UINR has received funding for habitat enhancement in the Bras d’Or Lakes. Habitat enhancement is any change that we can make to improve the habitat’s value and its ability to meet the needs of one or more species. For example, we have been involved in placing artificial lobster reefs to provide new habitats for lobster. … Read More
UINR is doing research on eels in the Bras d’Or Lakes and we are looking for 15 eels from fishers in each First Nations community. If you are spearing eels this winter and would like to help us with our research, give Shelley Denny a call at 379 2024 ext. 229 or toll free at … Read More
The Golden Star Tunicate…sounds harmless enough but this is an invasive species that has been found in the Bras d’Or Lakes on eel grass, shellfish and just about anywhere it can attach itself, smothering its host. An aquatic invasive species is an organism that has extended its traditional range either naturally, or brought to new … Read More
The findings of a two-day conference–Mawikwamk Wjit Tia’muk–Mi’kmaq Gathering on Moose have been released. Delegates representing Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq communities met and discussed developing guidelines for the native moose hunt in the Cape Breton Highlands. Dan Christmas, a conference facilitator explains, “The Mi’kmaq have treaty and aboriginal rights to hunt and we have taken an … Read More
Banks along the shores of Malagawatch are eroding at an alarming rate. UINR has taken action to address the problem by erecting a barrier and signs warning of the erosion. We strongly recommend that people keep their distance from the banks to prevent injury. In an effort to help, UINR laid geotextile fabric over the … Read More
“Healing and reconciliation,” is how Elder Albert Marshall put it after the two day workshop held by Bras d’Or Lakes Collaborative Environmental Planning Initiative(CEPI). The Elders of Unama’ki gathered with CEPI in a workshop designed to clarify CEPI’s vision for a management plan for the Bras d’Or Lakes watershed. “Reconciliation must begin before the two … Read More
After the wettest summer that anyone can remember, I am sure I am not the only one hoping for nice weather through the fall. We are pretty excited at UINR to be a part of what we think is going to be a landmark event for our people and self government–Mawikwamk Wjit Tia’muk, Mi’kmaq Gathering … Read More
Lobster in Area 28 (Part 2) Story by Chief Charlie Dennis The sad part of our story is that with the 50 traps we put out, we only got one small lobster that was undersized and we had to throw it back in. This went on for about two weeks, until one day, my friend … Read More
“I feel very lucky to do work every day that I believe in, that is consistent with my beliefs and my history, and to work with people of extraordinary talent and leadership.” Laurie Suitor is UINR’s Intergovernmental Relations & Partnership Advisor. Her job is to ensure that Mi’kmaq interests, concerns and priorities are included in … Read More
UINR has been fortunate again this year to receive support from the Aboriginal Funds for Species At Risk program to expand our nearshore mapping of eel habitat and Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge project. Our original project took place in Potlotek, Waycobah, Wagmatcook, Malagawatch, Membertou and Eskasoni in 2007-2008. This year we will address knowledge gaps in … Read More
Every year, UINR awards $15,000 in scholarships to Unama’ki students interested in science, technology and forestry. Funding for these scholarships is provided by New Page and Georgia Pacific. This year, scholarships were awarded to: (left to right) Teedaze Paul ($2000), Katherine Denny ($1000), Trudy Paul ($1000). Missing from photo: Christina Fraser ($2000), Janice Basque (2000), … Read More
UINR’s conference on Sustainable Hardwood Management in Today’s Acadian Forests was the first step in our process towards developing a Mi’kmaq management plan for Unama’ki’s hardwood. Internationally renowned speakers, Mi’kmaq Elders, forestry experts and industry leaders met over a two-day period in Membertou to share their forestry experience and knowledge. Dr. Ralph D. Nyland, presented … Read More