Community-Based Ocean Literacy - Four Examples of Ocean Optimism From Mi’kma’ki/Atlantic Canada

Oct 15, 2026

The article examines ocean literacy in coastal communities as a way to support community-based learning and to address challenges in human–ocean relationships through shared understanding and collective action. It offers four context-specific case examples from Mi’kma’ki/Atlantic Canada showing intersectional approaches grounded in community priorities. The examples highlight Oceans Week Halifax, Apoqnmatulti’k partnerships, Fishing For Success inclusion, and whale protection under the Co-Existing With North Atlantic Right Whale Project.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages25

Reading Time1 h 3 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Community-Based Ocean Literacy

Case Examples

Community-Based Ocean Literacy: Four Examples of Ocean Optimism From Mi’kma’ki/Atlantic Canada Julia Ostertag, Dalhousie University; Ammendolia, Justine, Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition; Vance, Alexandra, Oceans Week HFX Co-founder; McPherson, Kerri & Hamelin, Kayla M. , Dalhousie University; Cousineau, Maryse & Daoud, Dounia, Homarus, Inc.; Morissette, Lyne, M-Expertise Marine; Orren, Kimberly, Fishing for Success; Hill, Amy, VanderKloet, Evelien, Whoriskey, Fred. , Iverson, Sara & Sutherland, Maggie, Dalhousie University; Denny, Shelley, Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources; Beland, Joseph & Syliboy, Alanna, Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq; Stokesbury, Michael J. W. , Acadia University; Porter, Darren, Marine Institute of Natural and Academic Science Abstract In this article, we consider the role of ocean literacy in coastal communities asan approach that fosters relevant, community-based learning. We also propose solutions to challenges facing human-ocean relationships by cultivating common understanding and collective action. We present four examples of communitybased ocean literacy in Mi’kma’ki/Atlantic Canada demonstrate how intersectional approaches to ocean literacy that are context-specific and responsive to community priorities can foster healthier human–ocean relationships: (1) Oceans Week Halifax’s organization of community events to strengthen human–ocean relationships; (2) the Apoqnmatulti’k (Mi’kmaw: we help each other) project’s partnerships between Mi’kmaq and local knowledge holders and academia;(3) Fishing For Success’s (Newfoundland and Labrador) inclusive approaches to connecting marginalized communities to the ocean; and (4) the Co-Existing With North Atlantic Right Whale Project’s protection of whales without jeopardizing coastal community livelihoods. Without denying there are barriers to bridging community learning with formal education, we focus on opportunities for collaborations and the importance of ocean optimism in guiding these urgently needed efforts to benefit future community-based, ocean-focused, and solutionsorientated initiatives. Résumé Dans le présent article, nous examinons le rôle la connaissance de l’océan dans les communautés côtières comme approche pour favoriser l’apprentissage en milieu communautaire. Nous proposons également des solutions aux difficultés qui entravent la relation entre les humains et l’océan en cultivant la compréhension commune et l’action collective. Nous présentons quatre exemples de programmes communautaires dans la région Mi’kma’ki (Canada atlantique) qui montrent que les approches intersectionnelles de la connaissance de l’océan, lorsqu’elles sont adaptées au contexte ainsi qu’aux priorités des communautés, favorisent des relations saines entre les humains et l’océan. Les exemples sont les suivants : 1) l’organisation, par Oceans Week Halifax [la semaine de l’océan à Halifax], 136 Canadian Journal of Environmental Education, 24 (1), 2021 d’activités communautaires pour renforcer le lien entre les humains et l’océan; 2) les partenariats du projet Apoqnmatulti’k (qui signifie « nous nous entraidons » en mi’kmaw) entre les Mi’kmaq, les experts locaux et le milieu universitaire; 3) les approches inclusives de Fishing For Success (Pêcher pour le succès; Terre-Neuve-etLabrador) pour connecter les communautés marginalisées à l’océan; 4) la protection des baleines grâce au Co-Existing With North Atlantic Right Whale Project [projet de coexistence avec la baleine noire de l’Atlantique Nord] sans mettre en péril les moyens de subsistance des collectivités côtières. Nous savons qu’il n’est pas simple de jeter des ponts entre l’apprentissage communautaire et l’éducation en milieuscolaire, mais nous nous concentrons plutôt sur les possibilités de collaboration et sur l’importance de rester optimistes dans les actions de protection de l’océan pour guider les efforts urgents à faire, afin que les futures initiatives communautaires de recherche de

FAQs

How does the article define ocean literacy in coastal communities?

It frames ocean literacy as an approach that fosters relevant community-based learning and strengthens human–ocean relationships through shared understanding and collective action.

What four examples of community-based ocean literacy are presented?

Oceans Week Halifax events, the Apoqnmatulti’k project partnerships, Fishing For Success inclusive connections, and the Co-Existing With North Atlantic Right Whale Project’s whale protection without harming coastal livelihoods.

What key ideas does the article draw on to support collaboration and solutions?

It emphasizes Two-Eyed Seeing and knowledge co-existence to create shared understanding and a collective call-to-action for co-developing environmental and community-based solutions.

Oct 15, 2026

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