Regional Chief Andrea Paul provided an update to the Assembly on a class action lawsuit on harm caused by the residential school system. In January 2023, Canada entered into a $2.8 Billion settlement agreement in the Gottfriedson Band Reparations Class. Only one of the 13 Mi’kmaw communities in Nova Scotia was aware and opted into the lawsuit. The opportunity to join the suit is being brought forward again. Regional Chief Paul will set up a call for Chiefs and Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn (KMK)’s legal team to gain more information.
KMK’s Audit Report for the 2023-24 fiscal year was presented and approved. Chief Michelle Glasgow requested to be added to the Assembly’s Benefits portfolio.
Discussion was had on post-secondary institutions and ‘self-identification’ policies, where individuals may claim Mi’kmaw and Indigenous ancestry for the purposes of entrance, scholarship, employment, and other opportunities. The Assembly directed KMK to work with Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey and Tajikeimik to discuss further and bring recommendations back to the Assembly.
Senator PJ Prosper provided updates to the Assembly on Bill S-268 (First Nations Gaming Sovereignty) and Bill C-49 (An Act to amend the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada–Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act). KMK’s Consultation team was directed to work with the Assembly’s Lead Chiefs for Energy to further discuss Bill C-49 and its impacts to off-shore renewable energy projects.
Senator PJ Prosper spoke about an upcoming meeting he has scheduled with Minister Lebouthilier (DFO). He asked Chiefs to provide input on items they would like brought forward.
A series of educational videos were created on MKK Policy and Customary Code. Chiefs will be sent the videos for approval via email.
The KMK Governance team provided a presentation on the federal return of fuel tax proceeds (carbon tax) to First Nation communities. In 2020, the Government of Canada committed to return 1% of federal fuel charge proceeds annually to Indigenous governments and this has increased to 2% in 2024-25. Chiefs will take information back to their councils and communities for discussion.
A letter from Home Depot regarding tax-exempt purchases was discussed. In a letter to the Assembly, Home Depot explained they are required by Canadian Revenue Agency to charge the full tax (15%) to Indigenous customers if purchased goods are not delivered directly to a reserve by Home Depot.
Discussion was had about the upcoming Joint Meeting with Chiefs and Nova Scotia Cabinet. The Assembly provided input on topics they would like to bring forward for discussion.
The KMK Consultation team shared information on an opportunity for a small group of Chiefs to do a site visit and tour the facilities of Orbital Marine Power in Scotland.
KMK provided an update on discussions with Parks Canada requesting the opportunity to work with the portfolio Lead Chiefs on community engagement.
KMK spoke about working with CMM, UINR and UNSM on a Fisheries Advisory Committee. Further discussion on this will be brought back to the Assembly in June.
KMK also provided an update on the moose population. A science document was shared with community members and the public. Further discussion is required with community members. A moose webinar is currently being organized.
