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 Bona

Blair was one of the nicest people I ever had the pleasure of knowing. He found enjoyment in simple things in life like being outdoors, hunting, fishing, eating. His idea of dressing up for work was to leave his work boots at home. He took a trip to Colorado once and fell in love with the place because of the abundance of mountains and wildlife. He said he’d love to live there someday.–Lisa Young

My favourite story about Blair would have to be the time he was teaching Shelley and I how to skin and gut eels for our research. I was so afraid to pick up or even touch the eel (it wasn’t even alive, by the way) and Blair kept laughing at me. Finally he asked me, “Why are you so afraid of the eel? It’s just food!” This gave me a whole new perspective on looking at eels and I won’t forget this bit of advice. I am still a little bit afraid of eels, especially when they are alive, but I just have to remember, it’s just food! –Angela Denny

We went moose hunting together a few times and after a long day of not seeing anything we would pull over and make hot tea and something to eat. Just that we were out there enjoying the scenery and company made the day fly by and enjoyable despite not seeing any moose. Blair was a jack-of-all-trades.

He could make anything, fix anything, build anything, catch and hunt anything and would share anything or any knowledge he had to help you. He would help with anything he could to anyone that asked.–Hubert Nicholas

Blair and I shared an office for much of his time at UINR. He was a problem solver and never hesitated to jump into a project even if it wasn’t related to what he was working on. If he saw that he could help, he would. We shared a lot of laughs. Blair was famous for his appetite and often had stories about the latest place where he tried the best (usually seafood) dish, or scheduling meetings in Wagmatcook on Wednesdays specifically so they could have corned beef for lunch. Blair’s family and friends were so special to him, especially when Nadine or one of the kids would call the office, you could hear the tone of his voice change. He was always so happy to hear from them. I am so grateful to have the honour to have known him, and will miss and think about him always.–Annie Johnson

When I started working at UINR, I shared an office with Blair for one whole year, and we talked and laughed every day. I don’t remember everything we talked about, but in my mind I still picture him sitting at his desk with his big smile spitting into empty coke bottles because he always had chew in his mouth. Some things we laughed at were foolish and may not have been funny to others, but we found the simplest things to humour ourselves. He found it especially funny when he and Clifford would go out to buy fish for dinner and make the office smell like a fish processing plant. You knew immediately when you walked in what Blair had for lunch. I would start with the air freshener and opening doors. He would say “smells like someone baking a cake.” I’m going to miss that man, his humour, his friendship, but I don’t think I will miss the smell of fish.–Serena Paul

We spent a lot of time just chatting as office mates. He was a jack-of-all-trades. He knew a little bit about everything. He was one of the most honest and sincere men I have ever met and he will be greatly missed.
–Mark MacPhail

I knew Blair all my life, however, we became good friends while working at UINR. Blair was a man of incredible “niceness,” and his dedication to family and friends was surely his most admirable trait. I will truly miss my friend and I still can’t believe that he’s journeyed to the Happy Hunting and Fishing Grounds with his ancestors at such a young age. Someday, the reality will set in. He has left a positive and friendly impact on many peoples’ lives and I know his legacy will live on in his children, family, friends, relatives, and co-workers alike.–Clifford Paul

In 1999, Angela was one of the first graduates from the newly-built Eskasoni High School, and she went on to continue her studies at Cape Breton University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2006.

Right after high school Angela worked as a summer student at UINR and Eskasoni Fish and Wildlife Commision. This is where she got her feet wet working as a lab technician and assisting the biologists on a wide-range of projects.

Nowadays, Angela is involved in many projects at UINR. She represents UINR at meetings of the Bras d’Or Lakes Collaborative Environmental Planning Initiative and attends training workshops and conferences relating to Species at Risk and invasive species. Over the years, she has become expert on the American Eel and spends many hours in the lab processing eels. This month she even spent some time on the ice spearing specimens for her research. She is also involved with the Malagawatch Environmental Best Management Practices Planning Committee.

Gaspereau are another species that Angela works with every year. She processes samples in the lab, helping in the development of a management plan for the local fishery. Most recently Angela assisted in developing the series of booklets  “Sespite’tmnej” (Let’s be concerned) for the protection of eel habitat, setting up workshops and community meetings for all five bands and making presentations to students.

When not working, Angie loves spending time with her two young children Bethaney and Morris, and fiancé, Dion Denny. When she’s not connecting with her friends on Facebook, you can probably find her out shopping or at a movie and whenever there’s a quiet moment, reading.

“The most rewarding aspect of my work is the friendly, family-like atmosphere here at UINR.  I enjoy my work and it feels nice being part of a great team.”

angela@uinr.ca

She holds everything together!

Now if the tape came in pink (Serena’s favourite colour), the similarities would be complete. Serena is UINR’s Administrative Assistant, a fancy title for someone who does everything around the office from greeting visitors to operating the photocopier, organizing meetings and handling the mail. If you’ve ever phoned UINR or dropped into our offices, it is probably Serena who welcomed you or directed you to the person you were looking for.

If Mi’kmaq is your language of choice, you don’t need to hesitate to use it when you call or drop by. Serena is not only fluent, but we often depend on her to translate words or settle arguments on its correct use. Serena is often called in to take minutes for our various initiatives and her language versatility make her indispensable when the meetings are held in Mi’kmaq.

Serena graduated from Holy Angels High School and studied at UCCB in the B.A. program. She recently completed a business training certificate in “Minutes Made Easy.” Before joining us at UINR, Serena worked with the Eskasoni Band Council as its secretary and as receptionist at the Eskasoni Health Centre. Serena joined us at UINR as Coordinator for Unama’KIDS. Never content to sit idle, Serena filled in around the office whenever she was needed and when there was an opening for an Administrative Assistant, she applied and, well, the rest is history!

Whenever UINR is organizing a conference or event, Serena’s organizational skills are called into play–from the first planning meeting through to the final wrap-up party. She’s worked on scheduling video conferences and events for Unama’KIDS, helped organize our Moose Symposium and in the planning and operations of forestry conferences. Whether its organizing catering, booking facilities or following up with guest speakers, Serena does it all.

We don’t want to give the impression that Serena is all work and no play! She loves her weekends and values the quality time with her family spending time in Ben Eoin or at a movie or curled up with a good (preferably scary) book. One of the traits she shares with her sister Annie is a love of shopping…in November you can find her in Maine on her annual Black Friday shopping trip. To fill in the time between shopping trips Serena hones her skills on eBay!

“Not only am I helping the environment and the Bras d’Or Lakes by working for UINR, whatever I pick up along the way I take home to my kids. They love this part of my job, especially the Unama’KIDS program. (We also like the staff’s cooking when we have parties, especially Weldon’s cookies!)”

serena@uinr.ca

Ten questions

Chose an animal native to Unama’ki.

Eagle

Favourite season?

Fall.

What is the best part of your work?

UINR staff.

Choose a quality you admire in others.

Sense of humour.

Favourite beach?

Ben Eoin

Last thing you read?

How the Cougar Became the Ghost Cat by Michael Isaac

What’s for supper tonight?

I’m thinking maybe stew.

What is your favourite website?

ebay.ca

What did you do in the last week to help the environment?

Purchased “green” household products.

Chocolate or chips?

If I HAD to chose, it would have to be chocolate.

There is nowhere that Charlie Dennis is more at home than in a boat on the Bras d’Or Lakes or walking along her peaceful shores….except sitting in a boardroom navigating the complexities of government and community relations. Anyone who has seen Charlie in action knows that one of his greatest skills is listening and his ability to bring a quiet calm to the bumpiest of seas. Maybe it’s the many years that he spent on the Lakes, observing nature and the environment, that helps guide him in negotiating the sometimes rough waters of government departments and the private sector.

Charlie is UINR’s Senior Advisor and he guides our staff of the delicate art of government relations and dealing with other user groups. His wealth of knowledge of the fisheries and wildlife is invaluable. Charlie, of course, is no stranger to UINR. He was instrumental in the organization’s formation over 10 years ago and has served as Executive Director through much of that time, before becoming Chief of Eskasoni several years ago. Today, through his role as Senior Advisor, he continues to help get things done.

Everyone who has seen Charlie at meetings or in the boardroom is struck by his diplomacy and his ability to create an understanding between often competing interests. He has a way of bringing people together, finding a common ground and before long, they are working together towards a common goal.

Charlie has always enjoyed nature. For much of his early working life he worked fishing lobster and herring before finding his true calling in the oyster fishery. This is an area where Charlie has done it all–from raking oyster from a row boat to manager of a successful oyster farm–there is nothing that he doesn’t know about oyster. Just the mention of the bumpy shellfish lights up his eyes! Over the years he has watched the industry rise and fall, and he helped it grow into a multi-million dollar industry, just to watch it be devastated by disease and destroyed by greed. Maybe this is why he works so hard to make sure that it doesn’t happen in other areas by using his experience to ensure that the same mistakes are not made again.

Today, if you are looking for Charlie, he’s likely at a meeting on moose management, helping develop a strategy to protect the Bras d’Or Lakes, protecting the wild salmon population or preserving his much-loved spiritual home–Malagawatch. And, if he’s not out a meeting somewhere, you can likely find him sharing a story or quietly guiding UINR staff with his knowledge and wisdom.

“I will never forget the feeling of pride I felt years ago when the whole Mi’kmaq fishing fleet came in together to Eskasoni to celebrate our successful fishery. I dreamed that someday we would have Mi’kmaq fisheries officers and biologists trained and working on the Bras d’or Lakes…and it’s happened. It’s a great feeling!”

Ten questions

If you ask Clifford Paul, UINR’s Moose Management Coordinator, what his strongest asset is he won’t skip a beat–communication. Everything he does– from moderator of community sessions to negotiations with government departments to discussion with hunters, Elders and youth–depends on his excellent communication skills.

For ten years, Clifford worked with Micmac News. Starting as staff writer and photographer, he eventually became editor. While there, he shared a National Aboriginal Communications Society Award for best news story for coverage of the Donald Marshall Jr. story.  After his stint with MicMac News, he spent the next six years with the Unama’ki Tribal Police as Criminal Records Manager and dispatch trainer.  Before joining us at UINR, Clifford worked for the Union of Nova Scotia Indians on the Sydney Tar Ponds and Coke Ovens Clean-up, providing information on proposed technologies to the Mi’kmaq communities affected by the clean-up.

As Coordinator of the Moose Management Initiative, Clifford’s role is to engage the Mi’kmaq community in drafting a management plan for moose in the Cape Breton Highlands. Clifford is passionate about this project. “This initiative is a shining example of Mi’kmaq self-government put to action as it employs Mi’kmaq jurisdiction with a Mi’kmaq natural resource in Mi’kmaq territory.”

When not travelling around the province talking moose, you might find Clifford working on his other passion–BearMan Jewelry and Crafts. You can find him at craft shows, community events and his favourite–the Powwow trail. His necklaces, earrings and bracelets are all handmade using natural stone, bone, horn, metal, crystals, wood, leather and semi-precious gemstones. “This family venture lets us see many people in many places and develop a strong rapport with our customers. It allows us to not only contribute to, but participate in what business people call “the social economy.”

Clifford shares his life with his partner Claudia, and is father to five grown children and four grandchildren.  “I’m still not used to being called  “Poppa”–a moniker usually reserved for people of maturity–imagine!”

clifford @uinr.ca

Ten questions

Chose an animal native to Unama’ki.

Red Tailed Hawk.  I admire their protective qualities and aggressiveness. I once saw one attack an eagle carrying a fish.  The hawk grabbed the eagle by the back and wings and spun it around (in flight).

Favourite season?

Late Summer/Early Fall.

What is the best part of your work?

I like that it brings me to the Mi’kmaq communities across the province. I truly enjoy this.

Chose a quality you admire in others.

I admire the dedication and strong love of my parents–they are great people.

Favourite beach?

Morrison’s Beach in Richmond County.

Last book you read?

Clifford The Big Red Rez Dog

What’s for supper tonight?

Pasta (I hope).

What is your favourite website?

It is nativecraftmen.com, a site to purchase raw materials for crafting.

What did you do in the last week to help the environment?

I helped release American Martens.

Chocolate or chips?

Both!!!  (just kidding).  I am a self-proclaimed and self-diagnosed chocoholic.

If someone had told Lisa Young ten years ago that she would be the Executive Director of UINR, she might have thrown you out of the helicopter that she was in, doing a survey of the moose population in the Cape Breton Highlands!

In those days, UINR hadn’t even started and Lisa was a young biologist fresh from her studies at York University. She was working as a field technician doing research with Parks Canada and the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources on moose in the Highlands. As a biologist at Eskasoni Fish and Wildlife Commission in 2001, Lisa was in the right place at the right time when Charlie Dennis was looking for a manager for a new organization that he was working on–Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources.

Little did she know at the time that UINR would grow into a leader in Mi’kmaq natural resources and environmental issues. This did not happen overnight and, from the beginning, Lisa was involved in writing and developing proposals for initiatives such as the Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management program, hardwood forest management, the Natural Resource Officer program and Mi’kmaq Natural Resource Mapping project.

For six years, Lisa was UINR’s General Manager and Director of Administraton before becoming Executive Director in 2007. One of the highlights in Lisa’s training was participating in Aboriginal Leadership and Management Development training at the Banff Centre.

As Executive Director, Lisa’s job includes assisting staff in project development and management, as well as participating in developing the UINR’s overall objectives and direction.

When Lisa is not wearing her UINR hat, she enjoys family time with her husband Buddy Young and their two young children, Maria and Spencer.

The most rewarding part of working at UINR has been having the opportunity to be involved in such a wide range of environmental issues.  It’s quite an experience to be able to work with so many different facets of government, industry and community.

lisa@uinr.ca

Ten questions

Chose an animal native to Unama’ki.

Bears. I have always been interested in studying/working with bears.

Favourite season?

Fall. I like the crisp smell in the air and the cooler days. I don’t like the heat of summer

What is the best part of your work?

I feel that I am working for an organization that has the potential to make a real impact on restoring the health of our environment and communities. Chose a quality you admire in others.

I like people who are honest and forthright.

Favorite beach?

My favourite beaches are tropical, sandy beaches, but spend my summers at Ben Eoin.

Last book you read?

Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella

What’s for supper tonight?

Supper tonight is on the road–travelling to a meeting in Halifax–but last night we had ribs and mashed potatoes.

What is your favourite website?

Recently my favourite site is allposters.com. I am busy decorating our new home.

What did you do in the last week to help the environment?

I use biodegradable cleaners to clean my house–favourite brand is BIO-VERT.

Chocolate or chips?

Most days it’s chocolate, but chocolate and chips go well together!

This first-hand knowledge of the industry made Hubert an excellent candidate for UINR’s Commercial Fisheries Liaison Coordinator position that was established in 2008.

Hubert works for all of the commercial fishers in Unama’ki and, on their behalf, he attends meetings that affect any of our commercial fisheries and reports back to each community’s Fishery Managers on DFO and Industry decisions that may affect them. This information helps managers to make decisions that benefit their communities and their fishery.  Hubert voices concerns regarding management issues that are raised in meetings.

Hubert explains, It is interesting attending meetings on commercial fisheries now that I am not actively fishing, seeing the process unfold and how DFO involves industry and science. Sometimes the final decisions may not be well-received, but they usually seek industry and science advice to help with decisions. I can’t wait until the day that Mi’kmaq are totally involved in co-management of the fishery and are asked for management advice at the decision level instead of just sitting at the table as another member of industry. The definition of co-management is different for the federal and provincial governments than what the Mi’kmaq believe it to be. When the governments agree to a definition then we can move to the next step and define what a livelihood fishery will be for the Unama’ki Mi’kmaq communities as defined by the Marshall decision.

In addition to his life-long involvement in the commercial fisheries, Hubert worked with Kwilmu’k Maw-klusuaqn (KMK) as a consultation liaison coordinator before joining us at UINR.

Hubert is a member of the Eastern Scotian Shelf Integrated Management Initiative, a collaborative ocean management and planning process facilitated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. He is also participates in meetings of the Bras d’Or Lakes Collaborative Environmental Planning Initiative.

When not embroiled in commercial fisheries issues, Hubert spends his off time with his wife and three kids. When they aren’t too busy with hockey, ballet, jazz dance, baseball and tennis, he likes to take his kids hunting and fishing.

Hubert says, I love to work with the team at UINR because there are always interesting conversations about the different aspects that each person deals with regarding natural resources. I have learned a lot about Unama’ki and the impact that UINR has on the management of its natural resources.

UINR made me realize that conservation is the key and without the resource there is no right to it. Conversations with UINR staff help me realize that conservation and Netuklimk is the key to preserving all resources available for our future use and benefit.

hubert@uinr.ca

NEW ON BOARD

Jason MacLean is UINR’s new Assistant Forestry Manager.

Jason graduated with honours as a Forest Technician from Maritime Forest Ranger School and also holds an honours certificate in Forest Resources.

A graduate from Riverview Highschool, Jason has worked as a Forest Technician, chainsaw operator and labourer in Margaree, Ontario and British Columbia. Jason has also worked as a carpenter’s assistant giving him experience from clearing land to final construction. With more than 10 years working in the industry, his passion lies in natural resources. He worked for five years on Manitoulin Island where he learned about First Nation culture.

I am excited to be with UINR, and very interested in learning more about traditional Mi’kmaq knowledge and values, especially those associated with forest sustainability and preservation.

jason@uinr.ca

Gwen Poulette is our Finance Officer at UINR.

Gwen is well-known in the community for her work with various organizations and businesses. Before joining us at UINR Gwen was the Accounting Technician at the Atlantic First Nation Help Desk. She ran her own business–Poulette’s Bookkeeping Service in Eskasoni–where she helped businesses set up computerized bookkeeping, prepared tax rebates and other financial services for her clients.

She worked for many years at Eskasoni Fish and Wildlife Commission as their Accountant and as Financial Auditor for the Unama’ki Training and Education Centre.

I am so glad to be a part of UINR. My fellow co-workers are very friendly and a nice group of people. Our location is beautiful and I couldn’t  ask for anything better.

gwen@uinr.ca

Serena Paul has accepted the position as UINR’s Administrative Assistant.

She is no stranger at UINR where she’s been working on our Unama’KIDS project and was Project Assistant for the past year as well as assisting in our Finance department.

A graduate of Holy Angels High School, Serena attended Cape Breton University, taking business classes. She plans to finish her degree by taking courses part time.

Before joining UINR, Serena worked as a substitute Teacher’s Aide at Eskasoni Middle School and was Band Secretary for Eskasoni. Serena also worked with the Eskasoni Health Centre.

I enjoy working with the UINR team because I feel as I belong to another part of a family.  It just makes me feel complete!

serena@uinr.ca

Currently, Annie oversees UINR’s operations and is filling Lisa Young’s position as Director of Administration while Lisa is on maternity leave. “I started at UINR as a summer student and I’ve been with the organization for over three years. In that time, I have been Administrative Assistant, Assistant to the Administrative Assistant, Finance Assistant, Finance Officer, and most recently, Director of Administration.”

A graduate of Eskasoni High School Class of 2000, Annie completed her Bachelor of Arts Community Studies degree AND a Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in May 2007. She has taken courses to attain a Certified Aboriginal Finance Manager designation with the Aboriginal Finance Officers Association of Canada, but as that designation is a combination of courses and experience, she has put the courses on hold while gaining more practical experience.

Before joining UINR, Annie worked for several years with Eskasoni Economic Development’s entrepreneurship summer camps for youth all over Nova Scotia. She also worked as a substitute teacher aide in Eskasoni Middle School. Annie is currently involved with the Eskasoni Parents Against Drugs initiative and helps organize the annual Acho Man Disco Dance in memory of her uncle.

When not volunteering or working, Annie spends as much time as possible with her dog Kalypso. Staff members say she bought her current vehicle (a small SUV) because she needed it to lug Kalypso around with her!

An avid reader, Annie spends a good chunk of the her time reading, Lately, she’s into mysteries and vampires.

“When you love your job, going to work and doing your work is not difficult, and with a team like the one we have at UINR, it’s easy to love your work.Our staff is one of the most productive I know of. I’m proud to be part of this team, and to have people like Elder Albert Marshall and Chief Charlie Dennis as my mentors. I learn and undertake new things all the time when I’m here, and I truly appreciate that.”

annie@uinr.ca

From UINR Marten – Vol.4. Issue.4 – Winter 2008