The Assembly welcomed Millbrook’s Youth Assembly member to their first Assembly meeting.
Regional Chief Andrea Paul provided updates on the October 26 First Nations First Ministers Meeting, where Chief Sidney Peters and Chief Leroy Denny spoke on behalf of the Assembly. She also discussed her ongoing work with the Halifax Thunderbirds and the December 4 opening ceremony; her upcoming attendance at the COP31 conference in Turkey; and the upcoming AFN Special Chiefs Assembly in December.
Through the Made-In-Nova Scotia Process, each year money is allocated to purchase future negotiations lands. Historically, the budget has been $1 million per year, however, the allocation was reduced to $500,000 for 2026-27. The Assembly reviewed seven recommended priority properties including properties in Lake Ainslie, Gully Island, Lennox Passage, Isaacs Harbour, Owls Head, Southwest Margaree and Glendale. After discussing the selection criteria, the Assembly agreed to proceed with these properties. KMK will work to secure property(ies) in order of priority, until the 2026-27 dollars are spent.
KMK presented on the Seske’ptmnej Kmitkinu Conservancy (SKC) board membership. Since 2020, SKC has been responsible for conservation lands on behalf of the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia, including lands designated as Mi’kmaw/Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas. The Assembly approved appointing both Lands portfolio Co-Lead Chiefs to the SKC board, while retaining Chief Norman Bernard as Board Chair to ensure continuity.
At its June 2026 meeting, the Assembly directed the amendments to the Rules and Procedures for the AFN Regional Chief for Nova Scotia be sent for legal review. This review has been completed, and an overview of recommended legal changes was presented to the Assembly. The revised Rules and Procedures were approved by the Assembly.
The Assembly agreed to begin the election process for the position of AFN Regional Chief for Nova Scotia. A Call for Candidates was issued following the meeting.
A discussion was had on long-term strategic planning and advancing the Nation’s collective goals. The Assembly requested a dedicated meeting be scheduled to further discuss priorities and next steps.
KMK provided an update on the upcoming work on Mi’kmaw organizational mandates, which will involve engaging all the Mi’kmaw organizations and working on developing a MOU to establish how the organizations will work together moving forward.
KMK’s Consultation Team provided an update on the recent announcement regarding EverWind Fuels and the proposed AI data centre. Consultation has not been triggered for the data centre project, and neither the Assembly nor KMK has been engaged. Potential impacts and broader concerns were discussed. Chief Terry Paul requested that EverWind be invited to attend the next Assembly meeting to provide information on the project and address questions and concerns.
Eauclaire Orbital Marine gave a presentation to the Assembly on the potential economic opportunity for Mi’kmaw communities to invest in their tidal energy project. Eauclaire is looking to establish the first of a planned six-turbine, 15 MW tidal array at FORCE in the Bay of Fundy. No immediate decision was made on this opportunity.
KMK’s Consultation team updated the Assembly on a meeting with the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO), which is exploring potential sites across Canada radioactive waste. The team shared information on NWMO’s proposed site selection process and ongoing public engagement, which prioritizes Indigenous involvement.
