They were chosen first.
It appears that the Mi'kmaq communities requested all the exploratory licences. I would like to read from an email sent to you on September 26, 2024. This email summarizes a discussion. It reads as follows:
However, their questions and comments suggested that there was room for “negotiation.” A 50/50 split wasn't acceptable to them. This position nevertheless opened the door to a percentage between 50% and 100%.
In the end, that's what you did. You gave them over 50% of the exploratory licences.