Biologist Kim Tremblay was in Val D’or, Quebec on February 23rd for the Kikenimatan wetan kitci nakitenimaik Lake Sturgeon, protection through knowledge Symposium. The symposium was organized by Kitcisakik Anicinapek community in collaboration with the Lac Simon Anishnabe and Long Point First Nation communities.
Over 100 participants from various aboriginal communities, government departments, industries and other local actors concerned by a common issue were in attendance. The goals were: to develop aboriginal and non aboriginal communities’ awareness on the Lake Sturgeon’s current status and conservation issues (biodiversity and cultural practices); to communicate the cultural significance of Lake Sturgeon for First Nations; to develop collaboration between the actors with a view to implementing a sustainable management of Lake Sturgeon populations; to share traditional and scientific knowledge by exchanging each one’s experience and expertise; to explain each one’s roles and responsibilities regarding the protection of Lake Sturgeon; and to propose solutions for the conservation of the species. The main themes addressed were: cultural significance of Lake Sturgeon, traditional and scientific knowledge, Lake Sturgeon status, conservation issues and completed or on-going research or field projects.
Mrs. Tremblay’s presentation included highlights of some of the Lake Sturgeon projects that the A/OFRC has completed over the years and the role that Lake Sturgeon play in First Nation communities within Ontario. Presenters from the Algonquin Nations also provided stories of the cultural significance of Lake Sturgeon and any language barriers were broken when all presentations were translated into French, English, and Algonquin. Mrs. Tremblay also participated in a plenary session in which the goal was to identify potential solutions to ensure the conservation of Lake Sturgeon.
Mrs. Tremblay would like to extend a big thank you to Amandine Jean from Kitcisakik Anicinapek for organizing such an excellent event and look forward to future discussions on project design, results, and community involvement.
Biologist Kim Tremblay participates in a plenary session to identify potential solutions to ensure the conservation of Lake Sturgeon. Photo courtesy of Amandine Jean.

