K’we Millbrook First Nation Members,
Serving our community is a true honor. As we approach our upcoming election on February 29, 2024, I humbly ask once again for your ongoing support in continuing to represent our community as your Chief.
In my 24 year tenure, with 12 of them as your Chief, Millbrook steadily progresses as a leading First Nation Community in Canada, a testament to our strength and fortitude. We have consistently grown and prospered in the face of modern challenges and we’re determined to forge a vibrant and stable future. Welcoming opportunities for growth while meeting challenges and resilience, we persevere with the strength and prayers of our ancestors.
Through concert efforts, we steadily achieve significant economic advancements, bolstered by initiatives in diverse sectors such as sustainable resource management, entrepreneurship, and
Strategic partnerships. These successes reflect a commitment to breaking historical barriers and building self-sustaining economies. Our resilience, rooted in our rich cultural heritage, has played a pivotal role in overcoming challenges and paving the way for our community’s prosperity. As we continue to navigate complexities, our determination contributes to a narrative of progress and empowerment, and it is this, that creates a foundation for our future generations.
Progress:
- Council approved the Interim Multi-Species FSC (Food, Social & Ceremonial) Fishing Plan.
- Council also approved the Interim Moderate Livelihood Lobster Fishing Plan.
- The Fisheries Operational Department has been relocated to a larger building at the Millbrook Power Center to allow for expansion, as part of our communal comprehensive Commercial and Livelihood Fishing Plan.
- A new 68-unit Apartment Building has been built in Cole Harbour and is fully rented, with another identical Apartment Building schedules to begin construction in May, 2024.
- Community engagement successfully stopped the Beaver Dam Gold Mine. This action resulted in the protection of our residents’ living, hunting and gathering areas and rights.
- The 1919 Trust Fund remains In Trust and earning interest. More community consultation is anticipated on its’ use and benefit for future generations.
- An RBC on-reserve New Housing Loan Program has been launched and is now available.
- An on-reserve Rapid Housing Program is now underway, with 6 of 34 affordable housing units already completed and the rest to be built over the next 3 years.
- Shannon Park, aka Turtle Grove now has reserve status. Our next steps include community consultation regarding the commercial and residential on-site development.
- A 50/50 Partnership created venture, Scotia Port, between Millbrook and Endurance Equities, has been established. This commercial land development of 2,000_ acres, along the highway in Onslow, will be built for the purpose of an Inland Terminal.
- A 50/50 Partnership with CREWS Rail International has also been established to create a large Rail Offloading and Inland Trucking Terminal on the Onslow Site. This is anticipated to create over 300 jobs locally.
- Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association (NSNWA) Resiliency Center, the first of its’ kind in Canada, is scheduled to open in the Millbrook Power Center in February, 2024.
- During the summer of 2023, we’ve successfully hosted the NS Mi’kmaq Summer Games, NAIG Archery Competition, and our Annual Powwow. We’ve also enhanced our Powwow Grounds for recreational, cultural and spiritual use and support the new Sweat Lodge that provides us with healing and ceremonial space.
- Prioritizing community interests and protecting our Treaty Rights remain at the forefront of all our negotiations and engagement sessions. Crucial issues like the election code and cannabis regime requires more community input as we progress forward.
- Our Health Center continues to expand its’ current programs and services to supply additional supports for our community members.
- Millbrook Power Center has acquired additional tenants NS Mi’kmaq Health Authority, Atlantic Canada Indigenous Water Authority, Farm Load Credit Canada, NSNWA Resiliency Center, Alan Sylliboy’s Studio, and more to be announced as early as spring.
In our community of over 2300 members, we have approximately 50 fluent speakers, slightly over 2% of our band population. Despite this being a low number, I am optimistic that our determination will lead us to advocate for more measures aimed at increasing the number of fluent speakers. Continuous efforts are essential in revitalizing our language and preserving our culture. I firmly believe that over time, an increase in our persistent actions will lead to meaningful progress, positively impacting both fluency and cultural richness within our community.
Our successes are directly driven by the vast and collaborative efforts of our whole community; Elders, teachers, employees, leaders, health care workers and community members. I want to express my sincere gratitude for each and every one of your for your daily hard work and service, wela’lioq. It is your continued focus, compassion and commitment that truly leads to our present and shapes our future.
In closing, I’m committed to being your Leader, serving our community, encouraging an environment where ideas are exchanged, concerns are heard, and solutions are crafted collaboratively. I will continue to work hard for you, our community and nation, building relationships with open-mindedness, accountability and transparency. I look forward to your support as we work together to achieve success in all our initiatives. For further discussions, please feel free to contact me at (902) 890-8558 or via email at chief@millbrookband.com
Wela’lioq, Chief Bob Gloade
Leadership that listens 