On Saturday September 22 the community of Membertou will be planting a forest! Community members will be planting trees that are native to Cape Breton in an effort to restore their forest environment. Mi’kmaq Environmental Learning Centre’s (MELC) UnamaKIDS received a grant to organize the project from Canon’s Take Root Program, presented by Evergreen. “Atknujik … Read More
Due to the recent heavy rain Fisheries and Oceans Canada has placed a ban on shellfishing in the Bras d’Or Lakes, the Atlantic coastline of Guysborough and Richmond Counties, the shoreline from Guysborough to Halifax Counties and Cape North to Cape Smokey. The ban will likely be In place for a week to ten … Read More
There’s a new fishing vessel sailing the seas around Unama’ki and people familiar with natural resources in Cape Breton will instantly recognize her name–Charlie Joe Dennis. It is appropriate that a man who has been so closely associated with Mi’kmaq fisheries all his life would receive this honour. The Eskasoni community gathered to celebrate at … Read More
Congratulations to the first graduates of MELC’s Nikani Awtiken Youth Camp! After a week of hands-on training the first participants celebrated at a BBQ and graduation ceremony at Camp Carter in Richmond County. The aim of Nikani Awtiken is to instill an interest in First Nations youth in pursuing careers in natural resource management while … Read More
UINR is assisting on a study on invasive species in Blackett’s Lake. Two introduced species-chain pickerel and smallmouth bass-are in the lake and we are setting nets to see if they are migrating up the Seven Mile Brook. Nets will be set weekly until late September to determine if the species are present the brook. … Read More
Commercial Fisheries Liason Officer Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources is looking for a qualified candidate to fill our Commercial Fisheries Liaison Coordinator position. This position is until March 31, 2013 with possibility of renewal. Candidates must have a minimum of five years direct demonstrated experience in commercial fisheries operations and two years of experience in … Read More
On the northern tip of Unama’ki, the adventurous will find an incredible landscape. From steep-sloped canyons to pristine barrens, the Pollett’s Cove Aspy Fault Wilderness Area is Cape Breton’s most northeastern representation of Canada’s boreal forest. Situated just north of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, this provincial park offers rugged terrain, winding hiking trails, … Read More
While other kids in high school had posters of rock stars and hockey players on their bedroom walls, Tyson Paul, self-professed science geek, fell asleep under a poster of the periodic table! Always interested in the environment, Tyson knew from the start that he was headed for a career in science and it was after … Read More
If you are interested in important Mi’kmaq plants, you’re going to want to check out “Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge, Distribution of Culturally Significant Plants”, our new publication identifying plants and their habitats. The report is part of an extensive study that maps out where plants are located. It’s the final report of our two-year long study … Read More
The next presentation in Wagmatcook’s Lecture Series on Thursday June 14 looks at an issue that is affecting the health of both wildlife and the people who eat from food harvested from the land. Kitpu, the eagle is a powerful and important symbol for Mi’kmaq people. Some Mi’kmaq believe that the eagle is the only … Read More
UINR is organizing a cleanup of Malikewe’j on Friday May 25 and Saturday May 26. Have your large items out by Friday May 25 on the main road and cemetery Road. Community Ditch Clean-up Friday and Saturday from 10am–3pm. We will not be cleaning around cabins but you are welcome to use the dumpster or … Read More
