Every year, on the last weekend in July, thousands of people gather on Chapel Island at Saint Anne’s Mission–the longest continuous Mission in Canada. In addition to its religious importance, the Mission is a place where people gather to share news with other Mi’kmaq from around the region. Over four thousand people are expected to … Read More
Bear sign was plentiful as the three of us struggled, slashed, and made our way through thick alder, spruce and swampy areas deep within the plateau of the Cape Breton Highlands. “That tells us we’re near the bogs we are looking for” noted Tony Nette of NS Dept of Natural Resources. “The bogs are ones … Read More
Issues of moose management have been discussed amongst community members at sessions in practically all Mi’kmaq communities in Nova Scotia. Sessions with Indianbrook, Glooscap, and Wagmatcook are planned. “Information from these sessions are duly noted” Coordinator Clifford Paul explains, “The ability to successfully facilitate discussions on Mi’kmaq moose management shows that Mi’kmaq people take their … Read More
If things look cleaner around Eskasoni these days, you can thank George Paul and his 12 workers for Enhancing Our Community. Since the middle of May, George and his team have tackled roadside, river, and shoreline cleanups, as well as Mountain Road. Garbage is a concern in every community and Eskasoni’s is major. At first, … Read More
Recently, UINR handed out over 300 mekwe’k kawatkw (red spruce) seedlings to students at the annual Kids in the Forest event in Whycocomagh. Blair Bernard and Clifford Paul met with students at the Provincial Park and talked to them about a wide range of natural resource issues important to Unama’ki Mi’kmaq. Red spruce (Picea rubens … Read More
Charlie Dennis, Executive Director of UINR, has taken a leave of absence from his duties at the Institute. Recently elected as Chief of Eskasoni, he is unable to continue as Executive Director due to his commitments as Chief. He will, however, continue to be involved with UINR as a member of the Board of Directors … Read More
For most people, getting one degree would be enough of an accomplishment…but not for Annie E. Johnson, UINR’s Financial Officer and resident cartoonist. She just graduated from CBU with two degrees–a Bachelor of Business Administration AND a Bachelor of Arts Community Studies! It took six years of dedicated work to achieve this milestone and Anne … Read More
Cape Breton University was the host for a full-day workshop on two-eyed seeing in May and UINR was a major contributer for the event. Clifford Paul was the day’s MC and he also gave a presentation on Indigenous Science. Albert Marshall gave a spirited presentation on two-eyed seeing from the perspective of a Mi’kmaq Elder … Read More
Three Mi’kmaq have become the NS Department of Natural Resources’ first full-time aboriginal conservation, enforcement, and liaison officers. The positions were established to further promote positive working relationships with the Mi’kmaq community in Nova Scotia and to encourage better co-operation in the management of the province’s natural resources. “I am proud to be the Minister … Read More
Ask Albert Toney and Brian Toney and they’ll tell you what they are mining is White Gold! Albert and Brian are long-time employees at Georgia Pacific’s Melford gypsum mine near Waycobah and they love their jobs. “It’s like winning the lottery.” Brian explains, and this is the general reaction from people who land a job … Read More
Since Spring is the time of new beginnings, I thought I would take an opportunity to recognize some of the people working behind the scenes at UINR–our Board of Directors. The UINR Board has representatives from our five Unama’ki communities. Traditionally, the five Chiefs have formed our Board. Now that I am Chief, I will … Read More
A Story by Charlie Dennis I was visiting Uncle Simon Gabriel on one of many evenings after a long day of fishing oysters in Malagawatch. Gabriel lay on his bed next to the warm stove. His mouth was full of chewing tobacco and there was a spittoon nearby. Often something was said by him or … Read More