Mi’gmaq Programming and Special Projects

Mi’gmaq interpretation programs, including storytelling, singing, dancing, and celebrations, along with special ceremonies like sweat lodges, purifications, and prayers, are vital to the protection, conservation, and cultural education at Parks Canada administered sites.

These events, including gatherings like Mawiomi and Water Blessings, not only awe visitors, staff, and communities but also deepen understanding of the interconnectedness of land, waters, flora, fauna, and people. By fostering inclusion and highlighting our shared connection to nature, these traditions strengthen our relationships and underscore the importance of conserving natural and cultural heritage.

Young and old contributing to Atlantic Salmon restoration

Restoration at Fundy National Park Mi’gmaq Knowledge Holders Key to Conservation Work

Mi'gmaw knowledge holders at the heart of conservation work

In 2023, Betty Ward of Metepenagiag First Nation became Fundy National Park’s first external Mi’gmaq Conservation Advisor, supported by the Guardians Program. This role has become a key asset to Fundy National Park’s Atlantic salmon recovery efforts. Betty’s expertise as a master salmon guide, and community leader in salmon conservation positioned her as a valuable advisor to the recovery program.

As an Indigenous knowledge holder, Betty actively participated in this year’s planning and management of Atlantic salmon recovery, contributing not only to on-the-ground work but also offering guidance on seasonal operations and management practices. Her role extended beyond park boundaries, fostering connections between people, salmon, and the ecosystem. Outside of her work in the park, Betty has facilitated the meaningful engagement of several Elders from various communities as well as regularly presented to middle and high schools about reconciliation and the role conservation plays. This work is enhancing the holistic and collaborative nature of the park’s conservation efforts and building a more inclusive national park for future generations.

Amlamgog (Fort Folly) Salmon Release

Fundy National Park has been working alongside Amlamgog (Fort Folly) First Nation on salmon conservation for decades. Fort Folly Habitat Recovery teamed up with Parks Canada in 2001 to begin recovery of endangered inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon returning to Fundy National Park.

In 2015, Amlamgog built a team to start salmon recovery on the Petitcodiac River, a traditionally important river to the Nation. Amlamgog now independently manages this division of the conservation program Fundy Salmon Recovery.

In 2024, Fort Folly Habitat Recovery released a record number of salmon into the Petitcodiac watershed. Throughout September and October, over 1,300 mature endangered Atlantic salmon were released into the blessed waters of the Pollett River. The release and water blessing were led by Elder Donna Augustine and Knowledge Keeper Nicole Porter. The release was in memory of the late Joseph “Joe” Knockwood, former chief of Fort Folly First Nation and catalyst for recovery of Atlantic salmon in Fundy National Park and on the Petitcodiac watershed.

Two-eyed seeing and moose surveing

Moose (Tia’m) have been honoured and respected by First Nations for thousands of years, providing a long-held and deep understanding of the majestic animal’s role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. In Fundy National Park, moose are an especially important indicator on the health of its forests and for many years, the park has been keeping a close watch on their numbers through regular monitoring. Park ecologists monitor the moose population by helicopter in and around Fundy National Park and provide an estimate of the density of moose per square kilometer.

In 2023, Fundy piloted a new way of moose monitoring to include a Two-Eyed Seeing approach – defined as, to see from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous ways of knowing, and to see from the other eye with the strengths of Western ways of knowing, and to use both of these eyes together to benefit all. With additional support from colleagues from Terra Nova National Park and employees from Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Inc., Fundy’s survey team was completed, and monitoring took place earlier in March of 2023.

Each helicopter flight included Mi’gmaq and Parks Canada employees, who, while collecting data, shared their knowledge in discussing the types and quality of the habitat, moose behaviour and their condition. Collaborating with Mi’gmaq partners created an opportunity for deeper knowledge-sharing through Two-Eyed Seeing, strengthening the quality of the survey as well as the relationships within the team.

In the end, the survey was a success, made possible through partnership and collaboration. Moose are monitored every three years in Fundy to track potential changes in the population. The knowledge and skills that were gained will benefit the program moving forward as the park continues to develop a Two-Eyed Seeing approach with Indigenous partners.

Legend has it the first moose appeared after a very sudden storm, bringing on an early winter and leaving families unprepared for the harsh season ahead. They prayed for sustenance in order to survive.

The next day, the first moose appeared. He told the families that if they treated the moose with respect by taking a moose only when in need, by making offerings over the body of the moose and by using all parts of the body without wasting anything, that he would always return to feed the people. If they disrespected the moose, however, then the moose would leave and never return. Thus began the ancient agreement between the moose and the people.

Etuaptmumk or Two-Eyed Seeing

Elder Albert Marshall refers to Two-Eyed Seeing as learning to see from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing, and from the other eye with the strengths of Western knowledge and ways of knowing—and learning to use both of these eyes together for the benefit of all.