The Assembly welcomed Eskasoni’s Youth Assembly member to their first Assembly meeting.
KMK’s Executive Director and Legal Advisor both provided updates on action items from the Assembly’s last meeting and the benefits-specific meeting. Chief Terry Paul and Chief Michelle Glasgow asked questions about communal commercial fisheries licensing agreement that has been offered to communities by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). There were questions about how it relates to the livelihood fishery. The legal team noted that there is no reference to Treaty or the Treaty-protected fishery in this proposal from DFO.
Chief Michelle Glasgow requested records reflect that Sipekne’katik was not present for the Assembly’s benefits meeting and that any Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) also clearly note their absence. She asked that any draft MOUs that the Assembly is considering be sent to Roger Lewis, Sipekne’katik, for their review.
Discussion was had, and questions were asked about the proposed natural gas peaker plant and the exploration of natural gas. Chief Tamara Young noted that Pictou Landing has issued a letter of concern and opposition to the peaker plants and the impacts to the environment, to salmon and water usage. These concerns will be brought forward to KMK’s consultation team. Discussions also led into concerns about hydraulic fracturing. District Chief Sherry Pictou suggested that research be conducted on the types of projects that could be undertaken, and that the Mi’kmaq feel would not jeopardize the environment while also benefiting the Nation’s financial needs.
KMK spoke about changes recommended to the Assembly’s portfolio system by the Governance Advisory Committee. KMK will update the Assembly’s Terms of Reference and information on the portfolios to bring back to the next Assembly meeting.
KMK’s forestry team spoke about timber cut last year that remains on Hunters Mountain. Discussion was had on netukulimk, safety and community concerns. The Assembly directed KMK to continue to work with UINR and Port Hawkesbury Paper on this matter and to issue communications to the Mi’kmaq.
KMK’s legal team introduced an implementation concept for the Assembly’s Strategic Plan, structuring them around the Five Pillars of Mi’kmaw Values. The Assembly directed KMK to proceed with planning this work.
Discussion was had livelihood fisheries and the draft Term Sheet, brought forward at the last Assembly meeting. The Chiefs requested revisions to some of the language included.
Updates were provided on the Maw-Kleyu’kik Knijannaq (MKK) Customary Code. The Assembly booked dates in July to conduct an in-depth review of the code.
Regional Chief Andrea Paul provided updates on meetings, the NS Indigenous Enterprise Network, The Fulcher Foundation and the upcoming Mi’kmaw Leadership conference.
Grand Chief Norman Sylliboy talked about the plans for the Watertown Treaty 250th Anniversary Celebration in July, stating that the local organizing committee included Keptins Keith Julian and Will Basque.
