The American Marten has played an important role in the legends of the Mi’kmaq people and continues that role today as an indicator of forest health. UINR, the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources, is releasing a new book and video that look at the Marten’s role as it relates to the health of our forests.
On Tuesday, May 26, UINR with its partners Parks Canada and Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey, will screen the new video, Apistane’wj and the First Pine Trees, with readings from a new publication, Nipukt, Apistana’wj’s Forever Home. The event takes place at Membertou’s Heritage Park, starting at 11am.
Apistane’wj and the First Pine Trees is a short video told in three languages, Mi’kmaq, English and French, narrated by UINR’s Mark MacPhail and Serena Paul, with Parks Canada’s Monique Cantin.
“Through storytelling and original drawings by Dozay Christmas, the video Apistane’wj and the First Pine Trees brings to life the legend of the first pine trees and the Marten’s role in helping Kluskap make this happen,” said Lisa Young, Executive Director of UINR.
Nipukt, Apistana’wj’s Forever Home is a new book written by UINR’s Lisa Young and Mark MacPhail. It is written in both English and Mi’kmaq. “The effects of clear-cutting and improper forest management have led to the near extinction of the American Marten in Unama’ki (Cape Breton Island) forests,” says MacPhail, Director of Forestry at UINR. “Despite efforts to reintroduce new animals to the environment, the most recent estimates suggest there are 100-200 Martens left in our forests. We hope this book and the video will help raise people’s awareness of the effects we have on our environment.”
The official launch event will include a light lunch, refreshments and door prizes. Free copies of the book will be available for everyone who attends.
Following the release in Membertou, the book and video will be available as free downloads on uinr.ca and on the UINRtv channel on YouTube.
Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources represents the five Mi’kmaq communities of Unama’ki and addresses concerns regarding natural resources and their sustainability.
Parks Canada works to ensure that Canada’s historic and natural heritage is presented and protected for the enjoyment, education and appreciation of all Canadians, today and in the future. Through a network of 44 national parks, 167 national historic sites, and four national marine conservation areas, Parks Canada sets the stage and invites Canadians, as well as people from around the world, to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery of our treasured natural and historic places.
MK–Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey is a unified team of chiefs, staff, parents, and educators who advocate on behalf of and represent the educational interests of our communities, and protect the educational and Mi’kmaw language rights of the Mi’kmaq people. MK works on improving the quality of education for Mi’kmaq people, remaining vigilant in maintaining and revitalizing the Mi’kmaq language.
