Malagawatch

Abstract

In this case, students are introduced to the shoreline erosion problem at the Malagawatch Reserve, the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources (UINR), and the programs of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. The Malagawatch reserve has enormous significance for the Mi’kmaq, but winter storms on the Bras d’Or Lakes, which are occurring more frequently, are eroding the shoreline and damaging the site. UINR had been leading preservation initiatives at Malagawatch for years. As part of its strategy for preserving the area and the ancient burial site located there, UINR was considering whether to seek the designation as a national historic site. The fact that the Malagawatch reserve was set aside for the use and benefit of five Mi’kmaw communities in Unama’ki (Cape Breton) increased the complexity of the decision-making process that UINR would have to follow.