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
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