| Observing and respecting one's environment | |
At Gespeg, you can see and appreciate the Micmac's knowledge. When fishing is in practice, they pinpoint the very spot where they can catch fish when the tide is coming in or going out. They also know the exact month when you can catch smelt, sturgeon, salmon, mackeral, caplin, eel and codfish. When hunting, they kill moose only when the animal is fat. |
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According to the time of year, they use roots, plants and the bark or trees ro make various objects or types of medicine. They know everything that can be obtained form a tree such as the spruce; the branches can be used to cover the ground and are a source of vitamine C; the trunk supplies key elements for the structure of dwelling and provides many other objects as well; the roots are transformed into thread for sewing bark; the bark becomes an effective covering; the resin is used to waterproof, glue or treat wounds. Likewise, small fruits gathered at just the right moment becomes their food supply. |
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| There are many eloquent examples, all of them showing that by observing and respecting their environment, the Micmacs can find everything to support themselves. As you stroll around the area, you will probably start thinking a little bit like the Micmacs and seeing things differently! |
The Micmac's education and knowledge is a great asset. They are attentive observers who are able to identify the resources necessary for their subsistance. They respect the environment and try to understand what each season has to offer and to discover the most favourable conditions for harvesting each resource.