Mi’kmaw-led Forestry

We have partnered with Eskasoni Fish and Wildlife Commission and provided funding to support existing research and forestry initiatives in the Eskasoni Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area by providing the opportunity to host a Mi’kmaq Forestry Field Technician. The Mi’kmaq Forestry Field Technician conducted built on the knowledge gathered through literature reviews on Mi’kmaw forestry practices, interviews with elders and knowledge holders and identification of research priorities in the Eskasoni watershed, forested wetlands, as well as ecological and biocultural connectivity corridors. In addition, the Mi’kmaq Forestry Field Technician attended Old Growth Forest training other EFWC staff. The Mi’kmaw Forestry Field Technician was also training in Forest Ecosystem Classification (FEC) training.

The Mi’kmaq Forestry Field Technician worked to engage with Mi’kmaq foresters to discuss research priorities. This engagement supports a Two-eyed Seeing approach to research as well as upholds the goal to act in the spirit of reconciliation, by supporting Mi’kmaq-led research. Engagement with Mi’kmaq foresters occurred through subcommittee meetings to further develop a Mi’kmaw definition of old growth. Fieldwork consisted of a forest inventory survey in the IPCA, collaboration with the Nature Conservancy of Canada and Nova Scotia Nature Trust properties to gain experience in survey techniques and old growth survey in the IPCA. The project was supported by EFWC GIS staff to ensure survey data was available for future decision-making.