The transmission of traditional knowledge is a topical issue. Many initiatives have been developed to support its dissemination and reappropriation. The initiatives highlighted here are those for which information is readily available.
Among the Cree Nation
The Cree Trappers’ Association
In 2021, the Cree Trappers’ Association established a pilot project in collaboration with the CÉGEP de St-Félicien. The program’s goal is to maintain the Cree way of life by passing on the knowledge necessary for hunting, trapping, and preparing harvested animals with a view to perpetuating the culture, language, customs, values, and governance of the Eeyou Istchee territory. This 900-hour program fosters the development of 15 key skills.
The first cohort was composed of 17 students, the majority of whom were from Cree communities. During the first session, these young people learned how to build traditional shelters, hunt bears and geese, and prepare the meat. The students also had the opportunity to travel by boat and, in the classroom, they learned how to make snowshoes. Three videos about the program are available on Youtube.
Among the Innu Nation
AMIK
The mission of the Agence Mamu Innu Kakussesht (AMIK) is to support Innu communities in the sustainable management of aquatic and ocean resources and the development of a fishing economy. To this end, it particularly works towards the conservation and transmission of traditional Indigenous knowledge. The organization also works to integrate traditional Indigenous knowledge with scientific knowledge. For example, it led a project to collect knowledge on the American lobster.Among the Mi’gmag and Wolastoqey Nations
Mi’gmaq Wolastoqey Indigenous Fisheries Management Association
In the Gaspé and Maritimes regions, the Mi’gmaq Wolastoqey Indigenous Fisheries Management Association (MWIFMA) is dedicated to promoting the sustainable management and conservation of aquatic and ocean ecosystems in the territories and areas of activity of the Mi’gmaq of Gesgapegiag, the Mi’gmaq of Gespeg, and the Wolastoqey of Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk. It seeks to both further their participation in co-management processes and diversify fishing and aquaculture activities. This association also carries out activities aimed at preserving traditional knowledge.
In 2019, for example, they organized a training course that equipped hunters with seal handling and processing skills. The association also acquired a multi-species fishing school boat, the purpose of which is to facilitate the training of members of the Gespeg, Gespegiag, and Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk communities in commercial fishing. The training provides hands-on experience in real-life situations on how to use different fishing techniques and gear, when to use new technologies, and, most importantly, how to stay safe at sea.
