In older times, nipk (summer) was the time when our families travelled to summer camps along the shores to gather fish, shellfish, roots, and herbs to supplement our summer diet. These traditions are still important to us and, at UINR we continue to work on ensuring that these resources will be there in the future for our children. Much of our work is directed at protecting traditional Mi’kmaq natural resources, from plamu (salmon) to tiam (moose).
In this issue, we report on our initiative to make sure that plamu are part of our future. CSI Cape Breton (Collaborative Salmon Initiative) is holding its first workshop with the aim of bringing together important stakeholders to work towards developing a management plan for this dwindling species. I am also sitting on a recovery team that is looking at re-establishing the American marten and lynx populations in Unama’ki.
Since our last newsletter, we have been busy contributing to a number of important conferences and events. We were presenters at the International First Nations Community Planning Conference in Membertou. The Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs hosted the well-attended event and presentations were given by Shelley Denny, Albert Marshall, and Shelley Porter from UINR. We also had a presence at the Traditional Leadership for Future Generations Conference in Antigonish and the Acid Rain Mitigation workshop in Bedford. We are proud to be presenters in the International Moose Conference in Baddeck this June.
Speaking of moose, our Moose Management Initiative Coordinator, Clifford Paul, will be out visiting your community over the summer to get your ideas on how we should approach the many issues around moose management in Unama’ki. Be sure to come out and give us your feedback.
Have a great summer!
charlie@uinr.ca