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.

In an effort to increase Mi’kmaq involvement in enforcement, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and UINR established a pilot that trained two Mi’kmaq DFO officers, who have been assigned to the Unama’ki region to work in collaboration with UINR on issues of concern to our Mi’kmaq communities.

Phillip travels to the Coast Guard College every day from Waycobah. He has been a commercial fisherman for the past 17 years, starting at an early age when he reluctantly fished with his father, eventually becoming skipper on a snow crab vessel. “This NRO position is my dream job” he explains. “Because of the ups and downs in the fisheries, I was looking to find something more stable. The only thing I’ve ever been good at is the fisheries” he says, smiling.

Originally from Eskasoni and currently living in Membertou, Tim brings a totally different skill-set to the NRO training. “I have always been interested in law enforcement and this training is exactly what I was looking for. This is an incredible opportunity for a career as opposed to a job.” For the past five years, Tim has been working in security for the Membertou Band Council.

The DFO training is intensive. After six weeks at the Coast Guard College, they move to Chilliwack, BC, where they will continue their training. They will graduate in Regina in mid-May and begin work right away. “From learning about all of the Atlantic fish species, federal acts and regulations, marine emergency, and duties training, the training so far has been very interesting,” Phillip says.

Once they have graduated, Tim expects to be posted in St. Peter’s, and Phillip in Baddeck. Over the next three years, they will continue to take courses and on-the-job training as they patrol the Bras d’Or Lakes.

“Having Mi’kmaq officers will make a big difference,Tim explains. “We expect that people will be a lot calmer, more respectful when they are approached by a fellow Mi’kmaq” Phillip adds, “Speaking the language makes a big difference in communicating to Mi’kmaq people. We see a big part of our job is to educate natives and non-natives alike on the Mi’kmaq food fisheries.”

While Tim and Phillip couldn’t look more different from each other, they share a passion and an interest that will, without a doubt, ensure their success.

blair@uinr.ca

From UINR Marten – Vol.4. Issue.1 – Spring 2008

UINR’s Natural Resource Office Co-ordinator, Blair Bernard, identified eligible applicants from Unama’ki with the interest and qualifications to become DFO officers. To qualify, applicants had to demonstrate that they would meet the merit criteria of DFO’s fishery officer training program.

Applicants had to meet stringent criteria to qualify, including two years of post-secondary education in a related field, or a combination of education, training and/or experience. Candidates had to demonstrate experience in renewable natural resources, habitat management, field research, or field assessment of resources such as fish, wildlife or forestry. Candidates were also required to have experience in legislation or by-law enforcement with a law enforcement or security agency, and field experience in providing outdoor services to fishers, hunters, or eco-tourists.

We also looked at the applicant’s experience in commercial, aboriginal, or recreational fisheries and knowledge of fish species, biology and fishing methods, management, and surveillance of fisheries and fish habitat.

A knowledge of fisheries-related Acts and Regulations, and a general understanding of the Canadian judicial system, was also part of the selection criteria.

A candidate’s abilities and suitability were also carefully considered before names were put forward for the program. We expect that the successful applicants will be chosen early in 2008. Watch the UINR Marten for the announcement.

blair@uinr.ca

The positions were established to further promote positive working relationships with the Mi’kmaq community in Nova Scotia and to encourage better co-operation in the management of the province’s natural resources.

“I am proud to be the Minister who announces this initiative,” Natural Resources’ Minister David Morse said during a news conference in Eskasoni with Mi’kmaq leaders. “The province is committed to working collaboratively with Mi’kmaq, to sharing our concern for, and interest in, the natural resources this province offers.”

Eskasoni Chief Charlie Joe Dennis, speaking on behalf of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs, said it was an historic day for Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq. “Early on, in developing a management plan for the Unama’ki moose herd, we identified enforcement as an important part of the picture,” he said. “Having First Nations conservation officers in the field across the province is a step forward for us to take responsibility ourselves for the management and enforcement of our people’s rights.”

The conservation officers are in Whycocomagh, Shubenacadie, and Milton.

From UINR Marten – Vol.4. Issue.2 – Summer 2008

Our NRO Program is focusing on all areas of natural resources of concern to First Nations including forestry, fisheries, environment, wildlife management, and emergency measures. Staff will consist of Natural Resource Officers and Environmental Technicians trained in the appropriate monitoring and enforcement protocols and procedures.

Blair has a wealth of experience to coordinate this program. He worked with Eskasoni Fish and Wildlife Commission for 15 years both as a Guardian and Manager of the Commercial Fishing Division. As Guardian for the native fishery, he was involved in enforcement and joint patrols with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and was involved with several scientific studies around the Bras d’Or Lakes.

Blair, a graduate of Riverview Rural High School, received his Diploma in Natural Resources from UCCB and has received a wealth of additional training as a Fishery Guardian from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

All Blair’s training and experience has led to his position as coordinator of this important program.

blair@uinr.ca

From UINR Marten – Vol.2. Issue.1 – Spring 2006