Atlantic Salmon Unites Mi’gmaq, Anglophone and Francophone Organizations of the Restigouche River Watershed
March 6, 2018 (Listuguj, Quebec) – On February 14th and 15th, interested groups from the Restigouche River Watershed gathered together for the 4th annual Salmon Summit. Listuguj Fisheries, in partnership with the Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council (GMRC) and the Restigouche River Watershed Management Council hosted a two-day workshop in Campbellton, New Brunswick. The goal of the workshop was to strengthen relationships between all interested parties, as they moved forward in a united fashion, for Restigouche River Atlantic Salmon.
Dr. Alistair Bath, a human dimension’s in wildlife resource management expert, facilitated the workshop. Dr. Bath, from Memorial University, has over 35 years of experience bringing together groups around the world. “I think the group really focused on a lot of common ground and there are a lot of things that are really positive to move forward,” said Dr. Bath. “Governments really listen if a diverse group of interest can actually reach an agreement. I have had ministers of environment not change words of single management plans because, why pick a side when there is a diverse group that has agreed on something, let’s just accept that.”
During the two-day workshop, the groups planned ways to continue working together in a positive manner and strengthening their relationship. The groups formulated a vision statement during the workshop and it aims at “fostering relationships built on mutual respect of diverse cultures to enhance Atlantic salmon and its habitat for future generations.”
Science Director, Carole-Anne Gillis says, “The salmon is the one that brings us all together. We all care for it. It is what binds us even though there have been conflicts. No matter the differences in ways of knowing, we create a respectful space to learn from another. Locally, we strive to continue building these meaningful relationships.”
If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with biologist Carole-Anne Gillis please call 1-418-750-5314 or email gilliscaroleann@hotmail.com.