Netukulimk
Netukulimk is a complex cultural concept that encompasses Mi’kmaq sovereign law ways and guides individual and collective beliefs and behaviours in resource protection, procurement, and management to ensure and honour sustainability and prosperity for the ancestor, present and future generations.” – Kerry Prosper, 2011
Netukulimk (Ned-ou-guh-limbk) is a guiding principle that the Mi’kmaq use as a resourcse management practice and as a way of life. The defining characteristic is the consideration of future generations and their quality of life. It is an understanding of how to use natural resources provided by the Creator for nourishment, health, self-governance, and economic well-being while protecting the integrity of the environment. Practicing netukulimk helps to ensure the sustainability for present and future generations.
CERI is researching eelgrass and restoring damaged eelgrass meadows with the goal of protecting the vital resources and significant benefits connected to these ecosystems, ensuring they are sustained for future generations.
Etuaptmumk
Etuaptmumk (Eh-doo-ap-de-munk), or two-eyed seeing is a concept championed by elder Albert Marshall which embraces the benefits of utilizing multiple knowledge systems to achieve a truer understanding of the area of study. Etuaptmumk encompasses a learning style using both Indigenous ways of knowing and western science – the two lenses compliment and draw on one another to reveal insights that may have previously been overlooked. The combination of both knowledge systems generates a more complex and meaningful comprehension, and appreciation of the subject matter.
CERI is working toward the establishment of a partnership between the Mi’kmaw communities of Nova Scotia and academia by collaborating on eelgrass research and restoration efforts.
The partnership between the Future of Marine Ecosystems (FOME) lab at Dalhousie and the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq enhances and elevates the research, restoration, and educational aspects of this project by relying on the perspectives and practices from Mi’kmaw knowledge holders, community members, scientists, and students at the FOME lab.
The knowledge and insights identified throughout the project will lead to a stronger and more meaningful understanding of the ecosystems as well as the best practices on respecting, restoring, and protecting eelgrass meadows throughout Mi’kma’ki.