10/20/2026
On Thursday, October 8th, PHP Woodlands staff attended the annual Blair J. Bernard Feast in the Cape Breton Highlands. Organized by the Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources, the annual Feast is a healing ceremony and gathering for Mi'kmaq to honour moose and moose habitat. The gathering gave Mi'kmaq an opportunity to visit the new information kiosk at the Hunters Mountain airstrip, built by Port Hawkesbury Paper (PHP), where Mi'kmaq and the public can view 5-year forest management plans and maps. Throughout the day, community members and kids asked questions, providing a great learning opportunity for both Mi'kmaq and PHP staff.
Pictured are staff from PHP Woodlands and the newly formed Mi'kmaq Monitors Program. This collaborative initiative develops a guardian/monitor program bringing Mi’kmaq monitors and PHP field staff together to review forestry practices on the ground. Monitors also have the opportunity to walk areas planned for future management to identify culturally significant values to bring to PHP for discussion. The overall program supports shared learning, open communication and timely discussion of concerns.
