Nipk, Summer is here! With the changing of the season, we are also seeing changes here at UINR. Charlie, our Executive Director, has taken a leave of absence from his position as he concentrates his energy on the job of Chief of Eskasoni. He will still be involved with UINR as a member of the Board of Directors and he will be active in many of the initiatives that he has contributed to over the years. Charlie and I have worked together closely over the years since UINR’s establishment, and I think that while he is away I will carry on UINR’s mandate to protect Unama’ki’s natural resources.
I would like to welcome Mary Collier to the UINR team. Mary is taking over my position as Director of Administration and her years of experience with Potlotek Band Council should bode well in her new position. Dale Sylliboy has also returned to UINR after a brief break during the Stora Enso strike. Dale will be giving Mark a hand laying out areas for tree harvesting and supervising contractors in the upcoming season in the Highlands. While Dale was away, he completed a plumbing course at the Marconi campus of NSCC. Welcome back Dale!
As Mi’kmaq people we have not just the right, but the responsibility to ensure that we manage, use, and protect our natural resources for today and tomorrow’s generations. UINR intends to emphasize these responsibilities in everything we do and we are planning to make a concerted effort to educate our people, especially our children, on the responsibilities that come along with our rights. Whether it is how to sustainably harvest smelt or keeping an eye on the moose herd in the Highlands, UINR will be there.
lisa@uinr.ca