In December at a joint Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq (UNSM) and Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq (CMM) board meeting, the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs (ANSMC) directed a working group to develop options to strengthen executive governance. The Assembly heard recommendations from the summary report and agreed to create a Governance Secretariat, composed of executive directors and senior staff from key Mi’kmaw organizations, to lead the implementation, reporting regularly to the Assembly for strategic direction.
The Assembly was provided information on work being done for a potential Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area designation for the inner Bay of Fundy. The Assembly directed KMK and CMM to continue this work.
KMK provided an update on current Child and Family Services negotiations, noting progress and ongoing discussions with Nova Scotia on a sectoral agreement. Chiefs raised concerns regarding discrimination and impacts on families when dealing with child and family matters, and reaffirmed support for jurisdiction for Mi’kmaw clients on and off reserve.
KMK presented the report from the 2025 Mi’kmaw Justice, Mental Health and Addictions Conference, highlighting how the current system is not meeting the needs of the Mi’kmaq. Discussion included the need to advance healing-based approaches, address mental health and addictions as root causes, and improve policing approaches. The Assembly reinforced the need for Mi’kmaw-led solutions and greater community involvement.
A proposed Port Hawkesbury Wind sustainability agreement was presented, looking to establish a framework for cooperation, environmental stewardship, and Mi’kmaw participation in the Goose Harbour Lake Wind Project. The Assembly raised concerns regarding equity structure and broader Mi’kmaq share in resource revenues. The Assembly requested time for further analysis, and clarification of community inclusion and consultation.
KMK presented their 2026 audited financial statements, confirming no fraud or material issues, effective internal controls, and balanced revenues and expenditures. The Assembly and KMK’s Board of Directors approved the auditor’s report.
KMK provided an update on the proposed Assembly portfolio assignments, under the newly revised terms of reference, which were developed to help better balance workload and align responsibilities across portfolios. Proposed assignments were based on Chief’s preferences and included grouping of related portfolios and distribution of priority areas. This update was provided for information only and a finalized framework will be presented in the fall for final approval.
KMK’s spoke to the draft Assembly of First Nation’s (AFN) Regional Chief updated election code, which was sent for legal review. Legal identified concerns about unclear provisions and requested more time to review. The Assembly agreed to pause the AFN Regional Chief election until the legal review of the amendments can be completed. If the timeline goes beyond the incumbent Regional Chief’s term, an extension of 30 to 60 days will be granted to the existing incumbent; and following the 2026 election, a full legal review of the Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief for Nova Scotia Rules and Procedures is to be conducted.
Chief Bob Gloade provided an update on discussions had during the community Moose Webinar, held on June 24. The Assembly discussed conservation concerns and community food concerns. The Chiefs discussed whether the population could sustain a controlled and limited harvest for 2026. The Moose Management Committee will meet to further discuss, look more into the data, and provide recommendations to the Assembly before the end of the summer.
