June 12: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Established in 2018, Apoqnmatulti’k (Mi’kmaw for ‘we help each other’) is a partnership among the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources, Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq, Marine Institute of Natural and Academic Sciences, Ocean Tracking Network, Dalhousie University, Acadia University, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Apoqnmatulti’k is built on shared participation from Mi’kmaw, local, and western scientific knowledge holders to better understand valued aquatic species in Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia, Canada). Guided by the principle of Etuaptmumk, or Two-Eyed Seeing, Apoqnmatulti’k demonstrates a successful partnership model for fostering capacity sharing, enhancing knowledge generation, and increasing knowledge transmission and uptake. This presentation will focus on how to build strong and inclusive research partnerships, while highlighting the co-development of communications and outreach activities that extend beyond the traditional academic sphere. Attendees will learn about the project’s collaborative model and lessons learned along the way—providing key takeaways they can implement in their own work.

Presenters: Amanda Leslie & Nadine Lefort

Amanda Leslie has been exploring the Bay of Fundy in Atlantic Canada since she was a child. Determined to learn more about the ocean, she decided to undertake a Bachelor of Science in marine biology at Dalhousie University before enrolling in a journalism program at the University of King’s College, where she later completed a Master of Fine Arts in creative nonfiction. In 2024, she earned a postgraduate diploma in science communication and public engagement from the University of Edinburgh. She’s passionate about storytelling and her articles have appeared in publications such as The Atlantic, Hakai Magazine, The Walrus, the National Post, and Ecology & Action. Amanda currently works as a science communicator for the Ocean Tracking Network in Halifax, Nova Scotia—a role that involves strategizing about more effective ways to engage with the public about marine science and leading communications efforts for Apoqnmatulti’k.

Nadine Lefort is manager of communications and outreach with the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources. One of Nadine’s key roles is to tell stories that lead to better understanding, promoting and protecting natural resources in Unama’ki. Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources is a non-profit natural resource management organization that works on behalf of Unama’ki’s five Mi’kmaw communities toward a sustainable Cape Breton. She leads several land-based learning initiatives as means of revitalizing traditional Mi’kmaw values, especially Netukulimk. She works collaboratively in Mi’kmaw communities, integrating western science and Traditional Mi’kmaq Knowledge, weaving between the two. Nadine is of Acadian settler ancestry and lives in Sydney, N.S. with her family. She spends a lot of time exploring outdoors with her sons and loves their lifelong learning about the world guided by Etuaptmumk.