If you ask Clifford Paul, UINR’s Moose Management Coordinator, what his strongest asset is he won’t skip a beat–communication. Everything he does– from moderator of community sessions to negotiations with government departments to discussion with hunters, Elders and youth–depends on his excellent communication skills.

For ten years, Clifford worked with Micmac News. Starting as staff writer and photographer, he eventually became editor. While there, he shared a National Aboriginal Communications Society Award for best news story for coverage of the Donald Marshall Jr. story. After his stint with MicMac News, he spent the next six years with the Unama’ki Tribal Police as Criminal Records Manager and dispatch trainer. Before joining us at UINR, Clifford worked for the Union of Nova Scotia Indians on the Sydney Tar Ponds and Coke Ovens Clean-up, providing information on proposed technologies to the Mi’kmaq communities affected by the clean-up.

As Coordinator of the Moose Management Initiative, Clifford’s role is to engage the Mi’kmaq community in drafting a management plan for moose in the Cape Breton Highlands. Clifford is passionate about this project. “This initiative is a shining example of Mi’kmaq self-government put to action as it employs Mi’kmaq jurisdiction with a Mi’kmaq natural resource in Mi’kmaq territory.”

When not travelling around the province talking moose, you might find Clifford working on his other passion–BearMan Jewelry and Crafts. You can find him at craft shows, community events and his favourite–the Powwow trail. His necklaces, earrings and bracelets are all handmade using natural stone, bone, horn, metal, crystals, wood, leather and semi-precious gemstones. “This family venture lets us see many people in many places and develop a strong rapport with our customers. It allows us to not only contribute to, but participate in what business people call “the social economy.”

Clifford is father to five grown children and four grandchildren. “I’m still not used to being called “Poppa”–a moniker usually reserved for people of maturity–imagine!”