Pam Glode-Desrochers, Executive Director for the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre, spoke about the need for affordable housing in the HRM. Through the Consultation Process at KMK, the Assembly has been looking at a property in Dartmouth. The Assembly directed KMK to continue working on the acquisition of the Marine House property, as it could create upwards of 60 affordable units with on-site care for residents. Once finalized, the Assembly wants the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre to receive and manage the property.
KMK presented a draft Terms of Reference (TOR) for the establishment of a Protected Areas Technical Advisory Group. This group will provide advice to the Assembly and the Province on selecting, acquiring, managing, and using lands that could become parks and protected areas to contribute to the goal of protecting 20 percent of land in Nova Scotia. The Assembly approved the TOR.
KMK presented the possible 2024 acquisition lands through the Made-In-Nova Scotia Process. Four areas were identified as potential sites. The Assembly supported the selections. They also spoke about the need for an in-depth discussion regarding land and land acquisitions and suggested holding a special Assembly meeting on lands soon.
Discussion was had on the nomination and appointment of a new Co-Chair for the Assembly, filling the seat previously held by former Chief Bernard-Daisley. The Assembly requested this be brought back to the next meeting to allow additional discussion time. The Assembly nominated and appointed Chief John L. Benard of We’koqma’q as a Co-Lead of the Assembly’s Justice portfolio.
KMK provided an update on the Centralization Research Project. Information was provided on the stories that have been gathered by researchers, and digitized. Discussion was had on the progress, challenges, and the goal of completing the final report by the end of March 2025.
The Deloitte regional liaison responsible for managing claims related to the First Nations and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle class action settlement presented to the Assembly about the claims process. The liaison reviewed the process, before heading out to community.
Regional Chief Andrea Paul spoke about the recent Special Chiefs Assembly concerning the Long-Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program. She also discussed the collaborative efforts with the Grand Council, noting that a report on the meeting held in Moncton will be presented to the Assembly once it is completed. Additionally, she shared that Belgium has invited her to participate in a veteran’s tour in the country. This will include revisiting the area where Sam Glode, one of the most highly decorated Mi’kmaw soldiers of World War I, was stationed during the war.
