Nathan Sack was welcomed by the Chiefs to his first Assembly meeting as Executive Director for Kwilmu’kw Maw-Klusuaqn (KMK). The Chiefs acknowledged Janice Maloney’s transition into KMK’s Senior Strategic Negotiator role, following over 20 years as Executive Director. The Assembly also welcomed the first Mi’kmaw Youth Assembly representative to attend the Assembly meeting.
Direction was provided to KMK to develop a governance policy framework to strengthen consistency, transparency, and accountability within the organization. This work will be informed by engagement with Chiefs and leadership and will be brought back to the Assembly once completed.
An update was provided on the launch of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Youth – newly established with the support of the Mi’kmaw license plate fund. The Youth Assembly held its first meeting on March 7, 2026, and will continue to meet quarterly. A youth representative will also now attend each Assembly meeting. Chiefs were notified that the communities who still need a Youth Assembly representative are Bear River, Annapolis Valley, Sipekne’katik, Millbrook, Paqtnkek and Wagmatcook.
The Assembly received an update on recent KMK leadership and organizational changes. These updates focused on role transitions and alignment of responsibilities within the organization.
Maw-Kleyu’kik Knijannaq (MKK) team provided an update on the development of the Mi’kmaw Child and Family Well-Being Customary Code. Work continues through established advisory and working group processes, with attention to strengthening culturally appropriate care models, addressing systemic and structural barriers experienced by Mi’kmaw families, and ensuring alignment between policy development, service delivery, and community priorities. Further updates will be brought back to the Assembly as this work advances.
A detailed overview was provided on the proposed Fish Term Sheet, a document DFO takes to the Minister and to Cabinet, so the federal government can develop a mandate on how to begin discussions with the Mi’kmaq on the way that they want to see fisheries governance happen in the future. Chiefs engaged in discussion on the process and intent of the term sheet and agreed to table the resolution to allow time for further community‑level discussions before any decision is made. KMK will support these community-level discussions, as requested by individual communities.
A legal update was provided to the Assembly on the Community‑Based Access Acquisition (CBAA), funding to support community fisheries access, vessels and gear acquisition. Chiefs were reminded that approximately two years ago, Canada introduced this agreement that was broadly rejected by Chiefs due to concerns it could negatively affect Treaty Rights. Canada later reintroduced the CBAA with revisions that addressed some of those concerns. Work continues to further amend the agreements, with updates indicating that once additional revisions are made, the agreements can appropriately protect Aboriginal and Treaty Rights.
The Assembly received an update outlining an approach to advancing Mi’kmaw Rights, Title, and jurisdiction through Mi’kmaw laws. Proposed next steps include engaging communities, Elders, and Knowledge Holders to reinforce Mi’kmaw law as a lived practice and working with legal counsel for individual Mi’kmaw communities, at their request. Further directions will be brought back to the Assembly as this work progresses.
Chief Terry Paul was named Chair of the Negotiations and Governance Committees.
A small working group will be established to provide directions on the protection, development options, and stewardship priorities for both the Bedford Basin and Debert Economic Development lands.
Regional Chief Andrea Paul provided a first‑quarter update on her work, including meetings related to human trafficking, fisheries, Indigenous languages, and women’s leadership. Chiefs were informed of a recent Mi’kmaw leadership gathering held with the Grand Council, Knowledge Keepers, and Elders, as well as participation in national AFN forums. Regional Chief also shared updates on international engagement, including participation at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, and noted ongoing advocacy related to issues such as fisheries tariffs and the European ban on seal products. Planning is underway for an upcoming regional leadership gathering scheduled for May.
The Assembly reviewed upcoming meetings and planning dates, including future Assembly sessions, benefits discussions, MKK code reviews, a Halifax Airport briefing and tour, and upcoming legislative discussions.
