Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource CouncilMawi apoqonmatultinej waqamnmu’g ula gm’tginu.

Gm’tginaqGesig • Winter ‘08

� Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council Gesig / Winter • 2008 2Gesig / Winter • 2008 Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council

Once again it is a pleasure to write to you about our activ-ities. This past quarter has been a very eventful one for the

Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council (GMRC). With so much activity happening it is hard to believe our doors have been open for just about a year now. Of course new start-ups always present a number of interesting challenges, and opportunities. I am confident based on our previous performance that we will continue to move forward in growing the organization to meet the demands of the future.

In this new issue of Gm’tginaq we have a number of interesting articles, which we hope you will enjoy reading. I would like to take this opportunity to once again remind everyone that we are always open to suggestions in how we can improve our services and communication with our member communities. Of course you can share your ideas with us simply by dropping by our of-fice or visiting us online. As always, we look forward to hearing from you.

During the previous 9 months our central focus has been to build organizational capacity, as well as build awareness for GMRC both locally and regionally. Because this strategy has been work-ing well for us, I want to continue to concentrate efforts in this area. However, just because we have been building capacity it does not mean we have not been busy carrying out a number of projects. With this in mind, I am honoured in sharing with you that GMRC has just completed our first research document on the American Eel (Anguilla Rostrata). The document titled ‘Percep-tions of the American Eel Habitat in Gespe’gewa’gi’, or ‘Ta’n telnenas’gl Ga’te’gati’l Gespe’gewa’gig’, is GMRC’s first effort in gathering traditional-based knowledge from our community

members, while combining it with western science. This is considered a unique approach by ensuring we take an active role in addressing aquatic resource man-agement issues within our district. A second document titled ‘The First Nations Perspective on American Eel Population in Gaspé Peninsula of Quebec and North-ern New Brunswick’ is intended for community cir-culation. What is unique about the second document was that it has been translated into both Mi’gmaq and the English language. Special thanks goes to Janice Vicaire and Mary Ann Metallic for their translation services.

Why are these documents so important and why is it critical to have research documents translated into our native tongue? Aside from ensuring our traditional knowledge is recognized as a very significant gift to be treated with respect and integrity, it also solidifies our unique connection with the land and our territory. With the ever-increasing demands by government that we prove title to our traditional lands it is becoming increasing important that we properly document our relationship with the land.

Humankind has not woven the web of life.We are but one thread within it.

Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.

All things are bound together.All things connect.

Chief Seattle, 1854

Sharing our history, our legends, and our stories as Mi’gmaq hasn’t always been trouble-free. Many of our stories lose value once translated into English and French from Mi’gmaq. Nonetheless, if ever there was a time, in which we need to ensure our voice is heard and recorded, it is now. A short time ago, I attended a workshop in Halifax, Nova Scotia on the subject of Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge or ATK. The work-shop sponsored by the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND), the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Parks Canada was of significant interest. The two-day work-shop was extremely valuable in learning about what government and First Nations are currently doing in the area of ATK.

One of the things I was able to take away from the workshop was that it is extremely important that ATK

be captured for the benefit of our communities and our Nation. On the other hand however, I am also convinced that we need to be careful with how this information is shared and with whom. This is one of the main reasons I believe that some sort of protocol should be developed, which will further safeguard traditional and ecological knowledge from being mis-used or exploited for the interests of government or industry. As more research is conducted in the areas of aquatic and natural resource development, greater at-tention will need to be given in protecting and properly gathering ATK. This is why GMRC has taken steps to ensure that information gathered is done so in a man-ner that places significant importance on the cultural and spiritual aspects of the knowledge shared by our people. As such, I see ATK as a considerable gift to be treated with respect and integrity for the benefit of our natural resources and the Mi’gmaq people.

In summing up, I am extremely happy with the prog-ress we have been making over the past number of months. Clearly we are in a good position, with good momentum and will continue to build our service base for our communities, which we proudly serve.

Wela’lieg,

Mark Joseph Sark CEO, Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council

Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council

94 B Riverside EastListuguj, Quebec

G0C 2R0

Tel.: 418.788.3017Fax: 418.788.3192

gmrc@migmaqresource.org

Design, Layout, & ImageryJohn Murvin Vicaire

Printed by Acadie Presse Ltd.

® 2008 All Rights Reserved.

GMRC is currently raising funds for community events and environment related activities. Show your support by purchasing a ticket and we’ll give you 3 chances to win!

1st Prize - Canadian Wildlife Habitat Stamp & PrintLimited Edition, Signed by Artist Nigel Shaw, valued at over $200

2nd Prize - $100 Cash

3rd Prize - GMRC Briefcase Bag ($90)

Draw date: June 20th, 2008, 1:00PM @ GMRC

CEO Update 1

Elders Council Meets 3

CIER Meets Chief and Council 4

Comprehensive Community Planning Workshop 5

The Global Environmental Market and Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge 7

Quick Facts 7, 9

New Bowhead Numbers Show Inuit Are Right 8

What To Do When a Compact Fluorescent Bulb Breaks 10

Environmental Assessment Project Approved 11

You Ever Hear The One About... 12

Comprehensive CommunityPlanning Open House Results 13

Contents

� Gesig / Winter • 2008Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council �Gesig / Winter • 2008 Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council

“I’d like to take this time to thank everyone for their in-

volvement in the Comprehensive Community Planning activities that were held on February 19th, 20th, and 21st.

The members of CIER (Centre for Indigenous and Environ-mental Resources) were very pleased to see a community with so many resources, services, and the potential to work together to form a solid Comprehensive Community Plan. The purpose of their visit was to help introduce community planning to the public. We approached different groups but kept the same message:

Focus on our strengths, identify areas of im-provement, envision your ideal community, and work towards achieving that community.

Remember, Comprehensive Community Planning is a pro-cess that enables a community to build a roadmap to social, cultural, economical, and environmental sustainability. We want to meet the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

This is just the beginning of what is expected to be a busy and exciting year!

The development of a plan that best reflects what we want as a community will require a tremendous amount of com-munity involvement. If you’re interested in joining a com-mittee that will get this planning process moving forward, please contact us. We look forward to talking about your ideas.

CIER Visits Listuguj to Talk About Community PlanningVictoria MetallicEnvironmental Technologist

You may be hearing the term “Aboriginal Tradi-tional Knowledge (ATK)” more often than before. ATK is the result of a close relationship with the

environment and the passing on of its teachings from gen-eration to generation. This knowledge is increasingly being viewed as an important part of project planning, resource management, and environmental assessment.

Although western science has only recently begun to no-tice ATK, it has always been a major part of the Mi’gmaq culture. Our Elders are very knowledgeable of the land and its resources. That is why the Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Re-source Council sought a way to give our Elders the oppor-tunity to share their wisdom.

On Monday, February 18th, Elders from Listuguj, Pabineau, and Eskasoni held a meeting at the offices of the GMRC to discuss the formation of an Elders Council. Elder Albert Marshall and Elder Murdeena Marshall, both from Eska-soni, attended the meeting to provide help in setting up the Council and to provide insights into their previous experi-ences and teachings.

The main role of the Elders Council will be to consult the GMRC organization and to provide guidance and input on projects regarding the environment.

Left to right: Murdeena Marshall, Eleanor Basque, Dora Martin, Gilbert Sewell, John Isaac, and Albert Marshall.

I strongly believe that we need to revive our custom of including our Elders when it comes to making important decisions. It was their role to pass down the culture and its teachings, which have been learned over the course of thousands of years. Our Elders were, once upon a time, central figures in Aboriginal society.

Real-world examples are beginning to emerge of how ATK can contradict western science and prove to be right. The only way we can begin to see more examples like those are to increase their involvement in our community.

Our Elders’ connection with Mother Earth is a special one. They were around before the Internet, the iPod, Big Broth-er, and for some even before household electricity. Their entertainment was playing “down-the-beach”, playing in the woods, fishing, or gathering food. Their source of fun was the different ways of interacting with nature, not the different ways of interacting with a computer screen. So I strongly believe that we have much to learn from them, but we must give them the opportunity to share. I encourage everyone to try and learn something new from our Elders; you’ll be surprised at how much they are willing to offer, when someone is willing to listen.

Elders Council Meets For First TimeJohn Murvin Vicaire, Communications/IT Director

� Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council Gesig / Winter • 2008 �Gesig / Winter • 2008 Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council

Walking through the halls of SSHS again surely spurs the memories you forgot you had. The combining sounds of high-pitched voices,

lockers slamming, and commotion stirring has a way of hijacking your thoughts and forcing you to reminisce. I’m sure those of you have been back to your old high school know the feeling well.

I can remember the excitement generated when the na-tive students would get called out of class to assemble. Many times we did not know the reason, which only added mystery to the anticipation. But on this day I am no longer a high school student, but just as excited, al-though high school really wasn’t that long ago (that’s what I keep telling myself anyway).

On Wednesday, February 20th, the students were called together to take part in a workshop, which is part of a larger community planning process. The goal of the workshop was to introduce the concept of comprehen-sive community planning as well as to generate input from our grade 11 and 12 students attending SSHS.

After brief introductions were made they were ready to begin their first exercise of identifying, to them, what was made up of a community. Their responses were then di-vided into the categories of social, culture, environment,

Comprehensive Community Planning Workshop

and economy. They were also asked to make a collage on their ideal community. And from there they began to list what they liked about Listuguj, what they disliked, and their ideas for improvement.

It didn’t take long for the ideas to begin pouring out. You can sense immediately the perceptiveness and the hope that lies within our Youth. But you also begin to wonder at what point that level of enthusiasm begins to fade to a point where you no longer believe you can af-fect change. Many times we don’t give our young people the acknowledgment they deserve, and while they may not currently have a significant voice, their voices are significant.

Often I would look out at the students and flashback to when I sat in their seat. There were so many unknowns at that time, my problems were different and so were my aspirations, but here I am now and everything seems to have fallen in place. My belief that positive change can occur has been renewed, and I hope the same happens for them.

The community planning process is currently in its intro-ductory phase. There will be many more opportunities to engage the planning committee in the near future. Notice of planning events will be given well in advance.

Victoria Metallic is currently in the process of forming a community planning committee. If you would like to participate in the committee or just to provide your in-put: she can be reached at (418) 788-3017 or by email at vmetallic@migmaqresource.org.

John Murvin VicaireCommunications/IT Director

� Gesig / Winter • 2008Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council 8Gesig / Winter • 2008 Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council

We have come to realize that impacts we make on our environment affects each of us in some way. Everyone from homeowners to large corporations are taking measures to

limit their environmental impacts. It is for this reason that the number of people required to make our world a greener place is on the rise. According to the 2004 Environmental Labour Market Report, the Canadian environmental work-force employed approximately 251 000 people, growing at a rate of about 13% between 1999 and 2003. This means it is growing 60% faster than the overall growth of the Cana-dian workforce over the same period.

According to ECO Canada, the top 10 most popular green jobs in Canada’s environmental sector today are:

1. Environmental Engineer2. Environmental Technologist3. Conservation Biologist4. Geographic Information System (GIS) Analysts5. Air Quality Specialists6. Environmental Communication Officers7. Stewardship Coordinator8 Environmental Specialist9. Research Coordinator10. Environmental Coordinator

There is also another growing recognition, both in Canada and abroad, that Aboriginal peoples have a unique knowl-

edge about the local environment and how it functions. Ab-original Traditional Knowledge (ATK) informs the people of how, where, and when plants and animals may be har-vested. It also speaks of the intricate relationships we have with the other beings that share this land.

The Eskasoni Fish and Wildlife Commission, for example, used ATK to determine the location of traditional herring spawning grounds. This information revealed that many traditional sites were no longer being used, and this pointed to a noticeable decline in their herring population. Here in Listuguj, GMRC used ATK to locate traditional eel habitats and to compare traditional fishing methods. The informa-tion was used to gain perspective on the possible reasons for its decline in population and change in migration routes.

Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge is increasingly being recognized as an important part of project planning, re-source management, and environmental assessment. The inclusion of ATK is seen today not only as a way to im-prove the effectiveness of environmental studies but also as a way where aboriginal people can become an essential contributor to the planning and undertaking of scientific re-search.

Aboriginal people have a unique advantage in this field by being able to use Traditional Knowledge combined with Western Scientific knowledge in a job market that is quick-ly on the rise.

The Global Environmental Market and Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge A Rising Demand

Since 1996, their old figure of 345 bowhead whales was used to determine an Inuit bowhead whale quota in Nuna-vut of about one every two years.

But the scientists’ new, much higher bowhead whale es-timate - showing a population that could run as high as 43,105 - supports an annual hunt of between 18 and 90.

This is not the first time that northern wildlife scientists have been so far off target in a population estimate.

In the 1970s, a survey of the Kivalliq’s Beverly and Qa-manirjuaq caribou herd suggested that its population had crashed down to 105,000 animals.

Scientists believed that the herd would soon be in trouble and that hunting quotas had to be imposed on Inuit.

But Inuit said the herd was increasing and that many ani-mals had migrated to a different range. Within 10 years, Inuit were proven right when scientific estimates of the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq herd rose above 276,000.

Continues on Page 9

Jane George - Nunatsiaq News, March 14th, 2008

Inuit said for years that the Eastern Arctic’s stock of bow-head whales belong to one large and healthy population, while marine biologists at the federal department of fisher-ies and oceans disagreed.

But new numbers, presented to a public hearing held by the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board in Iqaluit last week, show that scientists were wrong and Inuit were right.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans now estimates that the Eastern Arctic bowhead whale population is 15 times greater than they thought only eight years ago.

DFO scientist Pierre Richard says Inuit traditional knowl-edge was right all along, but the problem was that there were no “numbers” to back it up.

It still means, however, that the DFO’s numbers have been consistently wrong.

DFO scientists have long believed that bowhead whales numbered only in the hundreds and were divided into two separate populations.

New Bowhead Numbers Show Inuit Are RightDFO Population Estimate Now 15 times Greater

Photo taken by Ansgar Walk

Quick Facts Industry

� Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council Gesig / Winter • 2008 �0Gesig / Winter • 2008 Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council

The first sign that bowhead whales are more numerous than scientists first thought came from an exhaustive Inuit bow-head knowledge study finished in 2000.

That study was based on interviews with 252 Inuit hunters and elders from 18 communities. In those interviews, most Inuit informants said they see far more bowhead whales now than in the 1950s.

It took more than seven years for the DFO’s science to catch up. The DFO’s estimates of the bowhead population jumped from 345 in 2000 to about 3,000 in 2003, then to 7,309 in 2007, and now to 14,400.

The DFO’s most recent stock assessment from February says this latest number of 14,400 is only a “partial esti-mate” and that there could actually be as many as 43,105 bowhead whales in the Eastern Arctic.

The DFO also concedes there aren’t two populations of bowhead whales in the Eastern Arctic, but one.

Based on tagging and genetic studies, scientists now say that bowhead whales off Canada and west Greenland share the same summering grounds along east Baffin Island and the Canadian High Arctic and the same wintering grounds in Hudson Strait.

The DFO stock assessment says the bowhead whale popu-lation, down-listed in 2005 from “endangered” to “threat-

ened” under the federal Species at Risk Act - may have re-gained its health completely.

This assessment suggests that, based on the most recent numbers, an annual hunt of 18 bowhead whales is realistic and “conservative.”

But that information didn’t reach the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board early enough to affect its March 6 hearing on whether to increase Nunavut’s 2008 hunt by one bowhead whale.

This led Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. to allege that DFO sci-entists dragged their feet for two years in reporting higher bowhead whale numbers, due to worries about how anti-whaling groups could respond to more hunting.

“They were scared to say they found lots, but they weren’t scared to say they didn’t find any,” said Glenn Williams, NTI wildlife director.

Before Clean-up: Ventilate the Room 1. Have people and pets leave the room, and don’t let anyone walk through the

breakage area on their way out. 2. Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more. 3. Shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system, if you have one.

Clean-Up Steps for Hard Surfaces 4. Carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard

and place them in a glass jar with metal lid (such as a canning jar) or in a sealed plastic bag.

5. Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass frag-ments and powder.

6. Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the glass jar or plastic bag.

7. Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.

Clean-up Steps for Carpeting or Rug 4. Carefully pick up glass fragments and place them in a glass jar with metal lid

(such as a canning jar) or in a sealed plastic bag. 5. Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass frag-

ments and powder. 6. If vacuuming is needed after all visible materials are removed, vacuum the

area where the bulb was broken. 7. Remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister), and put the bag or

vacuum debris in a sealed plastic bag.

Disposal of Clean-up Materials 8. Immediately place all cleanup materials outside the building in a trash container or outdoor protected area for the

next normal trash. 9. Wash your hands after disposing of the jars or plastic bags containing clean-up materials. 10. Check with your local or provincial government about disposal requirements in your specific area. Some areas

prohibit such trash disposal and require that broken and unbroken mercury-containing bulbs be taken to a local recycling center.

Future Cleaning of Carpeting or Rug: Ventilate the Room During and After Vacuuming 11. The next several times you vacuum, shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system and open a win-

dow prior to vacuuming. 12. Keep the central heating/air conditioning system shut off and the window open for at least 15 minutes after vacu-

uming is completed.

What to Do if a Fluorescent Light Bulb BreaksFluorescent light bulbs contain a very small amount of mercury.

Love Your MotherApril 22

nd, 2008

© Nasa

Quick Facts Water

continued from Page 9

�� Gesig / Winter • 2008Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council �2Gesig / Winter • 2008 Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council

Research Proposal ApprovedEnvironmental Contaminants in Salmon Research Given Go Ahead

On February 22nd, 2008 Health Canada officially gave GMRC approval for funding to conduct a research propos-al entitled “Impacts on Mi’gmaq Traditional Food from Environmental Exposure in the Restigouche River.”

The purpose of this project is to determine whether the suspected presence of contaminants in wild Altantic Salmon affect the public’s perception of the nutritional benefits of this traditional food. We will be surveying and interviewing community members and also testing the salmon for environmental contaminants.

This project will benefit all our member communities by beginning to explore environmental issues that are impact-ing our health and traditional foods. The information gath-ered will be distributed, as a report, to the Health Director-ates of Listuguj, Eel River Bar, and Pabineau. This report will also be made available to each community member and placed on the GMRC website for the general public.

Health Canada

SantéCanada

A Mi’gmaq from Listuguj was stopped by the game-warden recently with a bucket of nice sea trout leaving the public landing at the Campbellton Wharf.

The game-warden asked the Mi’gmaq, “Do you have a license to catch those trout?”

The Mi’gmaq replied to the game-warden, “No, Sir. These are my pet trout.”

“Pet trout?!” the warden replied.

“Yes, Sir. Every night I take these here trout down to the Campbellton Wharf and let them swim around for a while. I whistle and they jump back into their bucket, and I take’em home.”

“That’s a bunch of bologna! Trout can’t do that! Your in trouble for fishing illegally!”

The Mi’gmaq looked at the game-warden for a moment, and then said, “Now, just wait a minute! Here, I’ll show you. It really works.”

“O.K. I’ve GOT to see this!” The game-warden was curious now!

The Mi’gmaq poured the trout back into the water and stood and waited? After several minutes, the game-warden turned to the Mi’gmaq and said, “Well?”

“Well, What?” the Mi’gmaq responded.

“When are you going to call them back?” The game-warden prompted in irritation.

“Call who back?” The Mi’gmaq asked.

“The TROUT.” “What trout?”

...Three Feathers

You ever hear the one about ...

Global warming established beyond a doubtLong term evidence provides irrefutable proof

The Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council would like to thank the community members who have been using the “blue bins” here at the office and throughout the community. By continuing to recycle you are helping today’s children inheret an en-vironment they can be proud of. With your continued support we can work towards achieving a community-wide recycling program and sorting centre.

We would also like to remind you that May 4th to May 10th is International Composting Awareness Week! Help spread the word!

Thank You

Another benefit from this project is that we will be em-ploying two local Mi’gmaq university students, who are studying in the fields of health and science, for the length of the project.

The project is set to begin in May and will take place in the communities of Listuguj, Eel River Bar, and Pabineau.

For more information on this project please contact Victo-ria Metallic at 788-3017.

�� Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council Gesig / Winter • 2008 ��Gesig / Winter • 2008 Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council

Things I like about the community

Things I dislike about the community

Ideas for Change Priorities

Social

ForestSocialsCelebrations during the yearExisting community programsMi’gmaq Language speakersSense of Pride for communityEldersChurchNew homesRestigouche RiverPow wowSchoolMountains/LakesSaint Annes DayHumorUnityNative teachersOpenness

Communication from top down is lackingCommunity DivisionHomeless dogsApathy MistrustSocial DivisionsDrugs, Pills, negative peoplePutting people downDisrespectGossipDrugs

Identifying community goalsIncrease in family focused functionsElders need nursing homeTreatment programsKids programs (sports, camps)Healthy gatheringsTraditional teachingsSharing circlesTeen programsCommunity doctorChronic health care facility

EconomyOur locationOur peopleOur youth

More support for aboriginal businessMore $ spent on languageLibrary/resource centre to share informationJob diversity

Establish Clean Energy Projects (solar, wind, etc.)Expand cultural programsEncourage tourismBetter opportunities for funding small businessesMore job security for employ-ee’sMore recognition of skills, education, and employees that work and have good work ethic

Environment

Clean drinking waterMountains, Rivers, WoodsForestProximity to ForestMountains, Water, SalmonHow we practice our traditional activities and prideNatural food sources -River: FishForest: small/large gamePlants: berries/fiddleheads

Dirty ShorelineLack of solid/consistent datafor water/soil testing/effectsImprove infrastructure

Climate change awareness and action plansMore recyclingEnvironmental Monitoring and TrainingTraditional medicines programs – planting, harvesting, teach-ingsCommunity Recycling program and CompostingInfo. About environment

Culture

Mi’gmaq language programIncrease of “cultural” presence in community events and busi-ness meetingsI love the language programs available to out staffElders wisdom

Not enough Mi’gmaq spokenDisconnect between Elders and Youth

More cultural educationMentoring program (Elders and Youth)Change in mindsetMore parenting programsProjects, programs which will bring the community togetherTraditional cultural gatherings and feastsIncorporate Traditional Knowl-edge in programs

Comprehensive Community Planning Open House ResultsElder’s Lodge - February 20th, 2008

*Note - These entries appear exactly as they were written.

These are some of the collages created by our students during the com-munity planning workshop held at the highschool.

migmaqresource.orgMade with paper certified from the Forest Stewardship Council. Please recycle

this newsletter instead of throwing it out. Thank you.