The Bras d’Or Preservation Nature Trust recently announced the designation of the “Mary Harper Nature Preserve” by the provincial government. “Mary Harper was a quiet, tenacious, courageous, and generous woman. At the age of 79, she became the oldest person to sail the Atlantic single-handedly. She attempted the crossing the summer before, but facing gale force winds and 10-15 foot waves, she was forced to return to the Newfoundland coast.” For more information on this amazing woman and the new nature preserve, go here: http://brasdorpreservation.ca/2011/10/province-of-nova-scotia-designates-mary-harper-nature-reserve/
News Release
NOTICE: The Spirit of the Lakes Speaks may be downloaded from this website, simply go to Documents-Reports and look under “2011″.
The Spirit of the Lakes Speaks brings us closer to a healthier Bras d’or Lakes ecosystem
July 08, 2011 ESKASONI, Nova Scotia — Today marked a special day for the Bras d’Or Lakes with the launch of The Spirit of the Lakes Speaks, a management process plan, that will help ensure the Bras d’Or Lakes and its watershed are protected now and for future generations.
The Spirit of the Lakes Speaks was created by the Bras d’Or Lakes Collaborative Environmental Planning Initiative (CEPI) which includes communities, governments and Mi’kmaq people who share a common thread — a profound dedication to the Bras d’Or and to its people.
“This is a living document that will change according to the needs of the Bras d’Or Lakes and its environment,” says Dan Christmas, Chair of the CEPI Management Committee. “The Spirit of the Lakes Speaks is key to addressing environmental management issues around the Bras d’Or Lakes. It is intended to guide our decisions and actions with a well-rounded approach to managing this precious ecosystem.”
This planning document was inspired by the Medicine Wheel (knowledge, action, spirituality and feelings) and acknowledges both Aboriginal and contemporary knowledge. These two diverse perspectives where contemporary science is blended with an Aboriginal world view toward nature is a concept developed by Mi’kmaq Elder, Dr. Albert Marshall Sr, called Two Eyed Seeing. This allows a more holistic view of the Bras d’Or Lakes and its watershed as a spiritual entity to those who use it.
The Spirit of the Lakes Speaks introduces the Bras d’Or as a living entity that generates feelings in people, and supports them in many ways. This document outlines an operating culture focussed on accountability with workshops every five years to report on achievements and areas of concern.
The CEPI organization arose in response to a request by the Cape Breton First Nations Chiefs in 2003 to develop an overall environmental management plan for the Bras d’Or lakes and watershed lands. To date, two successful workshops have been held, with over 250 people attending, to engage government partners from all levels and the broader community of the Bras d’Or Lakes watershed in this process.
Currently the Bras d’Or Lakes CEPI has a functioning organizational model which includes a steering committee (with federal, provincial, municipal, and Mi’kmaq governments, industry, academia, and NGO representation), a management committee, task teams, a Mi’kmaq Elder Advisor, an Elders Council, and a Senior Council. CEPI continues to address environmental management issues around the Bras d’Or Lakes, as commissioned at the 2003 and 2004 Bras d’Or Lakes CEPI workshops.
Contact information:
Anthony Morris/Shelley Porter
Coordinators
anthony.morris@brasdorcepi.ca /shelley@brasdorcepi.ca
Telephone: (902) 379-1496 or (902) 379-1343
