Malfunctioning private septic systems, inadequate community sewage systems, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, boating sewage, and dangerous chemicals all contribute to problems with water quality in the Bras d’Or Lakes. UINR, along with the Bras d’Or Lakes Collaborative Environmental Planning Initiative, have published The State of the Bras d’Or Marine Environmental Water Quality Background Report. The Report … Read More
Bringing back an ancient tradition As Mi’kmaq people become more involved in issues of moose management, benefits of harvesting moose can be looked at in creative, sustainable ways. We now recognize the need to use all parts of the moose to maximize the benefits of our relationship with this very valuable resource. Not only do … Read More
UINR’s Moose Management Initiative just published a brochure outlining Good Principles and Safe Practices for Mi’kmaq hunters in the moose hunt. Copies are being distributed throughout the Highlands. They are also available at the UINR office in Eskasoni and your Band office. Here are some of the principles and practices that are included in the … Read More
UINR has just published Unama’ki Jakejue’ka’timk: Food, Social, and Ceremonial Lobster Fishery Management Plan for Unama’ki. This plan was developed for the food, social, and ceremonial (FSC) lobster fishery through consultation with lobster fishers, elders, members of the Grand Council, and other knowledgeable community members to address concerns with current conservation provisions set out in … Read More
From the point of view of Spruce Beetles, these are good times! It’s a time for growth, expansion, and the fulfilment of their purpose in the great cycle of life. The white spruce have matured, the winters have been mild, and it is time to feast, multiply, and thin the forest to make room for … Read More
What a difference a few weeks can make! Until this year, the annual St Anne’s Mission resulted in mountains of garbage and complaints about sewage being dumped in the Lakes. This year, things were different. Thanks to the far-sighted work of Pitu’paq, the unique group of First Nations, municipal governments and their federal and provincial … Read More
A Story by Charlie Dennis Here is a story that’s a bit different from the others that I’ve told in the past. My stories usually begin with facts and fishermen in Malagawatch. With this story, I’ll throw you off a little and tell you about something a bit different. This is a story where you … Read More
Nipk, Summer is here! With the changing of the season, we are also seeing changes here at UINR. Charlie, our Executive Director, has taken a leave of absence from his position as he concentrates his energy on the job of Chief of Eskasoni. He will still be involved with UINR as a member of the … Read More
UINR has teamed up with Natural Resource Officers (NROs) from Eskasoni, Waycobah, and Membertou to collect data on water temperature, salinity, oxygen, and secchi disk readings around the waters of Unama’ki this spring. These measurements will be taken from many different areas in the Lakes and the Mira River to address a number of concerns … Read More
Eskasoni currently has one commercial license for harvesting gaspereau (Alosa pseudoharengus) in the Bras d’Or Lakes. Gaspereau are harvested for bait for other fisheries, and commonly sold fresh but can be salted and sold for other markets. It has become an important source of income for some people in Eskasoni. Over the past four years, … Read More
Every year, on the last weekend in July, thousands of people gather on Chapel Island at Saint Anne’s Mission–the longest continuous Mission in Canada. In addition to its religious importance, the Mission is a place where people gather to share news with other Mi’kmaq from around the region. Over four thousand people are expected to … Read More
Bear sign was plentiful as the three of us struggled, slashed, and made our way through thick alder, spruce and swampy areas deep within the plateau of the Cape Breton Highlands. “That tells us we’re near the bogs we are looking for” noted Tony Nette of NS Dept of Natural Resources. “The bogs are ones … Read More