UINR is planing a hardwood silviculture tour in the Truro area on November 10. A bus will be leaving from Eskasoni taking interested people on an all-day trip. Contact mark@uinr.ca for more information and to book your seat…Youth and Elder moose hunts have been very successful this fall in Unama’ki with community-organized hunts from Eskasoni, Membertou, Millbrook and Wagmatcook…UINR biologist Shelley Denny was chosen as a subject in Inspired to Soar: Honouring Living Aboriginal Role Models 2009. It identifies living role models in a project designed to increase pride in Aboriginal culture and heritage…UINR is working on a feasibility study with Nova Scotia Forestry Association to establish an Atlantic First Nations Junior Ranger Program to instill an interest in the natural environment while learning traditional values and traditions… In November Lisa Young will be attending a workshop, “Protecting Habitat Together: Promoting Understanding among Environmental/ Conservation Non-Government Organizations and Fisheries and Oceans Canada in the Maritime Provinces”… UINR is continuing to develop our web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) resource management tool by mapping sensitive, ecological areas and areas that need protection to ensure the preservation and protection of species traditionally used in Unama’ki. Over the next year, we will be adding plants of significance to the Mi’kmaq…Annie Johnson recently attended the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association conference in Charlottetown, PEI…Shelley Denny will be the first Mi’kmaq scientist to make a presentation to the Canadian Eel Working Group. Her presentation is on the Mi’kmaq approach to American Eel research in the Bras d’Or Lakes…UINR is working on a condensed, illustrated version of Unama’kik Jakejue’ka’timk–Food, Social and Ceremonial Lobster Fishery Management Plan for Unama’ki…The Bras d’or Lakes Collaborative Environmental Planning Initiative is planning its annual Senior Council meeting in Membertou in early December…Fisheries and Oceans Canada is consulting with stakeholders, First Nations and the general public regarding the selection of an Area of Interest for a Marine Protected Area off the Eastern Scotia Shelf. DFO has shortlisted the Middle Bank, Misaine Bank & Eastern Shoal, and the St. Anns Bank. For more information go to http://www.mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans/e/ocmd/mpa/booklet-e.html
Tyson Paul has accepted the position as Research Assistant at UINR. Tyson is an Eskasoni resident and a graduate of Cape Breton University’s BScCS program (Integrated Science). He has also completed one year of a two-year Bachelor of Technology in Environmental Engineering program at CBU.
He brings a wealth of knowledge to this new position. He has experience with Agri-foods and Agriculture
Canada in erosion, pesticide control methods and experimentation. His extensive community knowledge and Mi’kmaq fluency make him a valuable member of UINR.
Tyson is no stranger to UINR, having assisted us with the elver study in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park this spring.
Funding for Tyson’s position has been secured through Environment Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Program.
tyson@uinr.ca
No, that photo is not a new member of UINR’s staff (yet!). He’s Morris Levi Denny, new son of Angela Morris, UINR’s Research Assistant.
Angela will be taking some time off to care for her new son with the help of daughter Bethany.
Morris Levi was born on September 16 weighing 8lbs 5oz and was 20.5 inches long.
Congratulations Angela and Dion!
angela@uinr.ca
Blair Bernard is taking a one-year leave of absence from his role as Natural Resource Officer Coordinator.
Blair will be working on a contract, operating a material-processing
facility for the Sydney tar ponds and coke ovens cleanup where material from the cleanup will be washed and sorted.
Blair is a partner in Mikjikj Enterprises Ltd. which was awarded a multi-year contract as part of the aboriginal set-aside.