For the past nine years the Moose Working Group and UINR (Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources) have hosted an annual Feast in the Highlands. What started as an opportunity for people involved in moose management to get together to celebrate their progress, has grown to include both Mi’kmaq and non-native moose harvesters, Elders, youth, conservation officers and interested people from the community.
Feast in the Highlands is scheduled for Thursday, October 9 at 12:30pm at the paved airstrip 13 km from the Hunter’s Mountain entrance.
Clifford Paul, UINR’s Moose Management Coordinator has been involved since the beginning.
“For the first time, this year UINR, in partnership with the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters, will be conducting an ammunition exchange to promote non-lead hunting alternatives. Harvesters can bring in boxes of lead bullets and receive a box and a half of copper bullets.
“The feast is very important–especially from a management perspective. That we have both Mi’kmaq and non-Mi’kmaq harvesters gathered, in the peak of the season, sends a strong message of stewardship and cooperation for moose and moose habitat. The common thread for everybody present is the love and respect of the moose resource and its sustainable management.”
“It’s a chance to share stories and visitors are encouraged to share and demonstrate their contributions of traditional knowledge (tall tales included).”
Everyone is welcome.The Feast will come complete with teepees, campfires, outdoor cooking and a buffet of moose stew, eels, baked beans, fishcakes, salmon, apple pie, luskinikn, and all the trimmings.
