Annual Report2012

Resource Council

Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq

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Board of DirectorsChief Lynn LaBillois, Eel River BarChief Dean Vicaire, ListugujChief David Peter-Paul, Pabineau

Member CommunitiesEel River BarListugujPabineau

GMRC StaffVictoria LaBillois, Chief Executive OfficerShane Mitchell, Finance ClerkJohn M. Vicaire, Communications DirectorDenny Isaac, Environment ManagerJessica Gideon, Research TechnicianCraig Isaac, Project AssistantMelissa Drapeau, Project Assistant

Moving forward together

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sMoving forward together

From the CEO ..............................................................1

2012 in Review .............................................................2

Staff Profiles .................................................................8

American Eel Monitoring ............................................11

Salmon Documentary .................................................12

Listuguj Environmental Action Plan ............................13

Moose Contaminants Study .......................................14

Battery Recycling Program .........................................15

Collaborative Work and Planning ...............................15

Financials ...................................................................17

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As Chief Executive Officer for the organization, my role is to provide strategic leadership to the team of full-time staff, project staff, and volun-teers. My work focuses on ensuring the future relevance of the GMRC, its credibility and viability. Collectively, the full-time staff manages the day-to-day operations of the GMRC.

As a team, we are responsible for ensuring that our planning reflects the management priorities of our member communities. We are also responsible for ensuring effective communi-cation with our communities and the aquatic stewardship community at-large of our mandate, activities and outcomes.

In the pursuit of various partnering and leveraging opportunities, the GMRC staff participates in various committees and processes to assist, strengthen, and complement the existing relationships between member organizations, DFO, and stakeholders, with the view of building meaningful Mi’gmaq input, informa-tion gathering, knowledge sharing, and active participation.

From the CEO

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2012 Governance and AdministrationUnder the direction of the Board of Directors, the CEO lead and directed the efforts of GMRC staff and volunteers. The CEO was responsible for the strategic leadership of the organization and maintained five staff positions as well as operated the office.

The GMRC staff, and its AICFI funded position of Commercial Fishery Liaison Coor-dinator, participated in a host of fisheries and aquatic resource-based management forums.

Staff participated in developing strategies for full integration of its member communities in DFO resource management advisory processes. The participation resulted in increased knowl-edge of and stronger management of commercial fishery resources.

The GMRC judiciously managed funds against budget allocations, and the new staff worked diligently to improve the financial and manage-ment capacity of the organization.

Four meetings were hosted with the board of directors to ensure macro-direction and community input into the GMRC. A concrete result is the increased level of engagement of the GMRC in Eel River Bar, Pabineau and

Listuguj, with each of the communities calling upon the GMRC staff for technical and admin-istrative assistance with marine stewardship (Eel River Bar: clam bed restoration, Pabineau: elver research and salmon stock restoration, Listuguj: salmon stocks).

Working with the MMS has created a more collaborative approach to stewardship, with the assistance of the MMS biologist.

The role of the GMRC and other New Bruns-wick AAROMs was clarified, with the joint work completing the Consultation Protocol for the Assembly of First Nation Chiefs of New Brunswick.

Efforts were launched to collaborate on a joint science symposium. This symposium will be advanced to foster increased dialogue between AAROMs and to avoid duplication of efforts.

Training and ProfessionalDevelopmentThe GMRC became a learning organization in 2012, with emphasis on weekly professional development training led by the new CEO. In addition, investment was made in formal training to strengthen financial accounting and reporting; marine stewardship, swift water rescue and collection and use of traditional knowledge.

The result is a more confident and vocal staff, prepared to engage in multi-disciplinary tasks. A true esprit de corps has emerged which assists

In Review

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in problem solving, idea generation, and hands-on assistance to all projects carried out by the GMRC and its stakeholders.

Weekly sharing of information has helped to shape an informed team with a greater under-standing of the role of the AAROM program, and how the GMRC can grow to fulfill its mandate.

Operational ProgrammingThe GMRC was able to gather Mi’gmaq eco-logical knowledge about the following species: elvers, smelts and salmon. Gathering of such knowledge increased the organizational capacity of the team, and strengthened the connection to the resources as well as commitment to their work.

Another important result of this work was the relationship building and rapport with har-vesters. Much skepticism exists as to reasons for collection of such knowledge. Through increased visibility and dialogue, the GMRC continues to foster a mutual relationship of trust with harvesters and resource-users, all the while validating the importance of Mi’gmaq ecological knowledge.

Collaborative PlanningIn 2012, the GMRC established an important corporate presence with a number of relevant boards and committees. This presence has

reaped important results, including collabora-tive planning and work with the Restigouche River Watershed Management Council on salmon counting, kelt tagging, fin clipped grilse counting, saprolegnia, et al.

Work with the Charlo Salmonid Enhancement Centre is important as this serves as a means to increase Mi’gmaq participation in hatchery operations, as well, supplies brood stock for re-stocking efforts in the watersheds. The GMRC also has an active voice in the shrimp adminis-trative rules working group, made up of seven First Nations involved in the shrimp fishery of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Business Planning Working with experts in the field, the GMRC had completed a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) needs assessment. This was the first phase in assisting the GMRC to achieve its goals to:

Utilize GIS technologies to increase communi-cations and awareness of environmental man-agement and community planning;

Use GIS as a decision making tool for environ-mental management and community planning;

Disseminate management and research infor-mation back to Gespe’gewa’gi communities;

To establish the GMRC as a GIS service pro-vider; and to develop partnership with external

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With profound sadness we said goodbye to our esteemed colleague

Brian Isaac. Brian filled the role of Commercial Fishery Liaison Coordinator on behalf of our member communities for the past four years.

More than just a work colleague, Brian was a friend, an uncle, a golf buddy and resident BBQ expert. Taking his knowledge of the Atlantic commercial fishery has left a tremendous gap in the organization’s collective memory.

His ever-present sense of humor, and sometimes corny jokes are missed by all.

We dedicate this annual report to Brian’s memory and will continue, through our work, to honor his contributions and unwavering commitment to advancing Aboriginal & Treaty Rights.

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Mi’gmaq CeremoniesThe GMRC team hosted and participated in a number of traditional ceremonies over the past year. Each new season was marked by a sunrise ceremony, including both the summer and winter solstices.

Pipe ceremonies and talking circles were hosted throughout year, and a ceremony on the river to give thanks for the salmon was held during salmon season.

Bringing our medicines, our language, and our ceremonies to the workplace reinforces our rela-tionship and responsibilities to the land and the waters, the fish, and the animals that continue to sustain us.

stakeholders and secure clients to access GIS services.

Public and Community OutreachThe GMRC successfully increased its social media networks in 2012, adding Google + and YouTube to its repertoire of tools to reach out to its membership.

The GMRC Facebook Page has 2,100 “Likes”, meaning when the page is updated, all of those who have “Liked” the page will receive updates.

These tools, as well as more traditional mediums such as radio and print, were used to educate and sensitize community members on the proj-ects, research, and findings of the GMRC. An annual report was also published and distributed online and by mail.

The GMRC Plamu Feast was brought back by popular demand and was successfully hosted in June for approximately 300 people, celebrating the Mi’gmaq relationship with the salmon and listening to guest speakers.

The fishers of Ugpi’ganjig and Listuguj generously donated all the salmon for this community feast.

Project Monitoring and EvaluationThe GMRC hosted five funded projects across its member communities in 2012. The projects

assisted the GMRC in acquiring scientific and technical expertise in aquatic resource and oceans management.

Staff were called upon by partners and stake-holders to assist in their research and devel-opment efforts as well, including fall salmon counts with the Restigouche River Watershed Management Council, and proposal develop-ment for restocking efforts on the Nepisiguit River by Pabineau First Nation, amongst other projects.

During the year, the GMRC scientific research team also secured free lab space from the Listuguj Commercial Fishery unit. This offer enabled the GMRC staff to permanently set up its equipment in a secure designated space, as well as foster improved relations with Listuguj scientific research team.

The five funded projects include:

Composting pilot project in Listuguj. Project funded by Eco Action/Environment Canada;

The DFO AFSAR project “The Importance of Plamu (Atlantic Salmon) to the Mi’gmaq;

Health Canada funded Moose contaminant study, examining heavy metals in moose meat;

The NB Power funded elver research on the Nepisiguit River; and,

The AANDC funded LEAF project, the impact of hazardous waste in the Restigouche watershed.

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The GMRC has partnered with the New Bruns-wick Community College - Miramichi Campus to dedicate eight seats in the Environment Technology program for the Mi’gmaq of Eel River Bar, Listuguj, and Pabineau.

This exciting two-year diploma program pre-pares students for a career as an environmental technologist.

Students will learn how to evaluate air, water, ground water, and soil quality through sam-pling, monitoring, analysis, data collection, and report writing within the environmental field.

Students will specialize in courses that develop the knowledge and skills necessary to operate laboratory, field and monitoring equipment, and to apply scientific techniques in the assess-ment of land, water, and air quality.

To support the summer employ-ment and relevant field placements of the program’s Mi’gmaq students, the GMRC has partnered with SNC-Lavalin Inc. and Activa Envi-ronnement.

More information on these projects can be found beginning on page 16.

Policy Analysis, Development and InputTwo key results in this area: 1) Development of a three-nation, seven member-community working group on shaping DFO’s shrimp administrative rules; 2) GMRC became a DFO recognized supplier of commercial fishery gear tags and log books.

The Mi’gmaq, Malecite and Innu involved in the northern Gulf shrimp fishery, namely Listuguj, Eel River Bar, Red Bank, Gesgapegiag, Gespe’g, Viger and Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam came together to address their concerns about the application and implication of the adminis-trative rules governing the shrimp fishery.

As part of its modernization of the commercial fisheries, the DFO devolved its provision of gear tags and logbooks to the communities, and the GMRC successfully developed a proposal and assumed this role on behalf of its member communities and other First Nations.

PlanningIn seeking to reduce reliance on public funds, the GMRC successfully sold advertising space on its storage shed. The storage unit is able to prominently display large ads at the base of the J.C. Van Horne Bridge.

Aquaculture Development AssistanceThe CEO of the GMRC took on an active role with the Board of Directors of the Charlo Salmonid Enhancement Centre in 2012. The GMRC also provided a wage subsidy for a Mi’gmaq employee to conduct brood stock collection, electrofishing, and redd counts. The GMRC and CSEC enjoy a collaborative work-ing relationship.

Other trainingThe GMRC successfully secured eight seats for Mi’gmaq students from its member com-munities in the New Brunswick Community College’s Environmental Research Technician Program. A specialized recruitment campaign was launched with Mi’gmaq partners across the three communities and the province of New Brunswick for this initiative. Further, a Mi’gmaq academic will lead the NBCC selec-tion committee, as well as monitor this cohort through the 2-year program. Summer work and practicum placements have been negotiated with private sector employers to ensure relevan-cy to the program, and employment opportuni-ties upon completion.

This activity will help to provide competent, certified resources to staff the GMRC, the private sector, and other AAROMs.

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Denny Isaac, Environment Manager

Greetings from the GMRC Environment Department! I am the newest environmental manager for the GMRC. Although the faces have changed, please be assured that we are still committed to delivering the best environmental service as possible to our three member com-munities.

My role at the organization is to initiate and manage research projects related to aquatic re-source management. This also includes identify-ing potential training opportunities to increase Mi’gmaq participation in aquatic research.

The past year has been very productive. We have undertaken numerous projects and have engaged with numerous community members.

Please visit our project section of this report or visit our website to learn more about our research. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to working for you in the future!

Melissa Drapeau, Project Assistant

The fall of 2012 marked a new milestone in my career. Coming from a business and government background; joining the GMRC team would certainly mean new and exciting challenges. The transition into environmental science and research was much easier than anticipated. These past months have been excit-ing, educational, and a wonderful opportunity to broaden my skills and abilities.

I have worked on several projects that have yielded positive outcomes throughout our communities and have led to an increase in com-munity presence. Getting our children excited and involved with aquatic species and natural resources is as exciting for us as it is for them.

I look forward to developing new projects and more importantly, creating new opportunities for partnerships and networking.

Jessica Gideon, Environmental Research Technician

In November 2012, I took advantage of an opportunity to join the GMRC team as the new environmental research technician. I finally made the move back to Listuguj after living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, for several years where I completed my bachelor of science degree in biology and psychology.

Although only being with the organization for a short time, I have greatly enjoyed working with such an incredible team in undertaking many aquatic research projects that serve to promote environmental stewardship and to promote the inclusion of Mi’gmaq knowledge in natural resource management.

I look ahead with excitement, and feel that I am certainly privileged to work with the staff at GMRC to promote stewardship and sustainable practices in the management of natural resources.

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Craig Isaac, Project Assistant

My name is Craig Isaac and and I have been working at GMRC for the past four years dividing my time between assisting on vari-ous projects and leading field research during summer months.

My role here at the GMRC is to conduct field research within our members communities as well as supervise field staff and the collection of field data.

I have also assisted in various other projects in-volving the collecting of Mi’gmaq knowledge as well as examining the contaminants in various traditional foods such as; salmon, eel, lobster, and moose.

I look forward to working with the communi-ties of Eel River Bar, Listuguj, and Pabineau in the coming year.

Shane Mitchell, Finance/Administration Officer

My role as finance officer consists of maintain-ing and keeping balanced financial statements for the year.

I also review and monitor all budgets on ap-proved GMRC projects.

On a quarterly basis, the GMRC as well as the board of directors meet to discuss various topics including project spending, project dollar re-allocation, and project budget monitoring.

At the end of the fiscal year, I also prepare our financial documentation for audit. In that time, I assist and meet with our auditing team to streamline the auditing process and aid in preparing yearly financial statements.

My role as administration officer is geared towards maintaining employee records as well as monitoring company pension and group insurance files.

I also assist the CEO on reviewing and updat-ing policies and procedures.

John Murvin Vicaire, Communications Director

This past year has been both quite busy and productive. The number of successful proposals in 2012 has kept the GMRC active within our member communities of Eel River Bar, Listu-guj, and Pabineau.

It’s always a pleasure meeting with community members either out on the land or in the com-munity. It is a gift to learn from those who have spent many years doing what they’re good at.

Although another year is behind us, I feel like the best is yet to come.

With a number of new projects on the go, we’re building upon the previous research and work that has been accomplished thus far.

Stay tuned for future updates and reports. For up to date news and information please visit either our website at www.migmaqresource.org or our Page at www.facebook.com/Migmaq.

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American Eel Monitoring The American eel is a significant species to the Mi’gmaq people, but unfortunately this species is at risk of becoming endan-gered. Currently the American eel is listed as “Threatened” by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC).

Dams, among other threats, are impacting the survival of this species. They present barriers to migration, reduce available habitat, and can injure or kill adult eels that pass through the dam’s turbines.

Recently, the GMRC worked with the community of Pabineau and the New Brunswick Power Generation Corpo-ration (NB Power) to address the effects of a local dam on the American eel.

The Nepisiguit Falls Generating Station (NFGS) is a hydroelectric dam located on the Nepisiguit River near the commu-nity of Pabineau First Nation.

The purpose of the American Eel Monitoring Program was to observe the presence of young (elvers), juvenile, and adult American eel both upstream and downstream of the NFGS. This was to determine if the NFGS presents a bar-rier to American eel migrations.

The Plamu Documentary Over the years, protecting Atlantic salmon has become increasingly more important. In November of 2010, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) designated the Atlantic salmon (Gaspe-Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence popula-tion) as “Special Concern”, which means they are recommending it to be protected by spe-cies at risk legislation. This listing is a further indication that both our salmon and way of life are at risk.

The Mi’gmaq continue to have a relationship with salmon, a relationship that has lasted for thousands of years. The activity of salmon fishing has contributed socially, culturally and economically to our nation. Today, the First Nation communities of Listuguj, Pabineau,

and Eel River Bar, truly believe that they have a right and responsibility to protect, promote, and encourage a sustainable Atlantic salmon fishery, not only for today but for future gener-ations.

In response to the recent listing by COSEWIC, the GMRC undertook a project entitled the Plamu Documentary Project. The purpose of the Plamu Documentary project was to capture the relationship of our three (3) communities with the Atlantic salmon in a documentary style video. The GMRC hopes that this video will inspire viewers to promote the protection of this species.

Listuguj Environmental Action PlanThe Listuguj Environmental Action Plan (LEAP) is a GMRC initiative implemented in the fall of 2012, which aimed at improving the local environment surrounding the community of Listuguj.

Funded by Environment Canada’s Eco Action Community Funding program and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada’s Lands and Environmental Action Fund, the LEAP initiative developed a community-based waste management plan designed to improve our community’s environmental performance to reduce the negative impacts and threats on the health and safety of our community mem-bers. The GMRC also aimed at engaging Listu-guj’s community members in taking an interest in best waste management practices, promote environmental stewardship amongst our com-munity members and to incorporate our own Mi’gmaq Ecological Knowledge (MEK).

Also, GMRC launched a composting program that is currently ongoing with the participation of 100 community members.

We would like to also acknowledge the LMG’s effort and participation in ensuring the success of this project.

Lastly, the GMRC has formed a partnership with the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government’s Nat-ural Resources Department to develop a safer and more effective process and disposal site for hazardous oils and other various wastes in our community. Large barrels and spill pallets were purchased from CAMPOR Environment, a leader in waste disposal management, and were placed at the Beaver Lodge, which are also designated for the general public.

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The Moose Contaminants StudyMoose is an integral part of our Mi’gmaq diet. It is both extremely healthy and nutritious. The fat content of moose meat is very low compared to most store bought meat. Moose meat is an excellent source of protein and a good source of iron and B vitamins. Moose liver is high in nutrients such as iron and vitamin A.

Today, our people are faced with many health problems (ie. obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer) as a result of eating less traditional foods, like moose, and adapting a more western diet. A western diet contains foods that are high in saturated fats, “empty” carbohydrates, and sodium.

The GMRC encourages a healthy lifestyle by promoting the consumption of traditional foods, but the GMRC is also aware that we must be careful of what we consume from na-ture, as it may be contaminated with pollutants from industrial sources. This why the GMRC

undertakes contaminants research projects on a yearly basis. Our most recent contaminants research project was the Moose Contaminants project, which aimed at determining the effects of a zinc mine (Xstrata Brunswick mine) on the local moose environment near the com-munity of Pabineau First Nation. The Xstrata zinc mine is an underground mine located 20 km southwest of Bathurst, New Brunswick. Its main product is zinc concentrate, with lead and copper concentrate by-products. Other extract-ed products include cadmium and arsenic.

The purpose of the Moose Contaminants study was to determine if these heavy metals are present in the moose, and its environment. The levels of heavy metals were to be measured, and it was to be determined if the moose harvested by the community were safe to consume.

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Big SignIn an efforts to diversify its revenue base and reduce its dependence on government funding, the GMRC launched ‘Big Sign” in June 2012.

Taking advantage of its storage trailer in the parking lot below the J.C. Van Horne bridge, Big Sign will serve as a one-stop shop for out-door advertising in the region.

Big Sign provides graphic design, printing and premium ad exposure to vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

Professionally designed ads viewed by an average of 11,740 cars/day are displayed promi-nently at the base of the bridge.

Battery Recycle Program GMRC is proud to announce that it is now a designated drop off location for used cell-phones and batteries since September 2012. Community members can now bring their used cellphones and batteries to the GMRC office where they will be sent off to Call 2 Recycle, the only company that offers free used batteries and cellphones collection program in North America.

The benefits of disposing of your used batteries via drop box include a safe and proper way of disposing of these hazardous products; it’s an easy and free way to keep toxic waste from en-tering our landfills; and finally they are recycled into reusable material. Cellphones on the other hand are refurbished and resold.

To date, Call 2 Recycle has diverted 35 mil-lion kilograms of used batteries from solid waste streams. Together, we can improve this effort by simply bringing your used batteries and cellphones

to the GMRC office where we will dispose of them properly.

Collaborative work and planningThe GMRC worked diligently throughout 2012 to expand its network of community partners. Seeking to collaborate with various fisheries or aquatic resource based management organizations, the GMRC has been successful in building relationships.

We have strengthened our presence that con-tributes to and is recognized throughout the aquatic resource management and stewardship community, including, but not limited to;

The Charlo Salmonid Enhancement Centre;

The Eel River Bar Dam Aquatic Sub-Committee;

The Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation – Central Advisory Committee;

The Restigouche River Watershed Management Council;

The Nepisiguit River Watershed Committee; and,

The Fishery Advisory Committee.

The GMRC’s member communities benefit from increased knowledge and participation in aquatic stewardship activities, as well as relationship building with organizations not traditionally aligned with First Nation interests.

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Assets

Current Assets

Cash

Accounts Receivable

Employee Advance

Property and Equipment

Total Assets

Liabilities

Current Liabilities

Bank Overdraft

Line of Credit

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

Total Liabilities

Fund Balances

Capital Fund

Operations Fund Deficiency

Total Fund Balances

$ 62,840 $ -

86,955 128,393

2,267 2,267 152,062 130,660

189,934 176,508

$ 341,996 $ 307,168

$ - $ 40,804

- 28,000

203,617 182,184

203,617 250,988

189,934 176,508

( 51,555) 120,328)

138,379 56,180

$ 341,996 $ 307,168

2013 2012

Financials - Balance Sheet as at March 31, 2013

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409,854

29,737

66,754

34,047

41,73530,055

45,135 -

10,267

667,584

68,773

415,770

59,325

101,145

23,798 - - -

9,728 -

609,766

10,348

Revenue

Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans

Management Program

AFSAR Species at Risk

Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries

Initiative Program

Health Funding Contribution Program

American Eel Monitoring Project

Listuguj Environmental Action Project

Eco Action Community Funding Program

The Young Environmental Stewards Program

Other Revenue

Expenditures

Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans

Management Program

AFSAR Species at Risk

Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries

Initiative Program

Health Funding Contribution Program

American Eel Monitoring Project

Listuguj Environmental Action Project

Eco Action Community Funding Program

The Young Environmental Stewards Program

Other Expenditures

Surplus For The Year

Financials - Combined Statement of Revenues and Expenses2013

412,850

30,000

68,558

34,047

41,735

30,00045,135

-

74,032

736,357

2012

412,850

59,000

101,145

23,813 -

-

-

10,000

13,306

620,114

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What is AAROM?The goal of AAROM is to help First Nation groups to participate effectively in advisory and decision-making processes used for aquatic resource and oceans management.

The main objectives of the AAROM program are:

To assist Aboriginal groups in acquiring the administrative capacity and scientific/technical expertise to facilitate their participation in aquatic resource and oceans management;

To encourage the establishment of collabora-tive management structures that contribute to integrated ecosystem/watershed management and planning processes;

To enhance existing collaborative management structures, where appropriate;

To facilitate sound decision making in advisory and other processes related to a number of areas of DFO responsibility;

To strengthen relationships through improved information sharing among Aboriginal commu-nities, DFO and other stakeholders and among Aboriginal communities; and

To contribute to the Federal government’s broader objective of improving the quality of life of Aboriginal people.

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Species at Risk Classifications

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Resource Council

Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq

www.migmaqresource.org