KMK’s Governance team spoke on the Wula Na Kinu Harvester Identification pilot project as the 1-year extension is coming to an end and cards will soon expire. The Assembly approved a 10-year renewal period going forward and directed KMK to issue a letter to all existing members about the moratorium on moose harvesting.
The Assembly approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Simply Blue, who is proposing to build a renewable energy park in Goldboro, NS that will produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel and renewable methanol. A MOU is often the first agreement signed with any proponent or potential partner and it acts as a framework for future discussions.
The Assembly also approved a MOU with Nova East Wind. Nova East Wind is proposing to develop a 300-400 MW floating offshore wind farm off Goldboro, NS.
The Assembly discussed and approved a MOU for Port Hawkesbury Paper Wind Ltd. (PHPW). PHPW is proposing to build a wind farm at Goose Harbour Lake, NS, consisting of 31 wind turbines.
Discussions were had on the administration of wind company entities. When Beaubassin Wind and Whynotts Wind were formed the Assembly did not have an economic entity to manage those companies, and the administration was assigned to Ulnooweg Development Corporation. WMA, which is owned by all 13 Mi’kmaw communities, is now in a position to take over that administration. The Assembly approved the administration of Beaubassin Mi’kmaq Wind Company Ltd., Whynotts Mi’kmaq Wind Company Ltd., Mi’kmaq Resource Development Partnership (MRDP) and any related limited partnerships or holding companies be transferred from Ulnooweg to WMA.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is conducting an external review of its enforcement actions related to recent incidents involving Mi’kmaw Elver harvesters. DFO requested qualified appointees to participate in the review, with a focus on expertise in compliance, policy analysis, and experience addressing systemic biases. A shortlist of qualified individual was put forward by the Assembly.
Discussion was had on the surplus commercial lot and building located on Paint Street in Port Hawksbury. The Assembly agreed to transfer ownership of the property, jointly to Potlotek and We’koqma’q. These communities will assume all associated operational and maintenance costs.
Discussion was had about Maw-Kleyu’kik Knijannaq (MKK) and Mi’kmaw Family and Children’s Services (MFCS) Request for Proposal (RFP). The Chiefs approved the RFP recommendations and supported the decision to hire a third party to complete the scope of work determined within the RFP.
KMK provided a technical interpretation of employee tax exemption from CRA to the Assembly. Information will be shared with Chiefs and Councils to determine how this may also apply in their respective communities and organizations.
KMK’s Governance team brought forward changes to the “Nova Scotia Indian Fuel Tax Exemption Program”, including a change in the name of the program to “Nova Scotia Indigenous Fuel Tax Exemption Program” and an increase in the base monthly exemption limit from 400 litres to 1000 litres.
The Assembly was provided an update on the Mi’kmawitasik launch that is happening as part of Treaty Day events at Pier 21, including a vendor’s market. The completed Mi’kmawitasik recruitment video was also shared with Chiefs.
Regional Chief Andrea Paul provided an update on the Trilateral Working Group on Violence against Women, Girls, Gender Diverse and 2SLGBTQQIA+, that she attended in Mexico. Regional Chief Paul noted that she would like to see similar discussions happen here on violence against women, girls and gender diverse people, including human trafficking. She also provided information on a Mi’kmaw Women’s Leadership Retreat taking place in October. Regional Chief Paul also met with paper excellence on feasibility study for a new Mill in the Liverpool area and a meeting on the claims process for child welfare. Regional Chief Paul then provided reminders and updates on upcoming events.
Chief Leroy Denny spoke on the recent issues in New Brunswick with RCMP. He requested an emergency meeting with Atlantic Chiefs to discuss the matter.
KMK provided an update on the work with Parks Canada to develop a co-governance and management plan. Information on the Toqi’maliaptmu’k Arrangement was shared online in July. A symposium for Chiefs and Councils to discuss further is being planned for October 2024.
KMK provided an update on the moose file and the moose moratorium.
