MITSC Tributaries

Judd Esty-Kendall's talk at the 2023 Common Ground Fair revolves around the themes discussed in MITSC’s special report, SEA RUN, particularly focusing on the detrimental effects of colonial and modern policies on the quantity and quality of tribal fish stocks, sustenance fishing, and lifeways practices. He highlights the severe decline in fish populations due to dams, pollution, and overfishing, contrasting past abundant fish stocks with the current endangered status of many species. He also discusses efforts to restore fish populations, such as dam removals and improved fish passageways.

In this episode of Tributaries, Brian Altvater speaks about the forthcoming Alewife Run, a relay from Sipayik to Forest City. Established in 2012 by the Schoodic RiverKeepers and allies on both sides of the river, the run aims to raise awareness about the vital role of the alewife and their traditional migration to spawning grounds. Brian also shares some of the long history of the Skutik River, native sea run fish, and the Passamaquoddy tribe's relationship with both. More recent developments, such as dam removal and restoration of fish passage to the Skutik River, have had the positive impact of alewives returning in increasing numbers.

Welcome to MITSC Tributaries Episode 7. In this episode, we share excerpts from an interview with Dwayne Shaw in the summer of 2023, in which he discusses signs of hope in river restoration and the populations of sea run fish. He also talks about further actions that communities can take to aid in this work.

Tributaries Episode 6: Interview with Dwayne Shaw of the Downeast Salmon Federation discussing the history of damns and fishways going back to the Magna Carta. When asked what single change he would make to positively impact sea run fisheries, his response: The Law. Find out more in this episode of Tributaries.

Watch Part 4 of the interview with Judson Esty-Kendall and Tony Sutton, co-authors of MITSC’s special report, Sea Run. This video discusses how the co-authors hope people will engage after reading the report.

Watch Part 3 of the interview with Judson Esty-Kendall and Tony Sutton, co-authors of MITSC’s special report, Sea Run. This video discusses the recent Maine law requiring collaboration between the Wabanaki Nations & the State of Maine.

Watch Part 2 of the interview with Judson Esty-Kendall and Tony Sutton, co-authors of MITSC’s special report, Sea Run. This video discusses a more robust definition of sustenance.

In Part 1 of this interview series hear what surprised co-authors, Judson Esty-Kendall & Anthony Sutton, as they researched the MITSC Special Report, SEA RUN.

MITSC Tributaries is excited to announce the release of a series of short videos that aim to highlight content and promote discussion related to our newest report, Sea Run. The report addresses the impact of Maine policies and activity on the quality and quantity of traditional tribal fish stocks and sustenance lifeways practices, spanning from the time of first contact between Europeans and the Wabanaki Nations to the present day.