Our relationships with Tiam are deep and historic. When our ancestors signed treaties with the Crown, the treaties protected our right to hunt moose, as well as our right and responsibility to be stewards of moose according to Netukulimk. This way of life provides for the needs of our families and communities and also protects the health and future of Moose.
Moose numbers in Unama’ki have been declining over the past five years, and so this past summer, the Mi’kmaq and the province of Nova Scotia put a moratorium on hunting moose. The province has suspended it for three years, and the Mi’kmaq will review annually. Disease, hunting and climate change are factors that may have contributed to the significant population decline. The Mi’kmaq and the Province continue to explore these factors and to develop a plan for the population’s recovery.
Many individuals, families and communities feel a sense of loss with this moratorium. The annual hunt has become an important way to reinstate treaty rights, to rediscover traditional ways, and to weave ancestors’ traditions into our lives. It is an opportunity to show respect for Tiam, for the land and for each other.
Community members are encouraged to continue to gather on the land as a means of maintaining strong relationships with Wksitqamu (the land) and with Tiam. Feeling connected with all our relations and ancestors is important to the health of moose populations and to the well-being of our communities. Living by Netukulimk, discussions on conservation are equally as important to the Mi’kmaq as the act of harvesting
It is with this healing in mind that UINR is hosting our annual Blair J. Bernard Feast in the Highlands.
We will host a ceremony to honour Tiam, and our resolve to work together to protect moose and moose habitat. The role of ceremony is to honour, reciprocate, and transform. As in other years, there will be information booths, a moose-calling competition, archery set up, and a buffet prepared by local Mi’kmaw cooks. Along with the regulars of eel stew, luskinikn, and other local treats, the buffet will include tiamewey graciously donated from a local harvester’s 2023 harvest.
It feels as important as ever to bring communities together to heal and honour our relationships with Tiam. We will gather on Hunters Mountain on October 10th from 12:00 to 3:00pm.
Jukwita’q. All are welcome.
