Chief Terry Paul requested that a piece be developed for publication that serves as an educational resource about Treaty Rights, and the Assembly’s position on key issues. KMK Communications will create the document and send to Chiefs for review before publication.
Updates were provided on the status of the Youth Assembly.
The Assembly reviewed the job description for the new Executive Director position for KMK. The job will be finalized by the Human Resource Committee and posted publicly.
Discussion was had on the on the Canadian Gypsum Company (CGC) project in Little Narrows. The Assembly agreed that the five Unama’ki Mi’kmaw communities – Membertou, Eskasoni, Potlotek, We’koqma’q, and Wagmatcook – will lead consultation on the project on behalf of the KMK member communities. CGC will continue working with the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources (UINR), the Mi’kmaw Economic Benefits Office, and local Mi’kmaw communities, providing regular updates to the Assembly.
KMK provided a presentation on the Mi’kmaw Home Energy Efficiency Program (MHEEP). Delivered by Efficiency Nova Scotia, the program has provided free deep energy retrofits to band-owned homes across the 13 Mi’kmaw communities since 2019. The Assembly supports extending the program through to 2031.
Through the Made-In-Nova Scotia process, each year $1 million is allocated to the Assembly through C-4 dollars to purchase future negotiations lands. These lands continue to be held in trust. For the 2025 allocation, the Assembly examined several parcels of land and also discussed lands adjacent to the Mi’kmaw petroglyph in the Bedford Barrens. The Assembly agreed to look into purchasing the privately held Bedford Barrens lands with dollars from Wskijnu’k Mtmo’taqnuow Agency (WMA) – the economic development limited partnership owned by the 13 Mi’kmaw communities. The proposed C4 lands for acquisition included properties in Lake Echo, Tidnish Bridge, and Roberta. The Assembly discussed the selection criteria and agreed to prioritize the Roberta property. KMK will work to secure this property.
A presentation from the Mass Timber Company was provided to the Assembly. The project is in its final phase of securing a loan guarantee and seeking interested partners. The presentation outlined the project’s benefits, risks, ownership structure, and community engagement efforts. Several Chiefs requested similar presentations for their councils. Draft Band Council Resolutions will be circulated to all communities for consideration.
Mi’kmawey Debert requested a letter of support for a funding application under the Signature Indigenous Tourism Experience Stream, to complete paving, driveway widening, and marketing of the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre by March 31, 2026. The Assembly agreed to provide a letter of support.
Shelley Denny presented the results of the ‘Last of Our Lands’ study, conducted with UINR and Department of Natural Resources, on the impacts of mineral exploration in the Cape Breton Highlands. The Assembly approved the release of the report to community members and stakeholders and requested to meet with the research committee to fully discuss the outcomes and impacts.
On behalf of Senator Prosper, Claudine Santos requested Assembly support for a letter endorsing amendments to Bill S-2, which seeks to remove the second-generation cut-off and addresses enfranchisement and registration issues in the Indian Act. The Assembly will provide a support letter that also emphasizes Mi’kmaq control over Mi’kmaw citizenship and identity.
The Co-Leads of the Culture, Heritage and Archaeology portfolio discussed a letter of support for the Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network (NSITEN). This letter, intended to support NSITEN’s funding applications, and will be drafted and signed by the Chiefs. The Co-Leads also discussed the lack of Mi’kmaw involvement in the recently released provincial tourism strategy. A two-day strategic planning session for the Chiefs on culture, heritage, archaeology and tourism will be held in February 2026.
Chief Tamara Young brought up the need for improved Mi’kmaw representation at the provincial legislative level and the importance of establishing formal representation to ensure Mi’kmaw interests are considered. This issue will be added to the agenda for the next Assembly meeting. KMK will investigate the process of appointing a Mi’kmaw representative, including reviewing any existing but unused seats.
