The main goal of the Lands Department is to provide the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs technical support when it comes to issues dealing with Crown lands, property acquisitions, and any general information regarding lands. To date, on behalf of the Assembly, and various other Mi’kmaq organizations, KMK has acquired over 3,900 acres of properties for the Mi’kmaw Nation, and with the partnership of the Nova Scotia government, set aside over 30,000 acres of land for future discussions.
Negotiation Lands
Since 2009, the province has been acquiring lands, with the input of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs in support of negotiations with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia. Typically, Nova Scotia allocates $1million to purchase these lands. These lands are held by the province until an agreement can be made between the Mi’kmaw of Nova Scotia and the province.
Currently there is 30,844 acres of property set aside across Nova Scotia as future rights implementation discussions.
Mi’kmaq Public Lands
Mi’kmaq Public Lands are properties that are fee simple lands held by the Assembly’s land holding company.
Some of the lands being held include:
- Point Edward Farm (250 acres)
- Carlton House, 5853 College St, Halifax (5662 sq ft) – Transferred to Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre for their homelessness initiative
There is currently 3,931 acres of property in the process of or completed negotiations.
Mi’kmaq Cultural/Co-Management Lands
These properties are Nova Scotia lands that have been identified by the Mi’kmaq as culturally sensitive areas. Through the Assembly, the Mi’kmaq are in the process of becoming involved in the management of these lands. These lands include:
- Bedford Barrens (30 acres) – Mi’kmaw petroglyph site
- Mersey River (1,858 acres) – Potential protected area identified in the 12% protected land process
- Lands in progress between Canadian Wildlife Services as well as Environment Canada and Climate Change
Special Use Agreement Areas
Special Use Agreement Areas are lands within National Parks where KMK has helped to develop special management harvesting agreements. These agreements include the Moose Management Agreement for the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and a Birch Bark Harvesting Agreement in the Kejimkujik National park.
Consultation
The Lands Department is involved with any land consultation matters that involve Crown land in Nova Scotia. KMK evaluates each matter with regards to proximity to known or potential Mi’kmaw cultural resources and archaeology sites, past and present ecological information, potential environmental impacts, and most importantly, its impact on Mi’kmaw rights and title to the land.
Examples of the types of consultation matters that involve the Lands Department are:
- Easements onto Crown lands
- Crown lands deemed surplus
- Purchases or land swaps of Crown land(s)
- Harbour dredging
- Additions to Reserves