Gm’tginaq Toqwa’q / Fall • 2008

Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council

Mawi apoqonmatultinej waqamnmu’g ula gm’tginu.
ISO 9001:2000 certified

Listuguj Eel River Bar Pabineau

 Table of Contents
GMRC attains ISO 9001:2000 Certification................................2

Message from the CEO...............................................................3

Mi’gmaq Vocabulary Related to Tides.....................................4

GMRC Welcomes New Staff Member.......................................5

GMRC Projects in Progress..........................................................6

Strengthening our Relationship with the Salmon......................7

2008 Shoreline Cleanup..............................................................9

Commercial Fisheries Liaison Update......................................10

Gitpu............................................................................................11

Recyclables & Non-Recyclables..............................................13

Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council

Mawi apoqonmatultinej waqamnmu’g ula gm’tginu.
ISO 9001:2000 certified

Listuguj Eel River Bar Pabineau

Mark J. Sark
Chief Executive Officer

Victoria Metallic 94 B Riverside East

Environmental Technologist Listuguj, QC G0C 2R0

Brian Isaac Tel. (418) 788-3017

Fax (418) 788-3192
Commercial Fisheries Liaison Coordinator
gmrc@migmaqresource.org
Leslie Mitchell www.migmaqresource.org
Administrative Assistant

John Murvin Vicaire

Communications & IT Printed by:
Acadie-Presse
January 2009

1 Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council Toqwa’q / Fall • 2008

 Left to right: Chief Everett Martin, Eel River Bar; Chief David Peter-Paul, Pabineau; Chief Allison Metallic,
Listuguj; Mark J. Sark, CEO GMRC
GMRC attains ISO 9001:2000 Certification
G
espe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council
(GMRC), a First Nations environmental and
natural resource service provider, today
announced that QMI™ SAI Global, an official accreditation
body for ISO 9001 standards, granted GMRC ISO
9001:2000 certification for quality management systems
(QMS). Globally recognized and respected, ISO 9001:2000
standards are set by the International Organization
for Standardization (ISO), a Geneva-based worldwide
federation of national standard bodies. This certification
demonstrates GMRC’s dedication to and implementation
of a dedicated, systematic, and quantifiable approach to
quality-of-service standards through a rigorous auditing
process.
“ISO 9001:2000 certification 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,”
said Mark Joseph Sark, Chief Executive Officer for GMRC.
“The quality management system implemented provides
reassurance to our clients and community members that
we will continue our focus in developing and providing
services and support of the highest caliber.”
Toqwa’q / Fall • 2008 Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council
ISO 9001:2000 standards specify organizational require-
ments in documentation, procedures and operations for
a quality management system and are important for a
business focused on demonstrating its ability to consis-
tently provide products or services that meet customer
satisfaction and applicable regulatory requirements. In
achieving ISO certification, GMRC set solid standards and
baselines in order to meet and exceed benchmarks going
forward for quality customer service.
“Throughout the certification process, GMRC did an out-
standing job implementing and adhering to the rigorous
requirements specified by the ISO 9001:2000 standards,”
said Darlene McCulloch, General Manager of Membertou
Quality Management Services. Kenneth Sadler, lead au-
ditor for QMI™ SAI Global, an ISO Registrar, commented,
“GMRC’s certified quality management systems bolster
their continued commitment to customer service and
reliability.”
The Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council is fast be-
coming a local leader in providing environmental and
natural resource management services within the tradi-
Continued on page 4
2
Left to right: Peter Metallic, Mark J. Sark, Lammie Metallic, and Pernell Wysote.
Message from the Chief Executive Officer
T
he past few months have been extraordinari-
ly busy ones for the Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq
Resource Council (GMRC). The hard work
and dedication of our staff members and our
many community volunteers, continues to set us apart
from just simply being another organization. Because of
those contributions, “we are able to do, what we do.”
Recently I read a report (WWF’s Living Plant Report 2006),
which explores the overall impact of humankind on the
planet. The report outlines that the world’s natural eco-
systems are being degraded at a rate unprecedented in
human history. The report also confirms that man is using
the planet’s resources faster than they can be renewed
and that populations of certain species have declined by
about one third since 1970.
The bottom-line of this report could not be clearer. For
years we’ve lived our lives in a way that exceeds the car-
rying capacity of Mother Earth. The choices we make
today shape future generations, whether we choose to
believe it or not. The fact is that some of us live beyond
our means in our use of natural resources. If we continue
on this same path it will surely limit opportunities for our
3 Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council
children. This in itself should be a matter of concern for
our people.
I think it’s interesting to highlight that humanity’s foot-
print has more than tripled between 1961 and 2003. The
most precious resources in the 21st century will be nat-
ural resources, particularly in a finite world with rapidly
growing populations and consumption. In spite of this
certainty, “not all is doom and gloom.” As First Nations,
there are things that we can do and roles which we can
“Together, there is nothing
we cannot accomplish.”
play. I view these challenges as opportunities. An oppor-
tunity for our people to get engaged with what is going
on in the world and what we can do to help. The era of
global interest in the health of our planet also presents
some interesting opportunities by way of job creation
and potential economic development spin-offs.
Toqwa’q / Fall • 2008
While differences exist in how we go about getting more Continued from page 2
involved, there are some certainties. In order to establish
tional district of Gespe’gewa’gi, the seventh and largest
a meaningful position in how our resources are man-
district in the Mi’gmaw nation. Some of GMRC’s current
aged, there are a number of choices which we will have
projects include American Eel research, Atlantic salmon
to make. One question we need to ask ourselves is, who
traditional use study on the Restigouche River, lobster en-
will take the lead in addressing resource management is-
hancement work in the Bay of Chaleur, species at risk and
sues and what will our priorities be pertaining to them?
invasive species, and shoreline erosion work.
While there has been a lot of discussion on this subject, I
am still unclear as to who will be doing what. GMRC’s current clients include the communities of Listu-
guj, Eel River Bar and Pabineau, as well as, the Department
Why is resource management so important to you and I?
of Fisheries and Oceans, Health Canada, and Environment
With fewer natural resources available and with the ever-
Canada.
increasing demand for those resources it is vital to our
self-interest and our autonomy, as a people, that we get
involved. Work should begin immediately in pressing our
case at all levels of government. Additionally, our leaders
should insist that our people be at the table when dis-
cussions are being held regarding policy and guidelines, Mi’gmaw Vocabulary Related to Tides.
particularly when policy has the potential to impede on
our rights and access to natural resources. When techni- Niweteg - the tide is out
cal studies are required or when traditional knowledge is
necessary, we should be the ones performing these ser- Paqtlusg’teg - the tide is lower than usual
vices.
Wejgupa’q/wejgwapa’q – the tide is coming in
A short time ago, I attended a youth trade show at the
A’qatpa’q – the tide is halfway in
Listuguj community hall. The number of booths and the
variety of potential careers for our children really im- Waju’pa’q/gaqpa’q/gispa’q – the tide is full
pressed me. I was encouraged to see so much interest
and how there seems to be more opportunities today for Gawasg’pa’q – the tide is changing
our youth then we had when we were their age. From an Enm’pa’q/enmigiaq – the tide is on its way out
organizational viewpoint our future is in the youth. If we
are to grow, as an organization, we will need new people Wesguegiaq – the tide is changing direction
to fill our ranks. Perhaps the best place to look for future fast
talent is in our own backyard.
‘Lmu’ju’pa’q – the tide is usually about halfway
As always, GMRC belongs to the people of Gespe’gewa’gi. in and seems to change direction or not move at
I will continue to confer with community members to all, going up or down
ensure that GMRC remains responsive, accessible, and ac-
Ma’munpa’q – the tide is very high
countable for our actions. Always working towards main-
taining a positive image, which reflects our values and Ga’qasgwitg – all ice flows out to the sea in the
traditions as proud Mi’gmaq people. springtime
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to once again Welpa’q – the tide is just right for an activity as
thank the many volunteers who have contributed to our fishing/swimming
many successes over the past number of months. Be-
cause of your efforts we have made tremendous progress source: Listuguj Education Directorate:
in moving forward with great causes. Together there is Mi’gmaw Language Department
nothing we cannot accomplish.
Please let us know at GMRC if you can think of oth-
er words in Mi’gmaw that are related to the tides.
We’d love to hear from you.

Mark J. Sark, CEO

Toqwa’q / Fall • 2008 Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council 4

GMRC welcomes new staff member

M
y name is Brian Isaac and I am both pleased and look forward in working with the Chiefs of the member
honored in becoming the newest Gespe’gewaq communities, their staff, designated delegates, and related
Mi’gmaq Resource Council (GMRC) team stakeholders.
member. GMRC has included in its budget, funds from In a spirit of Mi’gmaq Sustainable Resource Management,
the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative
(AICFI) for the position of Commercial Fisheries Liaison
Coordinator (CFLC).
As the successful candidate to this new and challenging
Brian Isaac
position, I am tasked with assisting the Gespe’gewaq
Commercial Fisheries Liaison Coordinator
Mi’gmaq Resource Council representatives of Listuguj,
Eel River Bar, and Pabineau with: greater participation
and capacity building in commercial fisheries; planning
and managing a successful commercial fisheries; and
participating in fisheries co-management.
My duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
attend Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP)
meetings, attend advisory and management committee
meetings and other commercial fisheries meetings, as well
as, stakeholders industry meetings.
As an overall objective GMRC is committed, through this
new initiative, to create an opportunity and mechanism
for all member communities to develop a sustained and
effective presence in the commercial fisheries industry. I

5 Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council Toqwa’q / Fall • 2008

What are some of the projects we are working on?
P.L.A.M.U. - Promoting (Healthy) Lifestyles, Activities, and Mi’gmaq Understandings of
Restigouche River Salmon
By combining Mi’gmaq traditional knowledge and western
science, GMRC is working toward providing a clearer picture
of today’s Restigouche River Atlantic salmon, the plamu.

Although the primary objective is to assess the impacts of

environmental contaminants on the salmon, GMRC will also
explore Mi’gmaq perspectives regarding the salmon.

GMRC will be engaging community members, through the

discussion of Mi’gmaq traditional knowledge, about the im-
portance of fish and fishing practices in our communities.
The discussions will also explore community members’ per-
spectives regarding healthy lifestyles and activities related to
salmon fishing (both past and present).

Shoreline Erosion Awareness

The goal of this project is to assemble information on soil
erosion and its impacts and to communicate them back to the
people.

The shoreline awareness project will seek to increase aware-

ness and understanding on the impacts of improperly man-
aged shorelines.

GMRC will also develop a homeowners and land developers

best practices guide on shoreline protection specific to the
community.

Species at Risk - Harlequin Duck, St. Lawrence Aster, & Maritime Ringlet Butterfly
This project has several objectives that are related, and will be
based on studies to identify individuals and critical habitat of
AW Thomas

three species at risk; the Maritime Ringlet Butterfly, the Harle-

quin Duck, and the St. Lawrence Aster.

The project is based on traditional and current Mi’gmaq terri-

tory, in the estuaries of the Restigouche and Nepisiguit rivers
and out into the Bay de Chaleur.

A goal of this project is to increase knowledge and awareness

of the three species at risk on Mi’gmaq land and to promote
more careful use of the critical and key habitat that might
harbour these species.

Toqwa’q / Fall • 2008 Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council 6

T
Melgigna’tu’g Ta’n Telmawo’ma’ti’gw Plamu
he Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council
(GMRC) held its first public information
session and workshop on November 6th and
7th in Listuguj. The meetings were held to
promote communications among agencies, groups and
communities regarding Atlantic salmon conservation.
“We are proud to showcase to community members
preliminary results of salmon conservation projects
we’ve been working on over the past two years. Our
project Promoting Healthy Lifestyles, Activities and
Mi’gmaq 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
7 Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council
discussion with other groups and governments about
how to work together for its conservation,” says Mark
Sark, CEO of the GMRC.
David LeBlanc, biologist and executive director
of the Restigouche River Watershed Management
Council (RRWMC), presented an overview of salmon
habitat issues for the watershed, including siltation in
watercourses, buffer zones protection, invasive species,
uses of herbicides, stress caused by outboard users and
flow regime modification by forestry activities and
climate changes. Listuguj, Eel River Bar and RRWMC
are already partners in research projects such as the
smolt wheel operation, but the RRWMC is pleased of
Listuguj and GMRC leadership in the salmon issues
and confirmed interest for the upcoming partnership in
educational and capacity building projects.
Toqwa’q / Fall • 2008
Strengthening Our Relationship with the Salmon
LeBlanc says: “This event gave us the chance to
learn and understand the traditional importance of the
salmon resources and to build bridges for a common
objective: the protection of the salmon and its habitat
for generations to come.”
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 Atlantic salmon habitat in all the rivers of the
Restigouche region.”
“Atlantic salmon is woven into our Mi’gmaq culture
and heritage, and we want to do our part to make
Toqwa’q / Fall • 2008 Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council
sure it will also be a part of our future,” says Victoria
Metallic, Environmental Technologist for the GMRC
and leader of the environmental contaminants project.
Workshop participants benefited 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
Wendel Metallic, who described the development of
the community’s Salmon Management Plan. Stephen
Chase of the Atlantic 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 Mi’gmaq communities.
8
 Listuguj Shoreline Cleanup 2008
by John Murvin

GMRC is proud to have contributed, for the second year,

to the Listuguj Shoreline Cleanup. In total, the volunteers
were able to remove approximately 15 large bags of gar-
bage and other large debris, enough to fill the back of the
public works truck.
It was quite cold and windy, but that didn’t stop many
from coming out to help our community.
Special thanks goes to the Alaqsite’w Gitpu School for
participating in large numbers two years in a row and we
also thank all those came out and helped clean the com-
munity’s shoreline.
The problem with garbage on the ground is that some of
it decomposes over time. Moisture and water can filter
through the waste, picking up metals, minerals, organic
chemicals, bacteria, viruses and other toxic materials. This
contaminated water is called leachate. This leachate trav-
els site to site and contaminates everything it comes in
contact with.
We must not let our shores become backyard dumps.
Our salmon, our fish, our river; they are all integral to
the Mi’gmaq way of life. Let us be warriors in support of
Mother Earth, and not wage war against her. A healthier
environment means a healthier community.

9 Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council Toqwa’q / Fall • 2008

 Commercial Fisheries Liai-
son Coordinator update:
by Brian Isaac

T
his will be the first of an ongoing process to
keep community members of Listuguj, Eel
River Bar, and Pabineau up to date with prog-
ress within the AICFI/CFLC program of GMRC.
Updates will cover on ongoing and upcoming initiatives
in the Commercial Fisheries sector including other relat-
ed fisheries subject matters. Currently we are in the very
early stages of my mandate. As such review of several
reports in Snowcrab, Lobster and Groundfish are ongoing
in order to understand the developing trends, practices
and difficulties being experienced in the fisheries. To
view these reports visit the following sites:
http://www.frcc.ca
http://www.frcc-ccrh.ca
http://dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca
Of most importance is the development of a collabora-
tive relationship with the Chiefs of Listuguj, Eel River Bar,
and Pabineau. To do so I have had communications with
Chief Allison Metallic (Listuguj) and Chief David Peter
Paul (Pabineau FN) and one scheduled with Chief Everett
Martin (Eel River Bar) to introduce the role of the CFLC to
develop collaborative working relationships. Collabora-
tion has begun with the Natural Resources Directorate of
Listuguj in the area of the Lobster fisheries and we have
committed to assisting on other projects.

Most fishing activities have drawn to a seasonal close,

meaning workshops and advisory committee meetings
will begin. As such DFO’s Contribution Agreement (CA)
requires that the CFLC research, identify, and become
familiar with advisory, industry, scientific, and other
fisheries committees/groups of direct and potential rel-
evance to all AAROM body members. The following is a
list of meetings and workshops attended: Southern Gulf
Lobster Workshop (DFO), Species at Risk Act (SARA) Ab-
original Traditional Knowledge (ATK) on the American
Eel workshop, and the AICFI Commercial Fisheries Liaison
Coordinators meeting held in Moncton, NB. An invitation
was also extended to attend a meeting in Moncton, NB;
and Arichat, NS; to view vessels.
Visit http://www.migmaqresource.org/ to view follow up
to Southern Gulf Lobster Workshop.

Toqwa’q / Fall • 2008 Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council 10

Gitpuby John Murvin
It is a magical sight to see an eagle, especially when you’re
allowed to get close enough to snap a couple of pictures.
In just the last few years there has been an increase in the
sightings of eagles, as well as, an increase in their overall
numbers.
Although I am amazed to see so many eagles around, I
can’t help but be concerned at the same time. Is there
something that is driving them this way, or is it a natural
cycle?
Some possible scenarios are: logging activities and other
human influences are destroying their habitat; climate
change is forcing them to migrate; more salmon to feed
on (as a result of salmon dying from the saprolegnia vi-
rus); an improving population as a result of increased
protection (legislation, banning of certain pesticides,
etc.). These are only a few possible reasons as to why we
are seeing more eagles.
I recently read a study that linked a decline in otters to
changes in the Bald Eagles’ feeding habits. Otters feed
on sea urchins in the kelp forest, which is also habitat for
another fish called the rock greenling. The rock greenling
was once a food source for Bald Eagles in Alaska. As long
as otters were abundant, they kept the sea urchin popu-
lation in check and allowed the kelp forest to thrive. But
11 Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council
recent declines in otters have resulted in increased sea
urchin numbers, which in turn cause declines in the rock
greenling. This has forced the eagles to begin eating
other animals and fish.
Recently, a friend who regularly comes to visit in the of-
fice, shared some wisdom with us. Some Elders had told
him the eagle would return when the Mi’gmaw culture
began to strengthen. Out of all the explanations i’ve
heard or read, i like this one the best.
Out of all these questions, there is only one certainty:
everything in this world is connected in some way. That
is why we must take care of our water, our animals, our
plants, and our land.
So what could it be? I don’t have the answers, but I am
interested in what our community members have to say.
I am inviting you to submit your stories, your knowledge,
or your experiences about the Bald Eagle. Together, may-
be we can shed more light one what is happening.
Toqwa’q / Fall • 2008
Toqwa’q / Fall • 2008 Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council 12
 Recyclables
Paper and Cardboard

phone books newspapers post its newsletters & magazines envelopes

(window ok)

brown paper bag milk & juice wrapping paper corrugated cardboard egg carton
(unsoiled) Cartons (no bows/ribbons)

Plastics

x
Plastic bags can be recycled (put all bags in one), as well as, all containers and lids numbered 1 to 5 and 7.

Glass
Only glass containers, regardless of size and color.

Metal

food cans pop cans clean aluminum foil nails

13 Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council Toqwa’q / Fall • 2008

 Non
Recyclables

dishware food telephones calculators

tires packing foam paint cans hair dryers & brushes

window glass toys batteries porcelain

(of any kind)

* This is not a complete list. There are many more items that cannot be recycled.

Toqwa’q / Fall • 2008 Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council 14

 migmaqresource.org
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