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NUNAVUT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT BOARD
MINUTES: MEETING No. 2
29-31 MARCH 1994 RANKIN INLET, NT
Agenda Call to Order and Opening Preliminaries Presentation by Peter Ernerk, NT Inuit Bowhead Knowledge Study: Committee Report Department of Renewable Resources: Derek Melton and Gerry Leprieur
Southeast Baffin Beluga Committee (SEBBC) Wildlife-Related Educational Programs Finance and Administration Committee: Report and Follow-up Miscellaneous Administrative Matters Department of Fisheries and Oceans: Tim Surette
1. Call to Order and Opening Preliminaries
Ben Kovic, the Interim Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. He extended a welcome and a thank you for their attendance to all persons in the room. David Aglukark led the opening prayer.
The agenda was reviewed and accepted, as amended. (Resolution 94-018)
Minutes were reviewed and adopted as follows:
Gordon Koshinsky requested that minutes for future Meetings include an appended list of handouts.
Christine Tanner referred the Members to the package of in-coming correspondence items that was provided to them, and identified the specific items requiring the attention of the Board in the course of this Meeting.
The Board decided that in future only a mail log will be distributed to Members, with original correspondence (no copies) made available at the regular meetings for Members to examine at their convenience. Staff will ensure that any correspondence specifically requiring the attention of the Board will be designated as an agenda item.
5. Presentation by Peter Ernerk, NTI
Mr. Ernerk declared that he is very supportive of the Board's work. He is available to consult as may be required. He will soon be leaving NTI to work for the Nunavut Implementation Commission (NIC). Mr. Ernerk participated with the Board Members in a discussion on the International Whaling Commission and whether Canada should rejoin.
6. Inuit Bowhead Knowledge Study: Committee Report
Officer positions on the Bowhead Study Committee have been resolved as follows:
The Committee met over the weekend prior to the NWMB meeting. Joannie Ikkidluak could not attend due to RWO/HTO meetings in Pangnirtung.
Recommendations brought forward by the Committee:
The Board directed the Bowhead Study Committee to interview candidates for the position of Bowhead Study Co-ordinator. Following its selection, the Committee was directed to assign the Co-ordinator the task of preparing a workplan and budget for the next regular Board meeting. (Resolution 94- 022)
7. Department of Renewable Resources: Derek Melton and Gerry Leprieur
Dr. Melton noted that the Wildlife Management Division of DRR sees itself as a co-management partner and as a technical resource for the various Arctic wildlife co-management boards. The Department expects to devote a substantial amount of its attention to working with the NWMB in those regards.
7.1. Thelon Game Sanctuary Management Plan
Gerry Leprieur explained that the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires that a management plan be developed for the Thelon Game Sanctuary within five years. Funding was provided for three years of work. Chris Shanks has been assigned to head this task. He is trying to ensure that the DIOs are appropriately involved, as was the intention of the NLCA. The consultation process should result in a Steering Committee being set up to work with DRR on this plan. An initial meeting is proposed for early April; NWMB has been invited. The Members requested that further details be provided in writing.
It was noted that Clause 9.5.1.of the NLCA identifies a 5.5 square-mile parcel on the corner of the sanctuary closest to Baker Lake that will be automatically withdrawn from the Sanctuary within two years of the ratification of the Claim unless the NWMB intervenes.
The Board was advised that the GNWT Department of Renewable Resources provides annual funding to the RWOs and HTOs in the Nunavut area in the amount of approximately $1.2 million. Since the NWMB will also be providing funds to these organizations, the GNWT is interested to know whether the NWMB might consider amalgamating the GNWT funds along with their own, and administering both lots concurrently.
Members expressed some initial concerns, but declared the Board amenable to discussion of the concept. It was requested that DRR make a formal presentation at the next regular meeting of the Board.
7.3. Marketing Strategy for Seal Products and By-products
The Board decided to support the GNWT proposal to contract for an assessment of marketing opportunities and for the development of a marketing plan with respect to seal products and by-products. The Board also decided to stress the desirability of contracting qualified Nunavut-based expertise. (Resolution 94-023)
7.4 Compensation for Inadvertent Polar Bear Kills
DRR has drafted a plan to deal with compensating communities in connection with “unusual” types of polar bear kills. The draft plan lists three kinds of kills that would require compensation to be paid:
Dr. Melton gave an overview of projects currently being undertaken by the Wildlife Management Division. The Department has a system in place for reviewing research proposals, and input from the Board on this system is welcome. The support of the Board was requested for the following items:
• Beverly Caribou Re-survey
The 1993 count was much lower than expected, and the accuracy is suspect. The count should be repeated.
• South Baffin Caribou Survey
The Board approved a one-time funding arrangement with DRR in the amount of $50,000 to assist with a South Baffin Island caribou survey. (Resolution 94- 024)
• Victoria Island Caribou Survey
A number of contributors have made financial commitments to this project, but a $60,000 shortfall remains. The work would start in June.
• Completion of Harvest Study Reports
There is an immediate requirement for $20,000 to complete reports on the Baffin harvest data. More funds would be needed to complete the harvest study reports for the other Regions.
Board Members recognized a need to develop a formal process for reviewing proposals for funding support such as those that have come forward from DRR.
Some Board Members expressed concern about the use of helicopters and aircraft to conduct research on polar bears and muskoxen. It was noted that the use of dogs by Inuit to corner polar bears has been adopted at Arctic Bay and is working well. The continuing use of helicopters to capture polar bears in the Kitikmeot region may be out of date. Muskox counts should be done in winter when the animals are most visible against the snow.
Wednesday, 30 March 1994
8. Southeast Baffin Beluga Committee (SEBBC)
Meeka Kilabuk explained the events leading up to the creation of the SEBBC, the process of the Committee’s deliberations, and the unfinished status of the Committee's work. The DFO Minister requires the Committee’s report by mid May, if regulatory changes are going to be enacted for 1994. The Committee does not have adequate funding to complete the report. Ms. Kilabuk also asked the NWMB to consider sending a SEBBC member and a NWMB member to the forthcoming meeting of the International Whaling Commission in Mexico.
The Board decided to provide funding not to exceed $29,500 for the SEBBC to deliver its final report and co-management plan, with the understanding that DFO will provide equivalent funding and with the plan to be ratified by the three affected communities. (Resolution 94- 025)
9. Wildlife-Related Educational Programs
The Baffin Divisional Board of Education (BDBE) proposes to produce a book on "Birds of Nunavut" to encompass all bird species in the Eastern Arctic. The book will have an Inuit cultural component. In order for the project to go ahead, BDBE needs the NWMB to contribute $60,000 of the $100,000 projected total cost.
Members supported the concept in principle, and considered approving the requested contribution on condition that other parties come forward to provide the remaining shortfall. A motion to that effect was tabled but then withdrawn, pending receipt of more information from the BDBE and consideration of an NWMB policy to govern contributions of this nature.
Ben Kovic reported attending the recent workshop on planning the NTI’s Nunavut Harvesters’ Support Program in Pangnirtung. NTI plans to produce a final report with their consultants. Discussions on by-laws occupied a great deal of time because the Inuktitut translations were not adequate. The value of fur pelts was discussed, as was the devolution of DRR field staff programs. The workshop was interesting and useful, with many delegates in attendance.
Gordon Koshinsky reported attending the recent Arctic Marine Workshop on behalf of the NWMB in Winnipeg. The purpose was to begin the process of identifying marine parks in the Arctic. About 30 people, mostly government and scientific delegates, were in attendance. The forum acknowledged the need for much community consultation on this initiative in the future.
There will be a meeting about the Thelon Game Sanctuary on April 6 and 7 in Baker Lake. David Aglukark will attend for KWF, and will also represent the NWMB.
11. Finance and Administration Committee: Report and Follow-up
The Board examined the draft letterhead which was presented. Some changes were decided, but it was recognized that the product will be temporary pending selection of a logo. It was decided to choose a logo by holding a contest among school children. (Resolution 94- 026)
11.2. Funding to RWOs and HTOs
Options and mechanisms are being examined for distributing funds to the RWOs and HTOs. Members will have to provide their input to the Committee within the next week. The RWOs have been invited to discuss this matter with the Board.
A proposal was presented for consulting with the communities for the purpose of selecting the Board’s permanent head-office location. The Board decided to approve this consultation plan. (Resolution 94- 027) The Committee advised the Board of negotiations underway to lease interim office space from Nunasi Corporation in the Courthouse Building in Iqaluit.
Andy Theriault presented a draft Code of Conduct for consideration by the Board. A number of suggestions for improvements were forthcoming. The Committee was directed to prepare a final product based on the input received, for incorporation by the Operations Committee into the Procedures Manual.
Thursday, 31 March 1994
11. Finance and Administration Committee Report and Follow-up, continued
It was explained that the interim By-laws adopted by the Board at its first meeting did not contain explicit provision enabling the Board to formally develop and adopt a budget. It was decided to amend these By-laws in order to correct this oversight. (Resolution 94- 028)
Andy Theriault read the NWMB budget for the upcoming fiscal year, as drafted and endorsed by the Committee. The Board decided to approve the budget for 1994/95 as presented, in the total amount of $3,455,000. (Resolution 94- 029)
11.7. Financial Management System
The Iqaluit firm MacKay Landau, Chartered Accountants, which has been overseeing administration of the Board’s accounts, has submitted a proposal to develop a financial management system for the Board. The system would cost $13,000 to develop and implement in the first year, including the necessary computer software. Training for Board Members and for an office manager would also be included. The Board decided to approve a contract for the purpose, in the amount and to the supplier as identified. (Resolution 94- 030)
The Board decided to appoint the firm MacKay Landau to undertake the audit of its accounts for 1993/94. (Resolution 94- 031)
12. Miscellaneous Administrative Matters
Kevin McCormick agreed to obtain a workplan and a price quotation for development of a set of NWMB Operating Procedures from Mary Crnkovich and Ron Ryan. This will be for consideration at the next Conference Call.
12.2 Nunavut Wildlife Harvest Study
Gordon Koshinsky circulated draft copies of the Request for Proposal that he had prepared to seek a contractor to assist with the design of the Harvest Study. The item was scheduled for discussion during the next Conference Call.
12.3. Recognition of Past Service with NWMAB
It was agreed to send plaques signifying appreciation for service to all past members and chairpersons of the Nunavut Wildlife Management Advisory Board.
13. Department of Fisheries and Oceans: Tim Surette
Mr. Surette’s presentation covered the following items:
13.1. Nunavut Fisheries Events
It is DFO’s intention to continually update this list of fisheries events pertinent to the Eastern Arctic, for the use of the Board.
Broughton Island and Grise Fiord have requested increased narwhal quotas. A temporary solution might be a flexible quota system. However the available data are not adequate to justify any changes to the present quotas.
13.3 Beluga Management: Eastern Hudson Bay
DFO Quebec Region has developed a beluga management plan for Northern Quebec. Part of the plan involves instituting a beluga quota for Sanikiluaq. Recent sampling data suggest that Sanikiluaq hunters harvest beluga from a western stock, not from the eastern stock hunted by Inuit from Northern Quebec.
13.3 Walrus Sport Hunting Proposal: Igloolik
Igloolik HTA is proposing to conduct a guided sport hunt for walrus. They recognize that such a hunt would have to be well managed and regulated for sustainability. It was decided to invite a representative from Igloolik to attend the next NWMB meeting to discuss their proposal.
13.4. Canada/Greenland Joint Commission on Conservation and Management of Narwhal and Beluga
The Commission has developed some alarming advice about the status of beluga stocks. One of the two Canadian Commissioners will now be taking direction from the NWMB.
The Pangnirtung turbot fishery and the offshore shrimp fishery are doing well.
The Board decided to meet briefly in-camera , to discuss criteria for the position of Chairperson. (Resolution 94- 032) and (Resolution 94- 033)
The Board decided to hold its next regular Meeting in Taloyoak, with the meeting to start on May 31. (Resolution 94- 034)
Ben Kovic thanked the interpreter (John Patterk), the recording secretary (Christine Tanner), and all those present for their contributions.
The second Meeting of the NWMB was adjourned at 3:30 p.m. (Resolution 94- 035)
Minutes Approved by:_________________________ ________________ Interim Chairperson Date |
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