“Healing and reconciliation,” is how Elder Albert Marshall put it after the two day workshop held by Bras d’Or Lakes Collaborative Environmental Planning Initiative(CEPI). The Elders of Unama’ki gathered with CEPI in a workshop designed to clarify CEPI’s vision for a management plan for the Bras d’Or Lakes watershed. “Reconciliation must begin before the two … Read More
After the wettest summer that anyone can remember, I am sure I am not the only one hoping for nice weather through the fall. We are pretty excited at UINR to be a part of what we think is going to be a landmark event for our people and self government–Mawikwamk Wjit Tia’muk, Mi’kmaq Gathering … Read More
Lobster in Area 28 (Part 2) Story by Chief Charlie Dennis The sad part of our story is that with the 50 traps we put out, we only got one small lobster that was undersized and we had to throw it back in. This went on for about two weeks, until one day, my friend … Read More
“I feel very lucky to do work every day that I believe in, that is consistent with my beliefs and my history, and to work with people of extraordinary talent and leadership.” Laurie Suitor is UINR’s Intergovernmental Relations & Partnership Advisor. Her job is to ensure that Mi’kmaq interests, concerns and priorities are included in … Read More
UINR has been fortunate again this year to receive support from the Aboriginal Funds for Species At Risk program to expand our nearshore mapping of eel habitat and Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge project. Our original project took place in Potlotek, Waycobah, Wagmatcook, Malagawatch, Membertou and Eskasoni in 2007-2008. This year we will address knowledge gaps in … Read More
Every year, UINR awards $15,000 in scholarships to Unama’ki students interested in science, technology and forestry. Funding for these scholarships is provided by New Page and Georgia Pacific. This year, scholarships were awarded to: (left to right) Teedaze Paul ($2000), Katherine Denny ($1000), Trudy Paul ($1000). Missing from photo: Christina Fraser ($2000), Janice Basque (2000), … Read More
UINR’s conference on Sustainable Hardwood Management in Today’s Acadian Forests was the first step in our process towards developing a Mi’kmaq management plan for Unama’ki’s hardwood. Internationally renowned speakers, Mi’kmaq Elders, forestry experts and industry leaders met over a two-day period in Membertou to share their forestry experience and knowledge. Dr. Ralph D. Nyland, presented … Read More
Moose have provided so much to the Mi’kmaq through the years and now they will provide a model for self-government. Clifford Paul, Moose Management Coordinator explains, “The moose symposium is a significant event for Nova Scotia’s Mi’kmaq as it sets the framework for self-government. By empowering communities to take an active role in management, we … Read More
2008 has been quite a year at the Chapel Island Mission! Even after a couple of hundred years of annual gathering on the Island, there is still work to be done. This year, UINR’s Laurie Suitor coordinated a team of students, community volunteers and staff to continue the recycling and sewage efforts from last year, … Read More
Lobster in Area 28 Story by Chief Charlie Dennis The Bras d’Or Lakes have always been known to have harvestable lobster. I talked to old fishermen, like Alfred MacKay, Clearwater, and other fishermen from Alder Point who remember fishing in the Lakes. There were so many lobster in those years that you couldn’t squeeze another … Read More
Lorraine Marshall, UINR’s Community Drinking Water Quality Monitor and Sanitary Shoreline Survey Technician was born and raised in Membertou. A graduate of Sydney Academy, she continued her studies at the University College of Cape Breton and, in 1983, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She completed water monitor training at Nova Scotia Community … Read More
We call her Lorraine but many people in Unama’ki know her simply as the “Water Lady.” Thanks to Lorraine’s hard work, we can rest assured that the water we are drinking is safe, clean, and pure. For the past six years, every week, Lorraine Marshall, Community Based Water Monitor, is on the road collecting drinking … Read More