Pjila’si – Welcome to the second issue of the UINR MARTIN. We have been busy since our last newsletter and in this issue we’ll try to fill you in on some of our current projects and activities.
The issue of moose management has been getting a lot of attention lately and I am happy to report that we now have the cooperation of the thirteen bands in Nova Scotia to develop a plan to ensure that this important resource is around for future generations. We have hired a coordinator, Clifford Paul to help us put a plan in place and we have been meeting monthly to hammer out the many details in developing the management plan. We will be making some important announcements in the coming months.
UINR has been involved with Cape Breton University for many years. In November we put that relationship down in writing and signed a Memorandum of Understanding that gives us a framework to develop new projects. Keep tuned as we work out the details on some exciting joint projects.
Over the summer we employed two students under a program administered by the Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP). This was very successful for us and through that relationship we have become closely involved with ACAP and are pleased to announce that we now have a Mi’kmaq representative on their board, Elder Albert Marshall. We are working closely with ACAP to establish an office of ACAP in Potlotek.
A highlight for UINR has been our involvement in the recent Canadian Aboriginal Science and Technology Society (CASTS) annual conference in Membertou. UINR was involved in the planning leading up to the conference and many of our staff were involved in presentations and in distributing information at our booth.
Until next time, keep warm…and watch for our Spring issue in March!