Hugh Akagi
Maine Sea Grant Alewife and Eel Oral Histories
In 2013-2014, Maine Sea Grant and NOAA Fisheries collaborated to document and showcase harvesters’ knowledge of alewives, blueback herring, and American eels in Downeast Maine. The project was funded through a NOAA Preserve America grant. Julia Beaty, a Maine Sea Grant scholar who recently graduated from the University of Maine with a master’s in marine science and a master’s in marine policy, researched the history of each species in eastern Maine and conducted dozens of interviews with harvesters and other stakeholders.
Hugh Akagi is the chief of the Passamaquoddy on the Canadian side of the border. He lives in Canada and is deeply connected to his family and relatives on the reserve. Akagi is committed to preserving cultural heritage and advocating for the rights of Indigenous fishers. He has a background in fisheries research and has participated in Species at Risk talks and aboriginal advisory committees, demonstrating his dedication to protecting the natural environment and its species. Akagi's involvement reflects a strong sense of responsibility toward advocating for the rights and well-being of the Passamaquoddy Tribe and Indigenous fishers in Canada.
Scope and Content Note
The interview with Hugh Akagi covers his role as the chief of the Passamaquoddy on the Canadian side of the border and his commitment to preserving cultural heritage and advocating for the rights of Indigenous fishers. Akagi discusses the challenges related to fisheries management and conservation, emphasizing the need to address complex issues and protect the natural environment and its species. His background in fisheries research and participation in Species at Risk talks and aboriginal advisory committees are highlighted, showcasing his dedication to these causes. The interview provides insights into Akagi's perspective on the importance of traditional practices and the well-being of the Passamaquoddy Tribe and Indigenous fishers in Canada.
Please Note: The oral histories in this collection are protected by copyright and have been created for educational, research and personal use as described by the Fair Use Doctrine in the U.S. Copyright law. Please reach out Voices@noaa.gov to let us know how these interviews are being used in your research, project, exhibit, etc. The Voices staff can help provide other useful resources related to your inquiry.
The NOAA mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. The Voices Oral History Archives offers public access to a wide range of accounts, including historical materials that are products of their particular times, and may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes.
Voices Oral History Archives does not verify the accuracy of materials submitted to us. The opinions expressed in the interviews are those of the interviewee only. The interviews here have been made available to the public only after the interviewer has confirmed that they have obtained consent.