In 2007-2008, AMIK, the Réseau d’observation de mammifères marins and Amphibia-Nature implemented a project on the collection of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge on the endangered marine life of the Saint Lawrence River (marine mammals, fish and the leatherback turtle.) This exploratory study had as a main objective to collect this priceless information from communities located along the river’s banks and the Gulf of Saint Lawrence to learn more about the major trends in the repartition and the abundance of the targeted species, as well as the factors affecting the changes observed over time.
Team members visited seven Innu communities of the North Shore (Essipit, Pessamit, Uashat mak Mani-Utenam, Ekuanitshit, Nutashkuan, Unamen Shipu and Pakua Shipi) as well as one Micmac community on the Gaspé Coast (Gespeg). These visits took place from September 4 to November 1, 2007 with the prior authorization of the Band Councils and the persons interrogated. Recommendations from First Nations were systematically collected, recorded, and archived in each community as to ensure the transmission of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge to future generations. This study made it possible to collect past and current knowledge, sometimes for the first time, on many marine species, which may eventually be incorporated in science.
Financial Partners: Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Partners: Amphibia Nature, ROMM