The Assembly welcomed Wagmatcook’s Youth Assembly member to their first Assembly meeting.
The Assembly discussed their portfolio system. Several changes were made to the list of portfolio leads to help distribute the workload amongst the whole Assembly. The updated portfolio list can be found on KMK’s website on the ANSMC member page.
Sipekne’katik First Nation will be leading consultation on the Canadian International Midstream Development Ltd. (CIMD) project, as they are the closest community. CIMD is proposing to develop the Atlantic Storage Hub, an underground natural gas storage project. The Assembly agreed with Sipekne’katik leading consultation, requesting they provide regular updates to KMK and the Assembly.
The Assembly reviewed a draft proclamation for October 1, 2026. Kji Saqmaw and Kji Keptin wanted to bring the wording to the Grand Council. The Chiefs approved the proclamation being issued on Treaty Day, pending approval from the Grand Council. On September 28th, Kji Saqmaw requested more time for the Grand Council to consider the concept; as a result, the proclamation was held until a later date.
KMK’s Governance Team shared recommendations for confirming Mi’kmaw identity claims in academic, health, and education settings. A working committee with representatives from KMK, Tajikeimɨk, and Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey is developing further guidance and selection processes for Mi’kmaw applicants. The Assembly approved an approach that gives preference to Mi’kmaq from Nova Scotia’s 13 communities, followed by Mi’kmaq from Mi’kma’ki, Wabanaki Confederacy member nations, and then First Nations, Métis, and Inuit from other territories.
Membertou and Eskasoni brought forward as request to lead consultation on the Canadian Coast Guard’s (CCGS) future Polar Maintenance Port Project, because Sydney, Nova Scotia was selected as the preferred location. The Assembly agreed these two communities to lead consultation, with regular updates being provided to KMK and the Assembly.
Chief Terry Paul discussed Membertou’s proposed cannabis law. KMK’s legal counsel will meet with Membertou’s team to further discuss.
An update was provided to the Assembly on the draft Maw-Kleyu’kik Kikmanaq (MKK) Teplutaqn (law). The team has presented to three communities to date. Broader community engagement is planned next. Next steps were also discussed, including ratification and future funding.
Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Andrea Paul provided information on the First Nations–First Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for October 26 and requested two Chiefs to attend. Regional Chief Paul also provided brief updates on Bill C-37, a presentation to ISC on working respectfully with Mikmaq and her ongoing work with the Halifax Thunderbirds
Kji Saqmaw asked for the Assembly’s support in fundraising for the Historic Maligomish Church Preservation Fund, as the church requires significant restoration. Grants and other funding have been secured, but additional funds are needed. Chiefs were asked to share the fundraising request with their communities and contacts who may be able to help.
Chief Bob Gloade provided an update on Orbital Marine’s proposed Bay of Fundy project. This item will be brought back to the Assembly agenda next month.
A process for Chiefs to add items to the Assembly Meeting Agenda prior to meetings was discussed.
KMK’s Communications Department shared an update on the Mi’kmaw Gazette. This website will publish Mi’kmaw laws, public notices, and all future Teplutaqn. The Gazette was sent to Chiefs for their review. The Gazette can be viewed at mikmawlaws.com
The Assembly discussed a request for Chiefs to attend the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre construction kickoff on October 29. They asked KMK to look into the possibility of adjusting their meeting schedule to accommodate that request.
