Building stewardship consciousness with indigenous perspectives in schools – Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI (Canada)

 

 

The organization and local perspectives on conservation and stewardship

 

The Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI (MCPEI) is a Tribal Council that supports two First Nations (Group of Indigenous peoples, distinct from Inuit and Metis) on Prince Edward Island (PEI) (Lennox Island and Abegweit). As a Tribal Council we provide technical advice and assistance around resource-based activities, primarily the fisheries. We try to build capacity in individuals, and therefore communities, in the fishery. The fishery is primarily an inshore one, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the East Coast of Canada. Small Boats (~14 m) and traditional fishing gear is used. The communities were able to enter the fishery relatively recently (20 years ago) so training and capacity building has been a priority.  

 

Indigenous communities practice Netujulimk, the concept of taking only what you need from nature in order to sustain the resource for future generations. The communities are both involved with environmental projects (watershed improvement) and one community owns and operates an enhancement fish hatchery (Salmon and trout). 

 

Stewardship experience: Supporting Indigenous environmental conservation/stewardship

 

The issue or problem being addressed

Colonization of traditional territories and the destruction of environment and resources. 

 

The activities

Working with partners to start to alleviate some of the issues.

 

The benefits/impacts including sustainability/environmental effects

Education and involvement. Specifically a program we re-introduced into the school system on PEI-Fish Friends. Originally developed by DFO (Department of Fisheries and Oceans), then delivered through Atlantic Salmon Federation, it is now delivered by Abegweit. The curriculum has been ‘indigenized’ and focuses on sustainable resource use and environmental sustainability.

 

The success and significance of the activities

This program sets the child up for life as a steward of the environment, with an understanding and appreciation of the natural world. I (Randall Angus) was the DFO person that envisaged and developed the program back in 1991. 30 years later I am still meeting people that speak enthusiastically about their experiences, and their interest in environmental issues.

 

Some lessons learned or words of wisdom

Relationship building, open lines of communication and sharing of success.

 

 

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Fishery Facts

(Below are the applicable categories of fisheries, environment, species, gear type and livelihood role.)

 

Fishery characteristics:

• Marine capture fishery (e.g. nearshore/coastal/reef-based/deep sea)
• Commercial fishery
• Recreational/sport fishery
• Subsistence fishery
• Multi-species 

The environment where fishing takes place: 

• Coastal – Nearshore

Main species targeted:

• Marine – Large pelagics (finfish) – e.g. tuna/sharks
• Crustaceans (e.g. shrimp/prawn/lobster)

Gear types/ methods used:

• Gillnet
• Pot/trap

Role of the fishery in local livelihoods:

• Main source of employment
• Seasonal