_{In front, from left, Chief Joanne Miles, Chief Jasen Benwah, Chief Rhonda Sheppard, Elder Albert Marshall, Chief Peggy White, Dr. Kelly Vodden, Nina Tourett-Retieffe, Dr. Erica Samms-Hurley. In back, Dr. Peter Ride.}

 

Four Mi’kmaw Chiefs representing their communities in Bay St. George and researchers from around the globe recently celebrated a historic research agreement that provides the foundation for the ambitious scope of the Marine Biomass Innovation Project.  

Representatives of the MBI project partners gathered at the Flat Bay Powwow grounds for the agreement signing, representing the eight work packages and more than 100 partners and researchers provincially, nationally and internationally.  

The agreement, signed by the four Chiefs as well as representatives of Western University and Memorial University, was witnessed by researchers from Western University, Grenfell Campus, Memorial University, University of Waterloo, Australian National University, Dalhousie University, Cape Breton University, and University of Bari Aldo Moro. 

The agreement sanctions the important research being carried out through the Marine Biomass Innovation (MBI) project, a multi-year transdisciplinary research project working to develop sustainable marine-based entrepreneurship for local industries and community-based organizations through repurposing of marine biomass in Newfoundland, Canada. 

In essence, the project aims to help Mi’kmaw communities in remote, coastal, and rural regions to achieve the full benefit of ocean-based economic opportunities emerging from innovative technology. That is, the ability to use fully and efficiently both primary biomass materials (e.g. an entire fish) and material left over after processing (e.g. fish skin, shrimp shells).  

The MBI Project is guided by Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing). Etuaptmumk refers to learning to see from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing, and from the other eye with the strengths of Western knowledge and ways of knowing and learning to use both eyes for the benefit of all.  

The project brings together coastal, rural and Mi’kmaw communities, academic researchers as well as industry partners to employ a collaborative research approach. 

On hand for the signing were :  

• Chief Jasen Benwah, Benoit First Nation  
• Chief Rhonda Sheppard, St. George's Indian Band  
• Chief Joanne Miles, Flat Bay Band  
• Chief Peggy White, Three Rivers Mi'kmaq Band  
• Peter Ride, acting Vice-President (Grenfell Campus) Memorial University 
• Kate Big-Canoe, Indigenous Research Specialist, Western University 

The total budget for the MBI project is $15,891,023 over six years. The project draws upon research supported by the Government of Canada’s New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) and contributions from collaborators. 

For more information about the MBI Project, visit https://mbiproject.ca/. 

  

PERSPECTIVES

"As Chief of the 15 communities along the western side of the Port au Port Peninsula, I am proud to support the marine biomass innovation project. This initiative is not only a step forward in sustainable practices but also brings numerous economic benefits to our people. By creating new job opportunities and fostering local industries, we are ensuring a prosperous future for our community. Guided by the principle of Etuaptmumk, or Two-Eyed Seeing, we can integrate traditional knowledge with modern science to achieve the best outcomes for our environment and our people." 

• Chief Jasen Benwah, Benoit First Nation

 

"Our community welcomes the marine biomass innovation project with open arms. This initiative is a testament to the power of sustainable development and its potential to uplift our community economically. The project will create new jobs, stimulate local businesses, and contribute to our overall well-being in the Flat Bay area. By following the principle of Etuaptmumk, we honor our tradition of Two-Eyed Seeing, integrating Indigenous knowledge with modern science to protect and enhance our natural resources."

• Chief Joanne Miles, Flat Bay Band

 

"The marine biomass innovation project represents a vital opportunity for St. George's. It aligns with our values of environmental stewardship and respect for nature. This project promises to deliver significant economic benefits, from job creation to increased local business opportunities. By embracing Etuaptmumk, we are combining the wisdom of our ancestors with contemporary technological advances, ensuring that our development is both innovative and respectful of our heritage." 

• Chief Rhonda Sheppard, St. George's Indian Band 

  

"I am excited to see the positive impact the Marine Biomass Innovation project will have on our people in Bay St. George South. This project not only addresses environmental sustainability but also offers substantial economic advantages. From job creation to supporting local enterprises, the benefits are far-reaching. Through Etuaptmumk, we blend our traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary scientific methods, ensuring a balanced and holistic approach to innovation and growth."

• Chief Peggy White, Three Rivers Mi'kmaq Band  

 

"The $16-million Marine Biomass Innovation Project is a groundbreaking initiative that seeks to revolutionize our approach to sustainable resource management using the guiding principle of Etuaptmumk, or Two-Eyed Seeing. This project brings together an impressive team of more than 100 researchers and partners from diverse fields, reflecting the interdisciplinary scope of our work. Our goal is to develop innovative solutions that harness the potential of marine biomass for economic and environmental benefits for the communities of Western Newfoundland. Central to our approach is the guiding principle of Etuaptmumk, which integrates Indigenous knowledge with contemporary scientific research. By honouring this principle, we aim to respect traditional wisdom while leveraging modern technology to achieve sustainable and meaningful outcomes." 

• Dr. Raymond Thomas, Principal Investigator, MBI Project 

 

"This transformative initiative stands at the intersection of environmental sustainability and economic development. We are excited about the potential benefits this project will bring, both in advancing scientific knowledge and in fostering economic growth and environmental stewardship."

• Dr. Tana Allen, Vice-President (Research), Memorial University 

 

"Western University is thrilled to be a part of the marine biomass innovation project. This initiative represents a significant step forward in sustainable research and development, aligning with our commitment to addressing global environmental challenges. By collaborating with Indigenous communities and other partners, we are proud to contribute our expertise and resources to a project that promises not only to advance scientific knowledge but also to bring tangible economic and environmental benefits in Western Newfoundland. This partnership embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines Western University, and we look forward to the positive impacts this project will generate." 

• Dr. Penny Pexman, Vice-President (Research), Western University