property owner for review. KMK will review documents and provide recommendations to the Assembly at their next meeting. An in-depth discussion took place on affordable housing.
A representative for the Mi’kmaq Legal Support Network (MLSN) provided update on the Family Court Worker Project. With the support of Legal Aid staff, MLSN will be submitting a proposal for funding for family support workers for Mi’kmaw communities to help families facing challenges with the family court system. The Assembly agreed to provide a letter of support to for MLSN’s proposal.
The team from Kiknu, Eskasoni’s senior care facility, provided an overview of their facility which is scheduled to open in March 2024. Eskasoni partnered with Shannex to bring a long-term care facility to Eskasoni for 48 Elders, with 24hr care. They provided an overview of the services that will be provided and the cultural considerations that were made when developing the building.
The Governance team at KMK presented on their community engagement process on the Federal Government’s Indigenous Justice Strategy that they worked on, in partnership with the Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association, CMM, UNSM, Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre, Wabanaki 2-Spirit Alliance and MLSN. KMK provided an overview of the report and recommendations they would like to submit to Canada. The Assembly approved the justice engagement report and recommendations and directed them to be submitted to Justice Canada. The Assembly also directed KMK to work on developing a self-governed Mi’kmaw justice system, pursuant to Section 35 of the Constitution Act. They directed KMK to continue to engage with community members, Mi’kmaw organizations and Mi’kmaw legal professionals and leadership for a self-governed system.
KMK spoke about their 2024 Nationhood Conference and asked for direction on invitations for the Grand Council. Because of funding reasons, KMK can only cover the travel costs for Grand Council members from Nova Scotia. The Assembly agreed that Grand Council members from other districts can be invited to attend, but that only those from Nova Scotia can covered financially. KMK also offered to write letters to similar organizations from other provinces to see if they will fund the other members of the Grand Council.
KMK brought forward an item on behalf of Chief Toney and CMM on the Endangered Wildlife in Canada report on the status of Atlantic Salmon. CMM drafted a letter expressing concerns, suggested consultation with the Mi’kmaq occur and requested a meeting to further discuss. The Assembly agreed with the letter being sent.
Regional Chief Andrea Paul will provide a written report to update the Chiefs on AFN items.
