Pjila'si

Pjila’si

Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources represents the five Mi’kmaq communities of Unama’ki and was formed to address concerns regarding natural resources and their sustainability.
Commercial Fisheries

Commercial Fisheries

Management of our commercial fisheries involves a complex range of techniques and strategies including scientific, resource, commercial, and market information. The main mechanism for communication between governments and industry is through advisory and various other fisheries committees and groups. Attendance at these meetings is critical to full participation in co-management...
Forestry

Forestry

The UINR forestry division strives for an environmentally sound way to use our natural resources while creating employment for members of our communities and further strengthening relationships between local industry and Mi'kmaq people.
Moose

Moose

Moose have provided much to the Mi'kmaq through the years. The Mi'kmaq way of resource management includes a spiritual element that ties the people to the plants, animals and the environment as a whole. A Moose Management Plan will put into practice the responsibilities that accompany Mi'kmaq treaty rights.
Netukulimk

Netukulimk

At the soul of everything we do at UINR is Netukulimk. Netukulimk is the use of the natural bounty provided by the Creator for the self-support and well-being of the individual and the community. Netukulimk is achieving adequate standards of community nutrition and economic well-being without jeopardizing the integrity, diversity, or...
Natural Resource Officers

Natural Resource Officers

UINR's Natural Resource Officer (NRO) program began in 2006, evolving out of the 1990 Unama'ki Guardian Program. The original Guardian Program is managed by the individual bands. UINR's NRO project will allow coordinated work plans and targeted training under our NRO Coordinator to ensure our enforcement and conservation goals succeed.
Opportunities

Opportunities

Check back to this section on a regular basis to see if there are job opportunities, scholarships or other opportunities. Whenever there is an opening at UINR or if there is a new project that is looking for staff, we post it here!
Partnerships

Partnerships

UINR's partnerships with other organizations are an important part of what we do and the successes we have achieved. Our lead role in organizations such as Pitu'paq and the Bras d'Or Lakes Collaborative Environmental Planning Initiative have resulted in important accomplishments in achieving our environmental and management goals. Through our partnerships UINR...
Research

Research

UINR's research is guided by our communities and the advice and guidance of our community's Elders. Our emphasis is research on species of concern to Mi'kmaq such as oyster, lobster, eel, gaspereau and other food fishing species. Species at Risk and invasive species are also of great concern at UINR....
Unama'KIDS

Unama’KIDS

Unama'KIDS looks a natural resources and the environment from the point-of-view of youth in Unama'ki. One of our goals at UINR is to reach the youth in our communities and work with them to determine what information they need, and to develop innovative ways to get that information to them that...
Latest News
Kina’matnewey na klikn

Kina’matnewey na klikn

In recognition of Mi’kmaq History Month, UINR joined Cape Breton University’s Unama’ki College in its dedication of Kina’matnewey Na Klinkn (Strengthening Knowledge) in the University’s courtyard. UINR’s Executive Director Lisa Young, Elder Advisor Albert Marshall and his son Albert J, joined CBU President Dr. John Harker in a ceremonial planting of culturally significant Mi’kmaq plants....
Wli Nipi Alasutma aqq  Pusu’l Puna’ne!

Wli Nipi Alasutma aqq Pusu’l Puna’ne!

UINR 2012 calendar now available

UINR 2012 calendar now available

UINR’s 2012 calendar is now available. If you would like to receive a printed copy, drop us an E-mail with your name and mailing address and we will get one out to you. In the meantime, you can download a pdf file by clicking here. Happy New Year everyone!
Protecting eel habitat in Unama'ki

Protecting eel habitat in Unama’ki

Fortunately, eels are still common in the Bras d’Or Lakes, especially outside Eskasoni. From May to October, eels are actively fished along the shorelines. For the other half of the year, they overwinter in barachois ponds and embayments common to the shores of the Bras d’Or Lakes. Often these areas are not considered important for...
Bras d’Or Lakes eels... what we know

Bras d’Or Lakes eels… what we know

While eels have been fished in and around the Bras d’Or Lakes for hundreds of years, we never knew how old they were, how long they could grow, whether we had more female than male eels in the population, or if they had the swimbladder parasite. UINR recently completed a study to help us understand...
Feast in the Highlands 2011

Feast in the Highlands 2011

Plant a Mimkwonmooseel for Mi'kmaq History Month

Plant a Mimkwonmooseel for Mi’kmaq History Month

UINR is giving away Mimkwonmooseel (Red Oak) seed kits on Thursday October 20 at Cape Breton University. In celebration of Mi’kmaq History Month, UINR is participating in CBU’s dedication of  Kina matneway Na Klinkn (Embracing Knowledge) at the CBU Courtyard. UINR’s Executive Director Lisa Young will plant Switey and Pakosi, traditional Mi’kmaq plants to celebrate the garden’s dedication....
It's all about the people...Blair Bernard

It’s all about the people…Blair Bernard

Never was a man so happy to skin an eel. The joy in that moment carried into every part of Blair’s life. His world was outdoors. Hunting and fishing were an excuse to be in nature. It was where he felt alive. He brought that energy, that understanding with him to his work and friendships.–Weldon...
Oyster Garden Summer 2011

Oyster Garden Summer 2011

by Charlie Dennis One of the stories that sticks out in my mind happened a few years ago. Blair and the Guardians were involved in a project by EFWC and sponsored by Nova Scotia Fisheries at the request of the angling community. Rainbow trout is an introduced species that was affecting the native population of...
The Spirit of the Lakes Speaks launched

The Spirit of the Lakes Speaks launched

As the chant of the Friendship song drifted across the Bras d’Or Lakes on a rare sunny July afternoon, people shook hands in congratulations on the release of  The Spirit of the Lakes Speaks, a document created by the Bras d’Or Lakes Collaborative Environmental Planning Initiative (CEPI). With a vision for the protection and sustainability...
Invitation to the feast

Invitation to the feast

Join us on Saturday October 8 at noon for the Sixth Annual Feast in the Highlands. Check out the invitation for full details. Bring your appetite! If you have any questions, contact Clifford Paul, UINR’s Moose Management Coordinator at clifford@uinr.ca.  
Importance of Moose Harvester Reporting

Importance of Moose Harvester Reporting

Moose harvest time approaches and another season has stealthily crept upon us. For many it signals the need to reflect upon and experience the splendour and beauty of the Cape Breton Highlands. Clifford Paul, Moose Management Coordinator at UINR explains “As we partake in our yearly harvest of moose, it is universally recognized by hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike that...