The Assembly discussed challenges working with the provincial government and how this continues to impact projects the Mi’kmaq are working on. Discussion was picked up from last month’s meeting where Chief Tamara Young asked about having a Mi’kmaw representative at the provincial table. This is something that KMK is still looking into. Chief Norman Bernard discussed the Premier’s response to the protest in the Highlands.
Members of KMK’s legal team spoke to the concept of a Mi’kmaw Law project. Discussions were had on jurisdiction, how provincial and federal laws do not consider Mi’kmaw Rights and where laws are found within Mi’kmaw culture/language. Concerns were brought up by the Assembly of the challenges in translating Mi’kmaw concepts into English. Recommendation was made to bring together all the Mi’kmaw lawyers to discuss the concept and to get their thoughts on what they see in the future. Kji Keptin Denny requested that members of the Grand Council also be involved in this discussion. The Assembly agreed with this project moving forward.
Discussion was had about forestry and resource management concerns in the Cape Breton Highlands. KMK presented a draft letter to the province and Chief Terry Paul recommended that all Chiefs sign the letter, rather than the two Co-Chairs alone. KMK will format and circulate the letter for signatures.
KMK presented a draft letter from Assembly to the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change about Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCA) acquired by the Sespite’tmnej Kmitkinu Conservancy. The letter focusses on reporting these lands to the Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database to ensure they are protected. District Chief Sherry Pictou suggested changing the term from ’Indigenous’ to ‘Mi’kmaq’ to better reflect identity and ownership in IPCAs; this is something that UINR, CMM and KMK, the three organizations working on IPCAs are talking about. The Assembly agreed to sign and send the letter.
KMK’s Rights Implementation team provided an update on the work with Parks Canada and next steps for the Toqi’maliaptmu’k Arrangement.
Discussion was had on moose hunting in New Brunswick and New Brunswick Mi’kmaw communities fishing in Nova Scotia waters.
KMK provided an update on Treaty Protected Fisheries and current developments. There has been reports of positive engagement from community members, with harvesters successfully selling their catch at full price. Discussion was had on how to advance the concept of a Mi’kmaw fishery moving forward. The TRP leadership discussed co-developing a term sheet with DFO to take to cabinet that outlines what a Mi’kmaw fishery would look like. Regional Chief Andrea Paul spoke to concerns about charges against harvesters. An in-depth discussion on legal considerations of the livelihood fishery was discussed.
Regional Chief Andrea Paul, Assembly of First Nations, provided update on ongoing meetings and projects. She discussed AFN’s upcoming Special Chiefs Assembly and the challenges booking meetings with Ministers where the cabinet is sitting. Prime Minister Carey is confirmed to attend on day one. Regional Chief spoke about her keynote address in Pictou County on building relationships with Indigenous communities. She provided updates from recent meetings she attended on economic development, mining perspectives, agriculture, and fishing. She also provided an update on securing funding for additional meetings with the Grand Council to discuss governance.
