Eskasoni First Nation To Be Recognized at Aquaculture Festival

AGRICULTURE/FISHERIES--Eskasoni First Nation To Be Recognized at Aquaculture Festival

The Eskasoni First Nation and the aquaculture industry surrounding the Bras d'Or Lakes will be recognized by the provincial Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on Saturday, Oct. 18, for their contribution to aquaculture development in Nova Scotia, Chris d'Entremont, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, announced today, Oct. 10.

Eskasoni will host the sixth annual Aquaculture Harvest Festival at the Unama'ki Institute in Eskasoni.

"Each year the department chooses a community that has made a commitment to the aquaculture industry. This festival is a celebration of the growers around the Bras d'Or Lake who have made a contribution toward aquaculture development in Nova Scotia and Canada," said Mr. d'Entremont.

Mr. d'Entremont will attend the event and present a $1,000 bursary to the Eskasoni High School. The bursary will be given to a graduating student interested in pursuing a career in aquaculture. On Friday, Oct. 17, the department's aquaculture staff will spend the day with students from Eskasoni High School to talk about fish biology, fish health, modern production techniques and career opportunities.

"The future of aquaculture will depend largely on the education, skills and interest of our young entrepreneurs. Perhaps this bursary will help a student pursue that dream," said Mr. d'Entremont.

Everyone is invited to participate in the festival. Free seafood, local musical entertainment, a live-fish touch tank and face painting will be part of the celebration.

The department-sponsored event will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Unama'ki Institute, 4123 Shore Rd., Eskasoni, Cape Breton.