Based on the learnings drawn from the information sessions, a new communication tool, the storytelling method, was created for the engagement sessions. It was inspired by the storytelling communication style of the Crees and sought to engage the Crees through a culturally adapted communication approach. Adopting the Crees’ communication style was done in order to be more effective, but it was also a sign of respect and humility.

In each session, the National Marine Conservation Area project was presented through four themes: Management, Culture, Opportunities, and Ecosystem. These four themes were artistically portrayed in four sheets. Two characters were created to tell the story: a grandfather ‘Nomshoom’, and his granddaughter Kaya. The story follows the two characters on their morning stroll along the shore, where both Nomshoom and Kaya explain what an NMCA is and how it can benefit their communities. The story represents Cree daily life situations. The feedback from the participants was very positive and their level of comprehension of what the project was about prove the effectiveness of this new engagement method.

For more information see the Cree Engagement Activities Report.