The Aqua Wolastokuk Gespe’gewa’gi Netukulimk Knowledge Hub focuses on the anadromous species of the Gaspé Peninsula, especially Atlantic salmon and striped bass. These species play vital ecological, cultural, and economic roles in the region. The project is a collaboration between Indigenous and academic partners, aiming to provide the scientific and Indigenous knowledge needed for their long-term conservation and management.
Atlantic salmon holds cultural and subsistence significance for the Mi’gmaq peoples and is considered a species of special concern by The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). In contrast, striped bass, now recolonizing Gaspé rivers, may pose new management challenges due to potential competition and predation. To address these complexities, the Hub will conduct research across key rivers in the south (Cascapédia), tip (York), and north (Ste-Anne) of the Gaspé Peninsula.
AGHAMW, which represents Mi’gmaq and Wolastoqey interests in fisheries management, leads multiple projects but faces capacity constraints. To enhance its involvement, the Hub will support the creation of a dedicated full-time position based at AGHAMW, tasked with facilitating partnerships and increasing community engagement.
This initiative promotes a “Two-Eyed Seeing” approach, braiding Indigenous knowledge systems and Western science. Activities include workshops, youth education (e.g., school programming and a children’s book), on-the-job training, community forums, and accessible online knowledge-sharing platforms. It also supports AGHAMW’s continued leadership in the sustainable management of their territories and aquatic resources.
Ultimately, the Knowledge Hub aims to foster equitable research relationships, enhance Indigenous self-determination in natural resource governance, and inform practical, inclusive conservation strategies for the benefit of present and future generations.
Location: This project takes place on Mi’gmaq and Wolastoqey traditional territories (Gespe’gewa’gi and Wolastokuk), primarily across the Gaspé Peninsula in eastern Quebec.
Partners and Funders:
