GMRC 2009 annual report

8/8/2019 GMRC 2009 annual report

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Resource Council

Gespegewaq Migmaq

2009

Annual Report


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Our Philosophy is simple, since 2007, theGespegewaq Migmaq Resource Council has beenactively dening itself as a premier environmental and

natural resource agency.

We believe that integrity and commitment isfundamental to our business practice, as well as our

belief that we all have a role to play in protecting

M ther Earth.


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Introduction ..........................................................................2

Message rom the CEO ......................................................4

Stay up to date and get Connected ..............................6

GMRC Sta .............................................................................7

Volunteer Spotlight ............................................................8

Quality Management System ...................................... 12

Oceans, Rivers, and You ................................................. 14

Shoreline Cleanup Results ............................................ 15

Species at Risk .................................................................. 16

Lobster Seeding Program .............................................. 17

Shoreline Erosion.............................................................. 18

Lobster Working Group .................................................. 20

Statement o Revenue and Expenses ....................... 21

Contents

GMRC STAFF MEMBERS

Mark Joseph SarkChie Executive Oicer

Victoria MetallicEnvironment Manager

Tasha MetallicResearch Associate

Ann Gladue-Bualo

Chie Executive Assistant

John Murvin VicaireCommunications/IT

Coordinator

Brian K. IsaacCommercial Fisheries Liaison

Coordinator

Leslie MitchellAdministration/Finance

Craig IsaacProject Assistant

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chie Everett MartinEel River Bar First Nation

Chie David Peter-PaulPabineau First Nation

Chie Allison MetallicListuguj First Nation

THE GESPEGEWAQ MIGMAQ

RESOURCE COUNCIL IS A NON-

PROFIT FEDERALLY REGISTERED

CORPORATION.


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Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource Council

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Sustainability

The Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource Councilis committed to conducting business in an ec-onomically, socially and sustainable manner while

recognizing the interests of stakeholders, commu-

nity members, employees, partners, and society at

large.

The Migmaq have lived in relationship withMother Earth and the natural world since time

immemorial. This way of living with and seeing

the world brings with it responsibilities and a

natural cycle. Creation gives us what we need

to sustain ourselves, and in turn we have the

responsibility to ensure we live in a way that

sustains Creation.

Building Respect and Understanding

Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource Council values

its professional workforce. We recruit and retain

employees; preferably First Nations. Gespegewaq

Migmaq Resource Council believes in building

capacity from within. Our philosophy is simple.

Give them employment and then get out of their

way.

Building Careers

In the environment and natural resource eld,

education is important, whether its attending a

science fair, sponsoring youth sporting events or

supporting students with their post-secondary edu-

cation by providing work placements.

Investing in our people is investing in our future

employees. Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource

Councils scholarship and internships show ourcommitment to recruit promising young talent

in our communities. This year the Gespegewaq

Migmaq Resource Council is providing a $1,500

scholarship to a post secondary student pursuing

Biology or Environmental degrees. Our newly

created scholarship fund named in honour of el-

der Margaret Labillois of Eel River Bar First Na-

tion will be awarded in January of 2010 and will

be eligible to all member communities of GMRC.

In addition to providing work placements and schol-

arships for our youth, the Gespegewaq Migmaq

Resource Council is currently working towards

establishing a Grad-Works intern program with

the goal of providing valuable work experience to

talented, high-potential post-secondary graduates.

In 2008, we provided placements for two post-

secondary students.

Introduction

CORPORATE AND SOCIAL

RESPONSIBILITY


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Listuguj Eel River Bar Pabineau

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Building Prosperity

The Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource Councilemploys 8 full-time permanent employees, 1 per-

manent part-time and approximately 2-3 summer

students.

This year the Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource

Council signed a memorandum of understanding

with the Charlo Salmonid Enhancement Centre

Inc. This arrangement will mean an additional

3-4 jobs in the eld of salmonid enhancement.

The newly created partnership further demon-

strates that GMRC is always planning for its futureand how to get more people interested in aquatic

and resource management.

In our ongoing focus to continually improve our or-

ganizational capacity; the Gespegewaq Migmaq

Resource Council is working closely with St.

Marys University in developing a corporate Stra-

tegic Marketing Plan. Once completed GMRCs

marketing plan will allow us to broaden and en-

hance relationships with existing customers as well

as reach new customers. At the end of the day by

creating more work opportunities for our agency

we create more opportunities for our people which

in turn leads to improved social and economic

conditions in our communities.

As we establish a culture of customer service at

GMRC, we recognize that strengthening our re-

lationships with our funding partners and future

customers remains a priority. Our network of busi-

ness, regulatory and research partners supportsthat priority.

Building Pride

Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource Council values

the commitment and dedication of its employ-

ees. In November of 2008 our agency received

ISO certication. This certication demonstrates

GMRCs dedication to and implementation of a

dedicated, systematic, and quantiable approach

to quality-of-service standards through a rigorous

auditing process. ISO 9001:2008 certication is an

important milestone for GMRC and validates our

unwavering commitment to delivering the highest

quality service and satisfaction that our clients and

communities have come to expect.

In 2007, the Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource

Council established a corporate objective to be-

come an Employer of Choice. Companies that

successfully engage employees hearts and minds

nd themselves able to overcome challenges, ce-

ment relationships with communities and clients,keep their best performers, and achieve new tar-

gets for protability and growth.

Social responsibility is an ethical

or ideological theory that an entity

whether it is a government, corporation,

organization or individual has a

responsibility to society.

Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource Council Head

Ofce, Listuguj First Nation


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Perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of my job is leading

a team of dedicated professionals who have helped build this

organization into one that our people can rally behind and be

truly proud of. This year is extremely special in that we were able to

add two new full-time positions, further complementing our existing

staff to eight.

In everything we do, the Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource Council

never waivers from its principal focus. This creates awareness on issues

surrounding our environment by becoming more actively engaged and

by supporting sustainable natural resource practices that are in line with

traditional values as Migmaq. We also share in the belief that address-

ing environmental and natural resource issues takes effort by all levels of

society. As First Nations we have an obligation to ensure our resources

and our environment are left for future generations using Netugulimg.

Whether you are a community member, government ofcial, potential corporate sponsor or just an interested

citizen, I hope you will gain an understanding of our organization, our business and our exciting future by re-

viewing the report.

Finally, we need your feedback on our services and our new website, our primary resource for sharing informa-

tion about the Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource Council. So we welcome any comments and suggestions that

will help us in better meeting the needs of the communities. Let us remember that when we work together, all

things are possible.

Enjoy the read and if you would like to know more about the Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource Council, feel

free to contact us.

Mark J. Sark, CEO

Message from the CEOMy second year with the Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource Council has been nothing less than reward-ing. As you will see in this report we have been pretty busy with our efforts. But we still have much to

do and lots of challenges ahead. Nevertheless, I believe that we are ideally positioned to meet whats in

front of us provided we maintain our focus.


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P.L.A.M.U. workshop in Eel River Bar

March 24, 2009


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Stay up to date and getConnected!Our annual report is published only once a

year. But there are many other ways to stay on

top o whats going on with the Gespegewaq

Migmaq Resource Council.

HERE ARE A FEW WAYS TO STAY IN TOUCHWITH US ALL YEAR ROUND FOR FREE:

Visit GMRC website at:

www.migmaqresource.org

Stop by and visit our office in Listuguj

Join or support one of our many initiatives

in your community

Grab a copy of Gmtginaq, our very own

newsletter

Find us @ www.acebook.com/Migmaq

Follow us @www.twitter.com/MigmaqResource


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Gespegewaq Migmaq

Resource Council Staff !

Vicky MetallicHi, my name is Vicky Metallic,

and Im currently working at

the Gespegewaq Migmaq Re-

source Council in environmental

research and awareness.

Its been a little 2 over years sinceI was rst introduced to GMRC,

and I was very fortunate to begin

my environmental career with

such a great organization.

Its very motivating to work with

a great team of people who

think creatively to nd ways to

advance First Nation steward-

ship of the environment, and as

a result, we are always learningsomething new.

What I love most about my job

is the opportunity to develop

environmental research projects

that build upon Traditional Eco-

logical Knowledge and Western

Science. To know that our work

thrives from local knowledge, re-

search, and input from our own

community makes me proud tocall GMRC our own.

Its a very exciting time for us,

and I am condent that with

TERMS TO

KNOW

GLOBAL

CLIMATECHANGE

The increase in carbon

dioxide (CO2) and other

greenhouse gases col-

lecting in the atmosphere

acts like a thickening

blanket trapping the

suns heat and causes the

planet to warm. Most

of us have a pretty goodunderstanding of CO

2s

impact on the atmosphere

and land, but man doesnt

realize that there are seri-

ous connections to the

ocean, too, from warming

water to changing ocean

chemistry.


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Volunteering is the practice of people working on behalf of others without being motivated by nancialor material gain. Volunteering generally considered an unselsh activity, intended to promote good orimprove human quality of life.

Its fair to say, that we wouldnt be where we are without the dedication and commitment of our staff and vol-

unteers. Show your commitment and demonstrate leadership by joining forces in giving back to the communi-

ties in which you live and work.

Brian IsaacHi, my name is Brian Isaac and I

am the Commercial Fisheries Liai-

son Coordinator (CFLC) with the

your continued support, we will con-

tinue to have a positive effect in the

way we care for our environment

and natural resources.

Volunteer Spotlight!

Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource

Council (GMRC).

I am Migmaq and as such I have a

natural passion for traditional val-

ues for which I believe is essential in

ensuring responsible sustainable re-

source management. As the CFLC,

my role is to assist GMRC repre-

sentative communities towards

greater participation and capacity

building in the commercial sh-

eries industry. To do so my duties

include, but are not limited to, at-tending advisory and management

meetings, Committee meetings and

other related industry functions.

Although my work history was pri-

marily in the area of Health and

Social Services, experiences I have

had in these areas have made me

a passionate person, with the abil-

ity to articulate issues and adapt to

new environments (continued on page10)

TERMS TO

KNOW

ECOLOGICAL

RESILIENCEA measure of how much

stress an ecosystem can

stand from pressures,

natural or manmade,

without undergoing fun-

damental changes that

may be permanent and,from a human perspec-

tive, highly undesirable.

MITIGATIONAny human intervention

that attempts to reduce

the amount of green-

house gases in the atmo-

sphere or ocean.


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Listuguj RiverJune 19, 2009


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Mark J. SarkHello, my name is Mark J. Sarkand I am the current CEO for a

wonderful organization called the

Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource

Council.

A few years ago, I got the idea of

putting an environmental and nat-

ural resource organization together.

While progress is at times slower

than I would like, I have learnedthe art of being patient. As a result,

GMRC now has 8 full-time em-

ployees on its payroll. This does not

include our seasonal or part-time

people.

I am often asked what is the best

part of my job. Without hesitation,

(continued from page 8) related to my du-

ties as CFLC. I believe that we, as

First Nations, must work together

to strengthen our collective rights,

preserve them and ensure these

rights for future generations. I am

both honored and proud to be a

part of an organization and team

with strong beliefs in stewardship

and the preservation of these gifts

Mother Earth so freely gives us.

BOREAL FOREST

HOW MUCH CARBON

IS IN THE BOREAL

FOREST?

Boreal forests in Canada

store between 164 and

266 tonnes of carbon

per hectare, depending

on their location, mainly

in litter and soil. The

remainder is stored in

plants and trees.

HOW DOES THIS

COMPARE TO OTHER

FORESTS?

The worlds boreal

forests store almost

twice as much carbon

as tropical forests and

almost six times as much

as temperate forests.

Globally, boreal forestsare estimated to have

703 billion tonnes of

carbon, tropical forests

375 billion tonnes, and

temperate forests 121

billion tonnes.

HOW MUCH CARBON

IS IN THE BOREAL?

An estimated 186 bil-

lion tonnes of carbon

are stored in Canadas

Boreal region. Of this,

71 billion tonnes are in

forests (6 billion tonnes

in biomass and 65 bil-

lion tonnes in forest soil)

and 113 billion tonnes

are in peat.

I respond in saying, its the oppor-

tunity to work with a great bunch

of people, who share in the belief

that we can make a difference no

matter how small or insignicant it

might seem in the beginning.

I realize that what we have ac-

complished as an organization can

largely be attributed to our elders

and ancestors and their deep abid-

ing respect for Mother Earth. So I

guess, I am just following the origi-

nal instructions handed down tome by those who came before me.

Tasha MetallicI would like to take this opportu-

nity to introduce myself as one of

the newest members of the GMRC

team. It is an honor to be working

with an organization who cares andstrives towards building awareness

and sustainability of natural re-

sources and the environment while

taking into account our traditional

knowledge. I was pleased to hear

there was nally a place in my Na-

tive community where I could put

to use my Bachelor of Science de-

gree where the impacts would have

a positive effect on our Migmaq

People.

My role at GMRC will be to assist

on various ongoing projects using

the guidelines and policies already

adopted by GMRC. We live in a

beautiful area with an abundance

of natural resources; we need to

preserve and manage it for the fu-


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ture of our children so that they can also enjoy

what we have.

I am looking forward to my new and challeng-

ing role within Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource

Council.

Leslie MitchellGwe, nin teluisi Leslie Mitchell. I am a proud

Migmaq mother, daughter, sister, auntie and

niece. I love my extended family, which includes

the beautiful community of Listuguj, where I

was born and raised. I believe in life long learn-

ing, learning from our elders and continuing to

build upon my academic achievements. Mymost recent being the successful completion of

the Ofce Administration Certicate Program

with CCNB-Campbellton.

I am fortunate to work in the community and

have the opportunity to use my knowledge and

skills. I am most proud of the work completed

at the Listuguj Department of Natural Resourc-

es, which has allowed me to work for commu-

nity members in area of Commercial Fisheries.

I believe that in some small way, we can eachcontribute to the overall communities self-suf-

ciency by doing the best job that we can.

I happily joined the Gespegewaq Migmaq Re-

source Council in the spring of 2008, and have

integrated myself into the team that prides it-

self by taking up the challenge of looking out

for our natural resources within Gespegewagi.

I understand the importance of administration

and know that I contribute to the big picture of

what we need to achieve as a Migmaq Nation.

Welalioq

John Murvin VicaireWhat I love most about my work at GMRC is

being able to meet new challenges with a great

team of individuals and seeing results.

Each year brings a new set of projects and a new

set of learning opportunities. What has affected

me the most is being able to learn so much more

about who we were, and who we are.

Being Lnu is very important, and we try to

apply that to everything we do. Our ancestors

were excellent stewards and were at one with

our natural environment. We must look to the

wisdom of the past to guide us forward.

I am excited to see what this year will bring us.

Working for the communities of Listuguj, Eel

River Bar, and Pabineau is a wonderful oppor-

tunity and a priviledge.

Working together we can achieve great successes

in moving our Nation toward self sufciency.


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Quality Management

SystemsGespegewaq Migmaq Resource Council, a First Nations environmental and natural resource service provider wasgranted ISO 9001:2008 certication for quality management systems (QMS). These standards are set by the In-ternational Organization for Standardization (ISO), a Geneva-based worldwide federation of national standard bodies.

This certication demonstrates GMRCs dedication to and implementation of a dedicated, systematic, and quantiable

approach to ...

... quality-of-service standards through a rigorous auditingprocess. said Mark Joseph Sark, Chief Executive Ofcer

for GMRC, in a press release.

ISO 9001:2008 certication is an important milestone

for GMRC and validates its unwavering commitment to

delivering the highest quality service and satisfaction that

our clients and communities have come to expect, said

Sark.

The quality management system implemented provides

reassurance to our clients and community members thatwe will continue our focus in developing and providing

services and support of the highest caliber.

The standards specify organizational requirements in documentation, procedures and operations for a quality

management system and are important for a business focused on demonstrating its ability to consistently pro-

vide products or services that meet customer satisfaction and applicable regulatory requirements. In achieving

ISO certication, GMRC had to set solid standards and baselines in order to meet and exceed benchmarks in

going forward for quality customer service.

Throughout the certication process, GMRC did an outstanding job implementing and adhering to the rig-

orous requirements specied by the ISO 9001:2008 standards, said Darlene McCulloch, General Manager ofMembertou Quality Management Services.

Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource Council provides environmental and natural resource management ser-

vices within the traditional district of Gespegewagi, the seventh and largest district in the Migmaw nation.

Some of GMRCs past projects included American Eel research, Atlantic salmon traditional use study on the

Restigouche River, lobster enhancement work in the Bay of Chaleur, species at risk and invasive species, and

shoreline erosion work.

(L-R) Chief Everett Martin, Eel River Bar First Nation; Chief

David Peter-Paul, Pabineau First Nation; Chief Allison Metallic,

Listuguj First Nation; and Mark Joseph Sark, CEO for GMRC


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Gji Geptin Andrew DennyListuguj - June 19, 2009


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Oceans, Rivers and You!

The International Coastal Cleanup is the worlds largest volunteer effort of its kind for the Ocean. On one day in Sep-

tember 2008 during the 23rd annual Cleanup, 390, 881 volunteers in 104 countries and locations around the world,

collected an astonishing 6.8 million pounds of debris, the equivalent of 17 pounds for every participant.

Canadas governmenthas identied ve largeocean areas in which it plans

to implement integrated man-agement efforts. This initia-

tive would ensure that ocean

management does not look

just at individual resources

in isolation from one another

but instead brings all stake-

holders into a process that

considers all elements of the

ecosystem when making decisions about conservation, sustainable use, and

economic development.

Currently, the Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource Council along with the North

Shore Mic-Mac District Council and other First Nation organizations are

working in conjunction with DFO in support of the Northumberland Straight

Ecosystem Initiative.

While there are clear Constitutional and Treaty obligations for the Crown to

consult with First Nations we see the approach undertaken by DFO as a new

step forward in working together in the planning, and monitoring of a Marine

Protected Area in the Gulf.

SOURCES

OF MARINEDEBRIS

SHORELINE AND

RECREATIONAL

ACTIVITIESThe majority of marine de-

bris comes from land based-

based activities like eating

fast food and discarding the

wrappers. Litter washes into

the ocean from streets, park-

ing lots and storm drains.

OCEAN/WATER-

WAY ACTIVITIESPeople engaged in recre-

ational shing and boating,

commercial shing, cargo/

military, and cruise ship

operations.

DUMPINGLegal and illegal dumping

of domestic and industrial

garbage, construction ma-

terials, or large household

appliances.

When all the trees have been cut down, when all the animals

have been hunted, when all the waters are polluted, when all

the air is unsafe to breathe, only then will you discover that you

cannot eat money.

- Cree Prophecy


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Shoreline Cleanup Results

Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource Council isproud to have once again initiated the Listu-guj Shoreline Cleanup. Special thanks goes to the

Alaqsitew Gitpu School (AGS) for participating in

large numbers for the second year. We would also

like to thank those who came out and helped clean

the communitys shoreline. The problem with gar-

bage on the ground is that some of it decomposes

over time. Moisture and water can lter through the

waste, picking up metals, minerals, organic chemi-

cals, bacteria, viruses and other toxic materials. Wemust not let our shores become backyard dumps.

The health of our rivers and oceans are integral to

the Migmaq way of life. Let us be warriors in sup-

port of Mother Earth, and not wage war against her.

A healthier environment means a healthier community.

Melgignatug Tan Telmawomatigw Plamu

Atlantic salmon is woven into our Migmaq culture and heritage, and we want to do our

part to make sure it will also be a part of our future, says Victoria Metallic, Environmen-

tal Technologist for the GMRC and leader of the environmental contaminants project.

The Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource Council held its rst public information session and workshop onNovember 6 and 7, 2008 in Listuguj and on March 24, 2009 in Eel River Bar. The meetings were held topromote communications among agencies, groups and communities regarding Atlantic salmon conservation.

We are proud to showcase to community members preliminary results of salmon conservation projects weve

been working on over the past two years.

Our project Promoting Healthy Lifestyles, Activities and Migmaq Understanding about Restigouche River

Salmon is studying possible impacts on salmon from environmental contaminants, and how that relates to the

communities of Listuguj, Eel River Bar and Pabineau. The salmon is a symbol of persistence and renewal for

our communities, and we are pleased to have started a discussion with other groups and governments about

how to work together for its conservation.


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Workshop participant Roberta Clowater, executive director of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society,

NB Chapter, said, Hearing about the creative ways the GMRC is talking to their communities about salmon

conservation has inspired me with new ideas about how our groups can work together to conserve wild Atlan-

tic salmon habitat in all the rivers of the Restigouche region.

Workshop participants beneted from speakers such as Dr. Fred Whoriskey of the Atlantic Salmon Federation,

who gave an overview of recent research on tracking salmon at sea, and Listuguj Councilor Wendell Metallic,

who described the development of the communitys Salmon Management Plan. Stephen Chase of the Atlan-

tic Salmon Conservation Foundation urged groups to collaborate to get more bang from their project funding

buck, and Fred Metallic of Listuguj moved the audience with his video expression of what the salmon means

to Migmaq communities.

We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren and children yet to be

born. We must protect the forests for those who cant speak for themselves such as

the birds, animals, fsh and trees.

Qwatsinas (Hereditary Chief Edward Moody), Nuxalk Nation

Species At Risk

The loss of species affects us all and can have unforeseen consequenc-es for our ecosystems. In the traditional district of Gespegewagi, aselsewhere in the world, species are declining at an alarming rate, which

in turn has the potential to signicantly impact First Nations. In 2008

the Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource Council was awarded a contract to

provide information regarding Species at Risk.

The Maritime Ringlet Buttery, Harlequin Duck, and St. Lawrence As-

ter are known to live around the Bay of Chaleur where GMRCs mem-

ber communities are located. The objective of the project was to increase

awareness, gather Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge (ATK), determinethe presence of species within reserve lands, and subsequently develop

conservation/management plans.

In Pabineau, the species at risk most known was the Maritime Ringlet

Buttery, and the only known location was Daley Point in Bathurst NB.

In Eel River Bar, the Harlequin Duck was the species most likely to live

in the area, and Listuguj residents believed to have seen the St Lawrence

Aster, however, no suitable habitat is present.


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Lobster Seeding ProgramWe need to continually remind ourselves that all things are connected. Each species

is dependent on the other for survival. Therefore, its in all our best interests that we

do our best to maintain strong biodiversity in our ecosystems.

This is the second year that the Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource Council has been involved with its lob-ster-seeding project in the Bay of Chaleur. Eel River Bar, a representative community of the GMRC, hasbeen actively involved in this initiative over a number of years as well.

Approximately 40,000 lobster larvae were raised in an experimental hatchery at Homarus Inc. and then re-

leased. While this may sound like a sizeable contribution by way of numbers, we will need to increase these

amounts if we are going to have a signicant impact in helping rebuild the stocks. While the release of a few

thousand lobster larvae will not radically improve matters, its important that we look at things from the proper

context.

Aside from bringing our communities together, the seeding in the Upper Bay of Chaleur should also serve as

a building block in creating awareness on the importance of resource enhancement and conservation manage-

ment. If we are ever going to make a change in how we view resource management we will need to step away

from our working in isolation. By working collectively, we can make a difference.

The Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource Council is not just limited to marine and aquatic resource management.

Some of its projects included work in areas such as shoreline erosion and restoration, research on traditional

Migmaq foods such as the Atlantic salmon and the American eel.

The lack of awareness of suitable habitat led us to create an information guide in lieu of the critical habitat

protection plan. Our recommendation is to continue educating members about SAR if we want to inuence

behaviors and get community buy-in for future habitat protection plans. Our plan is to incorporate an aware-

ness strategy into GMRCs organizational strategic plan.


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Shoreline Erosion

Shoreline erosion is a natural process caused bycoastal and ocean dynamics that constantlyshape and change the coast as sediment is depos-

ited and lost. This process is exacerbated by rises

in the sea level, storms, and other natural events.

Shoreline erosion has been on the rise in many areasduring the past century. As populations grow and

more homes, roads, and businesses are built near

the coasts, buffer zones such as coastal forests and

wetlands are lost, thus making coastal areas more

vulnerable to erosion and ooding.

Of course this impacts First Nations communities

since the majority of reserves in Atlantic Canada

are adjacent to oceans and rivers.

The Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource Council, with

funding from Environment Canada, put together an

awareness project on Coastal Erosion. The goal of

this project was to assemble information on coastal

erosion and its impacts, and to communicate them

back to the community, as well as to gain insight

into the signicance of Eel River Bars coast. The

coastal awareness project sought to increase aware-

Many experts fear that sea-level rise

will further stress low-lying coastal

communities and ecosystems already

more subject to ooding and loss of

land and habitats. As the Earth has

continued to warm over the past cen-

tury, the global sea level has risen by

one-half to three-quarters of an inch

per decade.

EEL RIVER BAR FIRST

NATION

ness and understanding on the process of erosion,

and the importance of healthy coastal zones.

Coastal erosion is a natural cycle of sediment mo-

tion that is caused by the combined action of the

sea and climate factors. Sea-level rise, wave and cur-

rent action, and sediment deciencies are the three

natural drivers of coastal erosion. These natural

events, in addition to human development, create

problems related to coastal erosion in many areas.

In Eel River Bar, this phenomenon appears to haveincreased in recent years, posing a threat to liveli-

hoods and infrastructures.

In speaking with community members, we were able

to gain valuable information on what the coast rep-

resents to them. Activities of signicance that were

discussed included: eel shing/spearing, clam dig-

ging, smelt shing, sweet grass picking, swimming/

diving, and many others. Many of these activities

are tied to social, cultural, economical, and environ-

mental values and an overall community well-being.Many of these activities have been impacted due to

the many land and coastal changes that have oc-

curred over the years.

A brochure was distributed to raise awareness on the

elements that drive coastal erosion and to share re-

sults from our open community dialogue sessions.

This we know; the earth does not belong to

man; man belongs to the earth. This we know.

All things are connected like the blood, whichunites one family. All things are connected.

Even the white man, whose God walks and

talks with him as friend to friend, cannot be

exempt from the common destiny.

Chief Seattle, Chief of the Suquamis


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Mother Earth Water WalkersMay 30, 2009


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The rst few years ofa lobsters life are pre-

carious. Of the 10,000

eggs that a female

may release only 1/10

of 1% may survive.

(Thats only 10 eggs!!)

The life cycle of theAmerican lobster

begins with the plank-

tonic phase. During

this phase the larvae

are free-swimming and

stay this way for 3-10

weeks.

The planktonic phasebegins when eggs are

hatched, and the larvae

head towards the ocean

surface. At this stage

each of these tiny

lobsters are the size

of a mosquito and in

no way resemble their

parents.

Eggs are released fromthe opening of the ovi-

ducts at the base of the

females third walking

legs. When she is ready

to release her eggs

(as many as 10,000-

80,000!!) she turns on

to her back and cups

her tail.

A female lobster canmate only after it has

just molted whereas

a male can mate im-

mediately before or

after molting. When

a female is ready to

molt she will wander

around the neighbor-

hood searching for

the den of the largest,

dominant male.


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Lobster Working GroupAngotmuq Nemajewegaqan

In December 2008, the Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource Council was tasked by its Board of Directors totake a look at how to effectively manage the fall lobster food shery and report back with its recommenda-tions. In order to assist with the undertaking, a Working Group was formed comprised of shermen, elders,

and community members of Listuguj, Eel River Bar, and Pabineau.

The purpose of the Lobster Harvesting Plan is to ensure the appropriate management, harvesting and conser-

vation measures are put into place for the long term sustainability of the lobster; so that future generations can

continue to enjoy and receive the benets that lobster has to offer us.

The vision of the Migmaq in Gespegewagi is to exercise jurisdiction over their own shing and management

for all species using Angotmuq Nemajewegaqan, not just lobster. Developing a strong lobster management

plan gives the members of Listuguj, Eel River Bar and Pabineau a chance to dene and clarify how they will

exercise their rights. Developing a plan is not about taking away rights but rather strengthening those rights.

Work continues in the development of the Angotmuq Nemajewegaqan and a working version, available for

community input and review, should be completed sometime in the fall of 2009. In the end, for the plan to

succeed it will be essential that community members support it.


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Year ended March 31, 2009, with comparative gures for 2008

MANAGERS REPORT

The nancial statements and all the information in this Annual Report were prepared by the manage-ment of Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource Council, which is responsible for their integrity and objectivity.

These nancial statements-prepared in conformity with appropriately chosen Canadian generally ac-

cepted accounting principles, and including amounts based on managements best estimates and judge-

ments-present fairly Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource Councils nancial condition and the results of the

agencys operations. Other nancial information given in this report is consistent with these nancial

statements.

Gespegewaq Migmaq Resource Councils management maintains a system of internal accounting

controls designed to provide reasonable assurance that the nancial records accurately reect the agencys

operations and that the agencys assets are protected against loss. These controls further assure the qual-ity of the nancial records in several ways: the careful selection and training of management personnel,

maintaining an organizational structure that provides an appropriate division of nancial responsibilities,

and communicating nancial and other relevant policies through the agency.

The nancial statements in this report have been audited by Allen, Paquet & Arseneau Chartered Ac -

countants, in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. The independent audi-

tors were retained to express an opinion on the nancial statements.

Statement of Revenueand Expenses


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GESPEGEWAQ MIGMAQ RESOURCE COUNCIL INC.

Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2008


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23

GESPEGEWAQ MIGMAQ RESOURCE COUNCIL INC.

Combined Statement of Revenue and Expenditures

For The Year Ended March 31,2009


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Revenues Expenditures

Funding Sources


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Great Blue HeronAugust 04, 2009


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Made with paper certifed by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Please Recycle.

www.migmaqresource.org

94B Riverside East, Listuguj, Gespegewagi, Migmagi

Documents

GMRC 2009 annual report