Mi’kmaq Concerned with In-Stream Tidal Development in the Bay of Fundy

July 05, 2016

The Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia have major concerns with the development of in-stream tidal in the Bay of Fundy. Through consultation with the Province of Nova Scotia and Government of Canada, Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office (KMKNO) has voiced concerns on:

Loss of use in marine areas
Displacement of Mi’kmaq fishing
Potential impacts to fish, fish habitat & fish migration
Potential impacts to marine mammals
Potential effects of noise
Potential effects sedimentation
Potential effects on water
Accuracy of baseline data
Lack of meaningful inclusion of traditional ecological knowledge

The concerns of the local Mi’kmaw communities continue to grow.

“We are very concerned that FORCE [Fundy Ocean Research for Energy] has been permitted to expand their project from 3 to 5 berths,” said Chief Carol Potter, Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs. “This has the potential to impact Mi’kmaq fishing.”

The Province is looking at the potential for approximately 2,500 megawatts (MW) of tidal power from the Bay of Fundy into the Minas Basin for marine renewable energy development. The Province has identified the Minas Passage, Digby Gut, Petite Passage/Grand Passage, and Brier Island as areas for using in-stream tidal technology.

The power being generated will be connected to the grid and will be used for commercial purposes; therefore, this is not just a demonstration facility but the beginning of large-scale development of in-stream tidal in the Minas Passage.

“We want our community members and local residents to know that we will continue to keep a close eye on this project and work to ensure that the Province hears your voice,” said Chief Potter.

The Kwilmu’kw Maw- klusuaqn Negotiation Office/Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative works on behalf of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs in the negotiations and consultations between the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia, the Province of Nova

Scotia and the Government of Canada. KMKNO was developed by the Mi’kmaq, for the Mi’kmaq. The purpose of these negotiations and consultations is to implement our Aboriginal and Treaty Rights from the Treaties signed by our ancestors in the 1700’s. For further information visit our website at www.mikmaqrights.com.

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For more information contact:

Crystal  Dorey
Communications Officer
Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office
Phone: (902) 843-3880 Cell: (902) 957-0549
E-mail: crystaldorey@mikmaqrights.com

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