Still reeling from the MSX virus in Bras d’Or Lakes oysters, the species has received another blow with the discovery of Malpeque disease in the waters of St. Ann’s Harbour and Orangedale. There are no human health concerns related to Malepeque but, since 1915 when the first symptoms were recorded, there have been significant losses … Read More
A new pilot program, a collaboration between UINR and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), has been put in place to train two Mi’kmaq DFO officers, who, upon completion of their training, will be assigned to the Unama’ki region to work with UINR on issues of concern to our Mi’kmaq communities. Training is anticipated … Read More
From UINR Marten – Vol.3. Issue.4 – Winter 2007
A Story by Charlie Dennis Tribute to Frankie Francis–Friend & Cousin In our Fall issue, Charlie Dennis described Frankie’s many business ventures that varied according to season. In late fall, Frankie would fish for eels in the Lakes’ mudflats, drawing from the knowledge he had picked up from the Elders. After fishing for eels, and … Read More
The following is from a speech delivered by Elder Albert Marshall in Montreal in November at the conference: Two Countries, One Forest. The forests of the earth can be viewed from two different perspectives; one being an acknowledgment and celebration of the life given to the forests through the hard labour of the living earth, … Read More
While moose provide a fresh supply of meat, historically, the Mi’kmaq depended on moose for many things. Highly-prized moose hides were used for clothing, shelter, and drums, skins were used to make boats, hooves for rattles, and high density shin bones were carved and sharpened as spear tips. To bring some of that ancient knowledge … Read More
The dating pool for American Marten in Unama’ki just took a leap forward with the release in the Highlands of five animals that were recently trapped in northern New Brunswick! Lending a hand in the matchmaking were UINR staff members, Clifford Paul and Blair Bernard, along with representatives from Parks Canada and Nova Scotia Department … Read More
From UINR Marten – Vol.3. Issue.1 – Spring 2007
A Story by Charlie Dennis Tribute to Frank Francis Frankie–Friend & Cousin I met Frank when my grandfather and I were visiting at his family’s home. Originally, we lived near the new elementary school, up on the hill where the Eskasoni Supermarket is today. Every chance I got I would spend visiting my grandparents who … Read More
Traditionally, the fall is the beginning of the Mi’kmaq year. As the birds began their flight south, Mi’kmaq people began their migration from the lakes and ocean to their inland homes. Birds, eels, salmon, moose, and beaver were plentiful and fall was the time to harvest and lay in supplies for the long winter ahead. … Read More
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