One way of fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange between spheres is to develop the Indigenous partner’s ability to participate, cooperate and take on certain responsibilities for initiatives. AGHAMW is a small, busy organization. The Knowledge Hub intends to create a full-time position based at AGHAMW. The person recruited would be tasked with facilitating dialogue and creating opportunities, which should increase AGHAMW’s involvement in projects. At present, AGHAMW is involved in numerous projects and therefore has little capacity to take on additional activities. It is therefore up to the Knowledge Hub to create the conditions for equitable participation between indigenous and western modes of knowledge within the projects we propose.
AGHAMM is responsible for promoting the sustainable management and conservation of aquatic and oceanic ecosystems on their territories and areas of activity, while fostering their interests, their participation in co-management processes and the diversification of their fishing and aquaculture activities. AGHAMM’s leadership will foster the implementation of a new research model inspired by “double vision”.
Atlantic salmon is an integral part of the culture and way of life of the Mi’gmaq peoples today, as well as of certain subsistence fishing activities carried out by AGHAMW communities in the Gaspé and Lower St. Lawrence rivers (the Gespe’gewa’gi and the Wolastokuk). The Micmacs of Gesgapegiag helped found the Société de gestion de la rivière Cascapédia in 1982. They are committed to the conservation of Atlantic salmon in the Gaspé region. In addition, Mi’gmaq communities derive most of their income from commercial fishing, forestry, tourism and arts and crafts. These activities depend on the conservation of the region’s aquatic ecosystems. The Knowledge Hub will deepen knowledge of the status of the aquatic ecosystems involved in AGHAMW, helping to optimize management plans for wildlife, forestry and aquaculture, which are essential to the economy of the region and AGHAMW communities.
The Knowledge Hub will create new opportunities to enrich management and education activities and integrate Mi’gmaq and Wolastoqey Indigenous ecological knowledge. The project also aims to strengthen the Mi’gmaq and Wolastoqey presence in the management of the region’s natural resources, both in terms of management and research, in order to foster equitable, positive and fair opportunities for under-represented groups. The Knowledge Hub will enable knowledge sharing and collaboration between Indigenous stakeholders, university researchers and local and provincial Atlantic salmon management agencies.
Firstly, the Knowledge Hub will promote Mi’gmaq community engagement through AGHAMW participation, enabling individuals to actively participate in decision-making processes, particularly for the Cascapedia River whose fishery they manage. This could involve organizing workshops, forums and AGHAMW annual meetings to facilitate dialogue and the exchange of ideas. We will transmit the knowledge gained through a variety of channels, exploiting technology, traditional media and community networks.
We will encourage capacity building through educational programs in schools and a children’s book. On-the-job training initiatives will be promoted to equip communities with the skills and tools they need to deal with salmon.
Online platforms, webinars and social media campaigns will democratize access to information, ensuring that ideas are widely shared and understood.
We will facilitate partnerships and collaborations, bridging the gaps between different players and facilitating the exchange of knowledge on a larger scale in salmon management. We will organize annual meetings and produce a report at the end of the project to disseminate the results.
