About Apoqnmatulti’k

Apoqnmatulti’k pairs Mi’kmaw and local ways of knowing with western scientific methods to learn more about the movements and habitat use of katew (American eel), jakej (American lobster), punamu (Atlantic tomcod), and ji’kaw (striped bass) in the Pekwitapa’qek (Bay of Fundy) and Pitu’pa’q (Bras d’Or Lake).

Apoqnmatulti’k is guided by Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing). Through co-design, joint participation and shared knowledge, this initiative aims to enhance the stewardship of culturally, commercially and ecologically valued aquatic species and their habitats.

Apoqnmatulti’k has two overarching goals

1. Advance a collaborative and holistic research model that ensures transparency and accessibility.

2. Better understand valued aquatic species and inform the stewardship of these animals and their ecosystems for current and future generations.  

What does this look like in practice?

• Co-develop research questions, methodologies and activities that reflect community priorities.

• Incorporate Indigenous values and perspectives into each research study.

• Create space for relationship building, co-learning, capacity building and equal participation.

• Build awareness for Apoqnmatulti’k within communities at each study site and facilitate the two-way exchange of knowledge.

• Pair Mi’kmaw and local knowledge with species movement information collected through acoustic tracking.

• Co-develop communications content and outputs that extend beyond the traditional academic sphere. 

• Share the information that is generated with communities, Mi’kmaw advisory bodies, and Indigenous and non-Indigenous governments.

What are the key outcomes?

• A model for meaningful collaboration, integrative knowledge exchange, and co-governance has been established.

• New knowledge on valued aquatic species is generated and is supporting Mi’kmaw-led fisheries management and informing important areas for aquatic conservation.

• Students, with a priority for Indigenous students, and other highly qualified personnel are trained in field and data components of the project, including Etuaptumumk and acoustic monitoring.

• Partners are equipped to use complementary knowledge systems to transform as a way forward for aquatic stewardship.