Gespe-gewa’gi: Mi’kmaw Fisheries and Their Connection to the People, Their Traditions and Homeland

The Mi’kmaq have fished and stewarded the waters in Mi’kma’ki for millennia, but mismanagement, conflict, and infringement of Treaty-protected rights have limited the extent to which Mi’kmaw can continue to fish and steward these waters. A resurgence in science, conservation, and fisheries development is changing that, which will be showcased in this special session featuring the screening of 3 episodes of Gespe-gewa’gi: The Last Land (Season 2). The episodes will include stories from Mi’kmaw Conservation Group (MCG) and Sipekne’katik First Nation harvesters. Following the screening, harvesters, community leaders, and researchers from the communities featured in the screening will take the stage for a panel discussion on updates since filming, and for a Q&A with audience members. Participants will be invited to join the panelists and organizers in a feast that will showcase sustainably farmed salmon and traditional Mi’kmaq food prepared by award-winning Chef Ray Bear.

Organizers:

Megan Bailey, Dalhousie University, [email protected]
Marina Miller, Rezolution Pictures
Lisa Roth, Rezolution Pictures
Alanna Syliboy, Mi’kmaw Conservation Group
Ray Bear, Self-employed Chef
Fred Metallic, Listuguj First Nation
Adam Jerome, Mi’gmaq Maliseet Aboriginal Fisheries Management Association,  Gesgapegiag First Nation, QC
Tanya Condo, Mi’gmaq Maliseet Aboriginal Fisheries Management Association,  Gesgapegiag First Nation, QC
Heather Condo, Rezolution Pictures