Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources facts for kids

The Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources (UINR) is a special group led by Indigenous people. It's a non-profit organization, which means it works to help people and the environment, not to make money. UINR is located in Eskasoni, a Mi'kmaw community on Unama’ki (Cape Breton Island), in Nova Scotia, Canada.

UINR helps five Mi'kmaw communities in Unama'ki: Eskasoni, Membertou, Potlotek, Wagmatcook, and Waycobah. Since it started in 1999, the leaders of these five communities, called Chiefs, have been on UINR's Board of Directors.

UINR is in charge of looking after Mi'kmaw natural resources and dealing with environmental issues in Cape Breton. Its main jobs include teaching about and making sure rules are followed for fishing, forestry (managing forests), and how we use resources. UINR also focuses on studying water, protecting native animals and plants, using traditional Mi’kmaq knowledge, keeping protected areas safe, checking water quality, and working with other groups to help the environment.

What Guides UINR's Work?

The main idea that guides all of UINR's work is called Netukulimk. This Mi'kmaw word means using the gifts from nature in a way that supports everyone in the community. It's about making sure people have enough food and a good life without harming the environment. This way, nature stays healthy and productive for future generations.

How UINR Works

UINR is special because it combines modern scientific research with Mi'kmaw traditional knowledge. This means they use both new science and old wisdom to understand and protect nature. UINR has signed agreements, called Memorandum of Understandings, to work with many organizations. These include Environment Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which are government groups that also care about the environment and oceans.

UINR's Main Goals

UINR has three main goals, as shared on their official website: governance, Two-Eyed Seeing, and partnerships.

Governance

The goal of governance is about creating strong networks and support systems. This helps Mi’kmaq people have an equal say in how natural resources are managed in Unama’ki and their traditional lands. It ensures their voices are heard and their knowledge is used in important decisions.

Two-Eyed Seeing

Two-Eyed Seeing, also known as Etuaptmumk, is a unique approach. It brings together Netukulimk (the traditional way of using resources wisely) with both traditional Mi'kmaw ways of understanding and modern scientific ways. It's like looking at the world through two eyes: one eye sees with the strengths of Indigenous knowledge, and the other eye sees with the strengths of Western science.

Partnerships

The goal of partnerships is simple: it means working together with other groups. UINR connects with organizations that share similar goals. Their shared aim is to protect and conserve all natural resources, making sure they are healthy and available for future generations to enjoy.