UINR–-Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources–-is releasing two new books on the importance of moose to the Mi’kmaq people at Membertou’s Heritage Park on Tuesday May 27 at 11am.
Tiam: This is our Story is a children’s book written in English and Mi’kmaq that tells the story of moose in Unama’ki from the appearance of the first “spirit” moose to the present day. Illustrated by Dozay and written by UINR’s Lisa Young and Clifford Paul, it is both entertaining and educational.
Funding was provided by Mi’kmaq–Nova Scotia–Canada Tripartite Forum’s Fund for Social and Economic Change.
Tiam: Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge–Moose in Unama’ki gathers traditional knowledge of moose and its importance to the culture and survival of Mi’kmaq people now and through the ages.
It also looks at the work of the Moose Working Group who have developed voluntary guidelines for Mi’kmaq moose harvesting.
Written by Nadine Lefort with Clifford Paul, Ernest Johnson and Charlie Dennis, the book features an illustrated look at every part of the moose that is traditionally used by the Mi’kmaq people, “The Whole Moose.”
The book release will feature short readings in Mi’kmaq and English.
Funding was provided by Nova Scotia Department of Aboriginal Affairs. Parks Canada, and Mi’kmaq–Nova Scotia–Canada Tripartite Forum’s Fund for Social and Economic Change. Free copies of the books will be available (one per person) and there will be door prizes and snacks available.
UINR’s Executive Director Lisa Young explains why moose are so important to the organization.
“For many years UINR has worked closely with groups like Parks Canada, Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, and the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs on a moose management initiative that brings Mi’kmaq, Canadian, and Provincial governments together on co-management,” says Young. “An important part of this initiative has been educating Nova Scotians and our Mi’kmaq communities on Mi’kmaq rights and responsibilities. These booklets help educate children and adults on the cultural importance of moose to the Mi’kmaq people and the important role our traditional ways of management play in ensuring moose will be there to benefit all Nova Scotians for generations to come.”
UINR is Cape Breton’s Mi’kmaq voice on natural resources and the environment.
Representing the five Mi’kmaq communities in Unama’ki (Eskasoni, Membertou, Potlotek, Wagmatcook and We’koqma’q) on natural resources issues, UINR contributes to an understanding and protection of Unama’ki’s ecosystem through research, monitoring, education, and management. Forestry, marine science research, species management, traditional Mi’kmaq knowledge, water quality monitoring, and environmental partnerships are among the organization’s responsibilities.
By integrating netukulimk (traditional Mi’kmaq management) with traditional and conventional ways of understanding, known as Two-Eyed Seeing, UINR takes the lead on best-management practices in Unama’ki.
