In a previous story (Oyster Garden 8 ) I spoke of changes in habitat due to climate change and rising sea levels. In that story I spoke of the island in Eskasoni that is no longer there. That island was located just behind the RCMP headquarters as we showed in aerial photos that illustrated that … Read More
It’s been an unbelievably busy season for Unama’KIDS with plenty of opportunities for the group to get outside and experience nature. We started off the season with a shoreline cleanup of the beach in Malagawatch where we picked up garbage. The biggest item we found was an old rusted car, but we weren’t able to … Read More
The Moose Management Initiative has been visiting communities across Nova Scotia, holding discussions on Mi’kmaq natural resource management issues that are at the forefront of our self-governance initiative. The community sessions have been going at a productive pace with notable attendance and impressive dialogue. Discussion is the key element for increased Mi’kmaq input into the management of … Read More
Elder Albert Marshall may have said it best: “Plamu was historically one of the staple foods upon which First Nations people depended. It was viewed as a gift from the Creator, and it seemed that it would last forever. That is obviously not the case: the species is threatened on a daily basis. It is … Read More
Plants have always been an important part of Mi’kmaq tradition, not just for food but as cures and prevention for many common ailments. Today it is not unusual to see Mi’kmaq Elders picking sweetgrass for ceremonies and other plants as cures for everything from stomach cramps to relieving the symptoms of the common cold. UINR … Read More
How is Serena Paul like Scotch tape? 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. … Read More
A special workshop on plamu (Atlantic salmon) in Cape Breton is being held in Sydney on March 7 and 8, 2011. UINR and the Cape Breton Collaborative Salmon Initiative (CSI) are bringing together interested people, both Mi’kmaq and non-native, from around the Island to find ways to work together towards the common goals of increasing … Read More
UINR and Environment Canada are presenting a free workshop at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre on Wednesday, March 23. Proposal Writing and Fundraising would be of interest to anyone who writes funding applications for both environmental and non-environmental projects. If you need money for a project and need to know more about what funders … Read More
UINR is looking for ideas from youth, Elders and everyone in between. Share what you feel is harming the Membertou Brook, Reservoir and other streams in your community and any ideas that you have to help solve the problem. Drop in Wednesday February 2, 2011 from 3 to 7 pm at Membertou Senior’s Centre. Food and beverages … Read More
Malagawatch, Nova Scotia–With $500,000.00 in emergency funding approved by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada to protect Mi’kmaq culturally significant lands in Malagawatch, Cape Breton, plans are underway to complete the work over the next couple of months. Annie Johnson explains, “The Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources (UINR) is pleased to be presented the opportunity to … Read More
The two workshops planned for January 26 and 27 have been postponed until further notice. We’ll update you on the new dates as soon as we have them. UINR and Environment Canada are presenting two free workshops at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre on January 26 and 27. The first workshop on Proposal Writing … Read More
$500,000.00 in emergency funding has been granted by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada to allow UINR (Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources) to take measures to protect Mi’kmaq culturally significant lands on the Bras d’Or Lakes in Malagawatch, Cape Breton. UINR’s Annie Johnson explains, “Over the years erosion has threatened the ancient cemetery and shrine that has … Read More