The Mi’kmaq have always had a strong connection to the lands and waters, and maintaining a balance between us and the land we inhabit. The concept of Netukulimk is receiving the gifts provided by the Creator to support one’s self and community without jeopardizing the environment for future generations.
KMK works under the guidance of the Assembly to promote and protect Mi’kmaq Treaty Rights. The governments of Canada, Nova Scotia, and the Mi’kmaq have agreed to follow the Terms of Reference Mi’kmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Consultation Process that was ratified August 31, 2010.
KMK works mainly to promote and protect our Constitutional rights under Section 35. We also work with the Crown to mitigate impacts to the environment, fish and fish habitat, archaeological resources, surface and groundwater, and Mi’kmaq current and traditional use activities.
Species at Risk:
Hundreds of Canadian wildlife species, some that are vital characters in our diverse cultures and histories, face the risk of extinction. Some are the last of their kind in the world— yet they all have an important role to play in the environment.
More than 60 species within the province are either already endangered or considered to be at risk.
The assessment of species at risk starts with the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). COSEWIC is an advisory body of the government that recommends species determined to be at risk and needing protection under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).
Species brought forward by COSEWIC which are of special concern, threatened and endangered are recommended to the Minister of Environment for listing and protection under SARA. The final decision rests with the Minister once consultation and socio-economic analyses is completed.
SARA – The SARA became law in 2003 to protect and recover wildlife species, by using sound management to make sure that species of special concern don’t become endangered or threatened. SARA includes prohibitions against harming or interfering with species at risk—from killing and capturing to buying, selling and collecting. It prohibits destroying the critical habitats of protected species. And it also prohibits damaging or destroying the residences of those species.
For a full list of Species at Risk in Nova Scotia visit: https://novascotia.ca/natr/wildlife/biodiversity/species-list.asp