Topic:"Indigenous Communities" in M03413

- = ; • Mi'kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study September 2009 CMM Environment Services

AI summary The document references a Mi'kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study conducted in September 2009 by CMM Environment Services. This study likely involves indigenous knowledge related to environmental matters.

First Nations The Mi'kmaq have expressed interest in collaborating on the development of Nova Scotia's renewable energy sector.Continuing to build a positive relationship with the Mi'kmaq is a key priority for the province. Nova Scotia con...

AI summary The Mi'kmaq have shown interest in collaborating on Nova Scotia's renewable energy development. The province prioritizes engagement through consultation frameworks and offers programs like COMFIT and FIT to support Mi'kmaq participation. Early developer engagement with Mi'kmaq is emphasized as a commitment to inclusive energy project development.

6.0 First Nation and Aboriginal Engagement 6.1 The Approval Holder must develop a plan, to engage interested Aboriginal Groups following receipt of the MEKS, to discuss any impacts on traditional Mirkmaq resources, and to clarify project a...

AI summary The Approval Holder must engage Aboriginal Groups after receiving MEKS to discuss impacts on traditional Mirkmaq resources, clarify project activities, and identify mitigation measures.

7.0 Archaeological and Heritage Resources/Aboriginal Interests 7.1 The Approval Holder must cease work and contact the Director, Heritage Division, Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, the Executive Director, Confederac...

AI summary Section 7.1 mandates that the Approval Holder must halt work and immediately notify the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq, and Union of Nova Scotia Indians upon discovering archaeological sites or artifacts during the proposed Undertaking.

Stakeholder Consultation and Aboriginal Engagement The consultation activities for the Digby Wind Power Project included a public Project announcement in the local community of Rossway (May 2008), a presentation to the Municipality of Digb...

AI summary The Digby Wind Power Project conducted stakeholder consultations including public meetings, council presentations, and direct engagement with the Mi'Kmaq community through mailouts and ecological studies. Future outreach plans include community newsletters, open houses, and ongoing engagement. SkyPower will implement a community liaison program for project operations.

First Nations The Digby Neck area has many natural resources that would have attracted Mi'kmaq settlement from very early times. There is some evidence, for example, that the Archaic peoples were using the exposed shelves of the Bay of Fun...

AI summary The Digby Neck area, including Gulliver's Cove and the inlet west of Rossway, is identified as having high potential for First Nations archaeological resources due to historical Mi'kmaq settlement and resource use, supported by evidence of hunting and landing sites. These areas are highlighted for their cultural significance.

4.6.7.4 Summary The preliminary background research indicates that the areas around Gulliver's Cove and Rossway have a high potential for containing both First Nations and historic period archaeological resources. It is recommended that ar...

AI summary Preliminary research suggests Gulliver's Cove and Rossway areas have high potential for First Nations and historic archaeological resources. Follow-up work, including surveys and subsurface testing, is recommended based on project design and proximity to these areas.

4.6.8 Land and Resources Used for Traditional Purposes by Aboriginal Persons The closest First Nations to the Study Area is the Bear River First Nation which has reserve land approximately 25 km from the Study Area. SkyPower has commission...

AI summary The Bear River First Nation, located 25 km from the Study Area, is near the Project site. SkyPower commissioned the Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq (CMM) to conduct a Mikmaq Ecological Knowledge Study (MEKS) to assess traditional land use. Preliminary results are expected in May and July 2009, with a final report in September. The Project land is privately owned, not involving Crown lands.

7 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION AND ABORIGINAL ENGAGEMENT Public consultation is an integral part of the environmental planning process and plays a key role in addressing potential public concerns identified in early stages of the Project. Publ...

AI summary Public consultation is a required part of the environmental planning process for the wind power project, involving activities like public announcements, open houses, and stakeholder meetings. Future consultations will occur during the EA review phase, with opportunities for public comment on the project and EA document.

Stakeholder Consultation and Aboriginal Engagement

AI summary The text references the process of Stakeholder Consultation and Aboriginal Engagement, highlighting the importance of involving relevant parties in regulatory proceedings.

Stakeholder Consultation and Aboriginal Engagement

AI summary The text refers to the process of Stakeholder Consultation and Aboriginal Engagement, highlighting the importance of involving stakeholders and Aboriginal communities in regulatory proceedings.

7.4 First Nation and Aboriginal Engagement The Project site consists of privately held land used primarily for forestry and residential uses; there is no known traditional use by First Nation people. Letters containing general project deta...

AI summary SkyPower engaged First Nations and Aboriginal groups regarding the Digby Wind Power Project through letters, discussions, and an MEKS. The MEKS aimed to document Mi'kmaq ecological knowledge and resource use, with results shared with NSE and KMK. First Nations were invited to comment on the EA report during the registration process.