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NUNAVUT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT BOARD

 

MINUTES: MEETING No. 3 *

 

31 MAY - 02 JUNE 1994

TALOYOAK, NT

 

Agenda

Call to Order and Opening Preliminaries

Agenda

Minutes

Correspondence

Financial Statement for 1993/94, and Financial Outlook for 1994/95

Finance and Administration Committee Report

New Business

Canadian Wildlife Service (DOE)

Igalirtuuq (Isabella Bay) National Wildlife Area and Biosphere Reserve

Nirjutiqavvik (Coburg Island) National Wildlife Area

Prince Leopold Island Bird Sanctuary

Legislation to Designate and Manage Conservation Areas: Review

Migratory Birds Convention

Contaminants in Waterfowl

DOE’s Canada Northern Program

Department of Fisheries and Oceans

Presentation on DFO Management and Research

Upcoming Meetings Pertaining to Fisheries

Some Oganizations Pertinent to Management of Marine Mammals

Recovering Rights: Book by Milton Freeman

Occurrence of Distemper Virus: Research Proposal

Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development

Renewable Resource Strategy

Polar Bear Management

South Baffin Caribou Survey

Nunavut Wildlife Management Board

Walrus Sport Hunting: Igloolik Proposal

Northern Turbot Allocations

Funding to RWOs and HTOs

Permits for Independent Research

Proposals for NWMB-Funded Research and Other Contributions

Beverly Caribou Herd: Re-Survey

Victoria Island Caribou Survey

Old Business

DRR Contribution Funding

Southeast Baffin Beluga Committee: Final Report

Bowhead Knowledge Study: Workplan and Budget

Harvest Study Design: Request for Proposals

Book Project: Birds of Nunavut

Operating Procedures

Regional Issues

Thelon Game Sanctuary

Polar Bear Management Agreements: Davis Strait and So. Hudson Bay

Other Business

Staffing Issues

Purchase of Equipment

Publicity

Next Meeting

Adjournment

 

 

 

Members, Staff, and Contract Personnel Participating:

 

 

 

Ben Kovic

David Aglukark

David Igutsaq   

Kevin McCormick

Gordon Koshinsky

Malachi Arreak   

Joanni Ikkidluak

Christine Tanner

Evie Amagoalik

Nick Arnatsiaq

Larry Okkumalik

 

Interim Chairperson

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Recording Secretary (Tanmar Services)

NWMB Staff

Interpreter

Interpreter

 

Not Available:   

 

 

Andy Theriault

Member (with cause)

 

 

 

Guests and Other Participants:

 

 

Bobby Suluk

Alex Buchan

Ron Morrison

 

DRR (GNWT)

DRR (GNWT)

DRR (GNWT)

 

Several members of the public at large

 

 

      

1. Call to Order and Opening Preliminaries

 

Ben Kovic, the Interim Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 9:25 a.m. David Aglukark led the opening prayer.

 

David Igutsaq, Mayor of Taloyoak, welcomed his fellow Board Members on behalf of the community. James Eetoolook, First Vice-President of NTI, welcomed the Board to the Central Arctic. He commended the Board on the good work it is doing and offered the support of NTI in any area that the Board may require.

 

Ben Kovic noted that the NWMB Members feel very welcome in Taloyoak. He thanked David and James for their kind words.

 

 

2. Agenda

 

The agenda was reviewed and accepted, as amended. (Resolution 95- 003)

 

 

3. Minutes

 

The Minutes for Conference Call No. 4, conducted on 7 April 1994, were reviewed and adopted, as amended. (Resolution 95- 004)

 

Consideration of the Minutes for Meeting No. 2, conducted on 29-31 March 1994, was deferred because the translation was not yet completed.

 

 

4. Correspondence

 

The Board directed that in future:

 

  • Meeting binders should contain lists of all correspondence. Single copies of the actual mail should be brought to Meetings in incoming and outgoing mail binders. Members do not require personal copies of routine items.
  • Correspondence on substantial matters for directed Board attention should be copied in the Meeting binders and placed on the agenda.

5. Financial Statement for 1993/94, and Financial Outlook for 1994/95

 

Christine Tanner reported that MacKay Landau C.A. has completed a draft overview of the 1993/94 NWMB accounts. Their findings compare favourably with the Board's internal records. MacKay Landau has also drafted some manuals of financial procedures as well as accounting formats for the Board; these will be finalized in concert with the Finance and Administration Committee. The draft financial statements as at 31 March 1994 were accepted as presented. (Resolution 95- 005)

 

The Board decided to authorize the Finance and Administration Committee to amend (increase) the Contribution Agreement with DIAND by an amount not to exceed $2,000,000 to cover NWMB commitments for the balance of fiscal year 1994/95. (Resolution 95- 006)

 

Board Members requested that written financial statements, complete with translations, be provided at all regular Board meetings.

 

 

6. Finance and Administration Committee Report

 

Malachi Arreak explained the present disposition of NWMB funds as follows:

 

  • Two term deposits at the CIBC in Yellowknife :
      • -one for $11,184,916.56 (for the Wildlife Research Fund), and
      • -another for $508,347.91 (for the Bowhead Knowledge Study).
  • The Board’s fiscal-year operating accounts.

 

The Board will eventually want/need to take more active charge of the funds currently being held in term deposits. A not-for-profit trust fund will need to be established to administer these funds if the interest earned is going to be tax-exempt. There will need to be a Board of Trustees, to consider and approve investment adjustments and dispersion of funds.

 

Sample trust documents were distributed for Members to review. The Board directed the Finance and Administration Committee to begin taking steps for setting up the Nunavut Wildlife Research Trust. (Resolution 95- 007)

 

The Finance and Administration Committee recently entertained presentations by CIBC/TAL and by the Bank of Montreal regarding investment options for these funds. The CIBC/TAL presentation was well done, and the presenters suggested that some of the funds should be invested in equities. Annual fees on the amount in question would be about $42,000, which might be lowered to $35,000 for the first two years only. The Bank of Montreal presentation was somewhat less formal, and the presenters were very open to concerns and questions. Their recommendation would be to focus heavily on bonds, in the expectation of less risk and more flexibility. Annual fees would be just over $30,000.

 

Recognizing that the NWMB has term deposits maturing later this month (June), the Board directed the Finance and Administration Committee to reinvest the funds for short term at the best terms the Committee can negotiate. (Resolution 95- 008)

 

7. New Business

7.A Canadian Wildlife Service (DOE)

 

7.A.1 Igalirtuuq (Isabella Bay) National Wildlife Area and Biosphere Reserve

 

Kevin McCormick advised that the boundaries for the proposed National Wildlife Area have been negotiated but require NWMB approval before designation of the Area can be formally sought. Some Inuit-owned lands are included, to comprise a buffer zone. Malachi Arreak noted that in a recent plebiscite held at Clyde River, 94% support was indicated for the Area boundaries as proposed. The Clyde River HTA also supports these boundaries.

 

The Board decided to approve the boundaries for the Igalirtuuq National Wildlife Area and Biosphere Reserve as proposed, and as supported by the Clyde River HTA and the Igalirtuuq Steering Committee. (Resolution 95- 009)

 

 

7.A.2 Nirjutiqavvik (Coburg Island) National Wildlife Area

 

Kevin McCormick advised that the boundaries for the proposed National Wildlife Area at Coburg Island have been negotiated but require NWMB approval before designation can proceed.

 

The Board decided to approve the proposed boundary for the Nirjutiqavvik National Wildlife Area. (Resolution 95- 010)

 

 

7.A.3 Prince Leopold Island Bird Sanctuary

 

Kevin McCormick advised that this Sanctuary has in fact been established already, but NWMB endorsement of the boundaries is still required. Kevin tabled a management plan proposal for this Sanctuary. Under the NLCA, the approval of the NWMB is required for such a management plan. It was agrees to defer this matter to the next Board meeting.

 

 

7.A.4 Legislation to Designate and Manage Conservation Areas: Review

 

Kevin McCormick referred the Board to NLCA 9.3.1 which states that Government, in consultation with Inuit, must review existing legislation and suggest revisions or new legislation to bring these laws into line with the NLCA. Kevin questioned if this Clause reflected a concern about DOE legislation that remained outstanding, or if it was simply an anachronism.

 

It was agreed that David Aglukark and Malachi Arreak will investigate this matter with NTI and report back to the Board.

 

7.A.5 Migratory Birds Convention

 

Kevin McCormick explained that the Migratory Birds Convention is a very old treaty between the United States and Canada. Negotiations to amend the Convention are expected to start this fall. NTI has appointed Joannie Ikkidluak, David Igutsaq, and David Aglukark to represent the Nunavut Settlement Area in these negotiations. The Canada Wildlife Act and the (Canada) Migratory Birds Convention Act are also being amended. These Acts provide the basis by which Canada exercises its obligations under the Convention. These materials are not yet available (not yet translated) for review by the Board.

 

7.A.6 Contaminants in Waterfowl

 

Kevin McCormick advised that an extensive survey was undertaken from 1988-1991. Indications are that there are virtually no problems.

 

7.A.7 DOE’s Canada Northern Program

 

DOE has significantly reorganized in the past few months. The Region pertinent to the NWMB is Prairie and Northern, which encompasses the three Prairie Provinces and the NWT.

 

Four Branches have emerged from reorganization:

 

•  Environmental Protection

•  Environmental Conservation (CWS, and some from lWD)

•  Monitoring and Systems: data collection

•  Environmental Services: information to the public (weather and water)

 

7.B Department of Fisheries and Oceans

 

7.B.1 Presentation on DFO Management and Research

 

Tim Surette and Gordon Koshinsky presented the NWMB with seven laminated posters depicting aspects of fishery management. Captions and explanations are given in both English and (two) Inuktitut dialects. The Board deemed the posters to be both educational and effective as visual tools for reaching Inuit.

 

DFO has set funds aside to do research and conservation work within Nunavut, taking direction from the NWMB. The goal is to increase the knowledge of specific stocks, trying to anticipate future questions from the NWMB. A major component of DFO resources is the Implementation Fund, for addressing extra costs arising under the Land Claim. This amount is $390,500 for 1994/95 for the NSA.

Mr. Surrette tabled copies of the “Status Report on Fish, Invertebrate, and Marine Mammal Stocks in Nunavut” by D. B. Stewart (1994).

 

 

7.B.2 Upcoming Meetings Pertaining to Fisheries

 

•  The Fisheries Resource Conservation Council will meet on 2-5 August in Iqaluit. This council is made up of private interests, government interests, industry and science, and recommends fishing quotas to the Minister of DFO. The Council was created as a response to the Newfoundland cod crisis and this will be their 14th meeting. The NWMB should send a delegate to this meeting to clearly explain the role of the Board.

 

•  The Canada/Greenland Joint Commission on Narwhal and Beluga will meet in Iqaluit the week of August 22. The last meeting was in Uummannaq, Greenland in August 1993. At that meeting the members were briefed on the creation and the role of the NWMB. The Canadian delegation on this Joint Commission will now be taking some of its direction from the NWMB. David Mablick is the Nunavut representative on the Commission, and the other Commissioner's position is vacant following the recent retirement of Dr. Barry Muir from DFO.

 

 

7.B.3 Some Oganizations Pertinent to Management of Marine Mammals

 

•  Minister's Advisory Committee on Marine Mammals

 

This Committee originated in 1977 as the Committee on Whales and Whaling. It advises the DFO Minister on marine mammal research.

 

•  Committee on the Status of Endngered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC)

 

The role of COSEWIC and the NWMB was discussed. COSEWIC deals only with scientific information. The NWMB is authorized to approve any status designations for species, and COSEWIC will accordingly have to contact the NWMB to establish a working relationship.

 

•  Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)

 

The Convention lists many species, not all of which are of even could be traded. Two prominent Canadian example

•  Bowhead is listed (Appendix I). This means that baleen from the bowhead taken by the Inuvialuit in 1992 cannot be exported.

 

•  Walrus has been listed since 1975 (Appendix III). This means that walrus products can be exported only under an export permit.

 

•  International Whaling Commission (IWC)

 

Canada is no longer a member of the IWC, and could not re-join without reference to co-management institutions established under land claims. No Inuit observers (i.e. from the NWMB) attended the recent meeting of the IWC in Mexico. David Aglukark expressed concern that this could be erroneously interpreted as a lack of interest by Inuit in the issues.

 

 

7.B.4 Recovering Rights: Book by Milton Freeman

 

DFO has donated a copy of this book to the NWMB library. The book pertains to the hunting of bowhead whales as per the experience of the Inuvialuit.

 

 

7.B.5 Occurrence of Distemper Virus: Research Proposal

 

DFO has referred to the NWMB a funding request for $11,524 from Dr. Joe Geraci at the University of Guelph. This is not a DFO proposal. The virus being studied affects seals in other parts of the world, and also small whales (beluga). Robert Moshenko spoke briefly about this issue. Dr. Geraci is doing work on dolphins on the East Coast and in the United States. Western Hudson Bay beluga show no history of exposure to the disease, and so may be vulnerable to an epidemic if they should come into contact with the virus. Mitch Taylor stated that the disease is similar to canine distemper and is not, apparently, transferable to humans.

 

The Board decided to formally ask DFO for more information on the contagious virus involved.

 

 

7.C Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development

 

7.C.1 Renewable Resource Strategy

 

Consideration of the GNWT agenda item “Renewable Resource Strategy: Tradition and Change” was deferred until the next meeting because Mitch Taylor did not consider himself sufficiently conversant on this topic to address the Board.

 

7.C.2 Polar Bear Management

 

Mitch Taylor stated that 60-70% of the world’s polar bears occur in Canada. Our Continental Shelf provides a habitat that is rich in the preferred food of polar bears. That is why Canada has 60-70% of the bears, despite having much less than 60-70% of the inhabited territory.

 

Almost all the economic benefits stemming from polar bears accrue to Canada, mainly to the NWT. The USA recently started permitting the importation of polar bear trophies originating from populations that are demonstrably well managed.

 

Mr. Taylor presented a slide show on the last five years of the GNWT polar bear integrated management system. Under this system, polar bear Management Agreements are in place for nine areas in the NWT, and draft agreements exist for two additional areas.

 

7.C.3 South Baffin Caribou Survey

 

Ben Kovic noted that Joe Handley, Deputy Minister of DRR, had written to thank the NWMB for the $50,000 contribution to this survey. Ben participated for two days and it went well. A few of the collars may not have been retrieved.

 

This overall study started in 1987 and the field work finishes this year. The target date for overall completion is March 1995. A short interim report for the NWMB will be completed later this month.

 

 

7.D Nunavut Wildlife Management Board

 

7.D.1 Walrus Sport Hunting: Igloolik Proposal

 

Cain Igaqsaq presented the proposal for a walrus sport hunt on behalf of the Igloolik HTA. They have also approached DFO, but with no response to date.

 

Mr. Igaqsaq noted that there is presently no quota on walrus at Igloolik, with each individual hunter being allowed to harvest four walrus annually. The Igloolik HTA is recommending a community quota of 250, since four per hunter is not an effective control when the number of hunters is increasing. Also, good hunters may be able to get more than four and poorer hunters may get fewer than four.

 

From the requested quota of 250 tags, 10 tags would be set aside for sport hunts. HTA and non-HTA hunters are all in agreement with this idea. The HTA did a survey with the hunters and has held radio phone-in shows.

 

Walrus are plentiful near Igloolik. Walrus meat is not wasted since leftovers are fed to dogs. Aged walrus meat is a very popular food item at Igloolik. The elders consider calves to be a particular delicacy. The market for tusks is currently weak, and a few sport hunts could bring significant new income to the community.

 

Mr. Igaqsaq thanked the Board for hearing the HTA presentation. They would like feedback on their request after the Board has had a chance to review it.

.

 

Tim Surette of DFO explained that he received the letter from the Igloolik HTA just last week and did not respond immediately as he saw this NWMB meeting as an opportunity to discuss the matter in detail. The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement lists walrus as a big-game species (Schedule 5-1), so the regulations affecting big game animals would apply. This does not rule out sport hunting.

 

There was discussion about the present level of walrus harvest (150-180 per year very minimal estimate, based on tusk sales), the movements of the walrus stock, the difficulty of counting walrus, and the sustainability (or not) of the current harvest.

 

It was noted that the sustainable yield for polar bears is about 3% of the population. It was suggested that walrus probably have similar vital rates, so it may be reasonable to assume that the walrus sustainable yield is also in the range of 3%. A complicating factor is that an estimated 30% of struck walrus are lost.

 

It was noted that there have been recent efforts at CITES to up-list walrus in their system of Appendices. A response can be expected from the animal welfare activists if it becomes known that Canada is considering walrus sport hunting. Starting even a pilot project without having good population and harvest data available might invite criticism.

 

The Board indicated that it was inclined to approve the request as a pilot project. There would need to be provision for appropriate monitoring, and for the collection of data to be used for subsequent decisions. It was agreed that DFO, the NWMB staff, and the Igloolik HTA will work together to develop a management plan and other arrangements needed in order for the Board to make its final decision.

 

It was decided that Cain Igaqsaq and Natalino Piugatuk should be paid honourarium and incidentals for attending the meeting. (Resolution 95- 011)

 

 

7.D.2 Northern Turbot Allocations

 

Tim Surette of DFO noted that the 1994 Groundfish Plan reserved 2,000 metric tonnes to Inuit inshore fisheries. The Pangnirtung (Cumberland Sound) winter fishery was allocated 500 tonnes of this reserve, and they caught just over 400 tonnes.

 

Broughton Island HTA has requested an allocation from the inshore reserve. They would like to conduct a small summer exploratory fishery. The Board decided to allocate 300 MT of turbot to the Broughton Island HTA with the condition that a report be submitted at the end of the fishing season. (Resolution 95- 012)

 

This week the Minister of DFO made available 3,500 MT of offshore turbot between Baffin and Greenland, plus 3,500 MT off the coast of Labrador. This is referred to as the Northern Turbot Developmental Fishery. It has less onerous criteria for Inuit organizations when making applications. The criteria are more lenient on type of vessel used, and where the catch can be landed and processed.

 

Several HTAs have written to the NWMB requesting support for their bids to be allocated some of this quota. It was agreed that the NWMB will write to the DFO Minister, copying the HTOs, supporting the applications in principle. An important reservation is that DFO must ensure that this fishery does not disrupt the food chain since the productivity of marine mammals is a paramount concern of Inuit.

 

 

7.D.3 Funding to RWOs and HTOs

 

Ben Kovic reminded Members that at the NWMB Meeting in Rankin Inlet in March, the Finance and Administration Committee proposed specific formulas for disbursing NWMB funds to RWOs and HTOs. The Committee met with RWO delegates on May 12-13 in Iqaluit to discuss these formulas. The Committee is expecting a formal response from the RWOs about this matter.

 

It was decided that the NWMB will wait until after the RWOs respond before setting out to disburse the available funds through appropriate Contribution Agreements. (Resolution 95- 013)

 

 

In-Camera Session

 

The Board decided to meet in-camera . (Resolutions 95- 014) and (Resolutions 95- 015)

 

Subsequent to meeting in-camera , the Board formalized the following decisions:

 

•  To reimburse Members at the Board’s honourarium rate for participation in Board Conference Calls. (Resolution 95- 016)

 

•  To reimburse Members at the Board’s honourarium rate for participation in Board committee work retroactive to 01 February 1994. (Resolution 95- 017)

 

•  To donate up to $500 towards the cost of a community feast to be hosted by the Taloyoak HTO. (Resolution 95- 018)

 

On another matter the Board agreed that Malachi Arreak will write to Lois Leslie to request her assistance in the matter of developing a mechanism for reimbursing BRIA, KIA, DIAND, DOE, etc., in some measure for the wages of Board Members in the employ of such agencies for time spent in the performance of Board work.

 

 

7.D.4 Permits for Independent Research

 

Robert Moshenko advised that DFO has sent letters to all persons who were issued permits to conduct fisheries research in the Eastern Arctic over the last five years, telling them that it is no longer business as usual: DFO will no longer issue research permits without confirmation of community support. In actuality, DFO does not issue permits for research per se, but rather for the removal of aquatic animals in the course of conducting research. Since such removal can be construed as a form of harvest allocation, this could now be interpreted as the purview of the NWMB.

 

Ben Kovic suggested, and the Board agreed, that at least until the NWMB has staff in place researchers should not expect input from the NWMB on their independent research proposals. It is important that proponents seek the support of the affected communities, with a copy to the NWMB. Once the RWOs are more operational, they may want to become more involved.

 

Mitch Taylor suggested that it would ease the letter-writing load on HTOs if it could be agreed in advance that if a community does not declare "no" to a research proposal within a pre-defined period, then it would be considered as “yes”.

 

Robert Moshenko suggested that if there is no written confirmation of community support, then no permit should be issued. If the researcher needs the permit s/he should follow up by calls, letters, faxes, etc., to obtain a letter of support.

 

 

7.E Proposals for NWMB-Funded Research and Other Contributions

 

7.E.1 Beverly Caribou Herd: Re-Survey

 

Malachi Arreak noted that that this proposal has many attractive inter-jurisdictional aspects. Ben Kovic commented on the need to enhance the profile of the Beverly/Kamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board.

 

The Board approved funding in the amount of $15,000 to assist the Department of Renewable Resources to re-survey the Beverly caribou herd. (Resolution 95-019)

 

 

7.E.2 Victoria Island Caribou Survey

 

John Nishi explained that there appear to be at least three types of caribou on Victoria Island: Peary (island type), barren-ground (mainland type), and hybrids.

 

A great deal of work remains to be done distinguish and quantify the different types of caribou on the Island. There appear to be several calving grounds. Hunters from Holman are seeing very few caribou in the north-western part of the Island. The hunters have self-imposed a hunting ban in this area. The last survey (summer 1980) indicated that there were 8,000 caribou on the Island. This must have been an underestimate because the population has sustained an average annual harvest of 1,500 animals.

 

The project, as proposed, would have three components:

 

•  Harvest study at Cambridge Bay, Coppermine, and Bay Chimo.

•  Delineation of the calving grounds using 20 radio collars.   

•  Aerial survey of the western part of Victoria Island.

 

Renewable Resources is asking the NWMB to contribute $90,000. Of this, $60,000 would be for the radio survey and $30,000 for staff costs. The Inuvialuit, who share this population, have paid for the fuel and the cashing of that fuel.

 

The Board expressed considerable discomfort about entertaining funding requests without having had opportunity to establish its funding priorities. There was concern about why Renewable Resources seems to be backing off funding some of these projects. The Board also requested assurance that there was or will be appropriate liaison with the other wildlife management agencies that have a shared interest in these caribou. The Board decided to fund the Victoria Island caribou survey for up to $70,000. (Resolution 95-020)

 

 

8. Old Business

 

8.A DRR Contribution Funding

 

Bert Dean explained the formula used by DRR for calculating the distribution of GNWT grant funds to RWOs/HTOs. Funds for 1994/95 are being disbursed in the usual manner. It was stated again that DRR is open to negotiations on how this program might be amalgamated with the NWMB.

 

The NWMB for its part indicated that it would want the GNWT to guarantee the availability of funds for several years at minimum. Mr. Dean reiterated that DRR is in process of preparing a discussion on their amalgamation proposal.

 

 

8.B Southeast Baffin Beluga Committee: Final Report

 

Joannie Ikkidluak presented the SEBBC final report. The three communities involved (Lake Harbour, Iqaluit, and Pangnirtung) were visited, and the hunters were briefed. The recommendations are summarized on page 54 of the English version. There are ten recommendations, of which Nos. 1 and 10 require response from the NWMB.

 

The Board decided to convey a generally positive reaction to the report and plan to the DFO Minister, to the SEBBC, and to the three HTOs. (Resolution 95- 021)

 

 

8.C Bowhead Knowledge Study: Workplan and Budget

 

David Aglukark noted that progress on development of a workplan and budget continues to hinge on the hiring of a project manager.

 

Kevin McCormick suggested some workplan elements that might be appropriate:

 

•  Produce a brochure (communication item) to let hunters know what the     Study involves and why they will be asked to provide input.

•    Contact all the HTOs to inform them of the Study and to get their response to three or four key questions, such as who should be interviewed.

•  Identify two or three persons from each community to assist researchers with interviews.

•  Design (adapt) questionnaires.

•  Undertake community interviews.

•  Based on community input, develop designs for aerial or other surveys to be undertaken in the summer of 1995.

 

David Agukark recognized the need for a detailed hunt plan before approval to hunt can be anticipated. David Igutsaq spoke of the need to involve the elders. The Board urged the Bowhead Study Committee to meet and get the process underway.

 

The Board took the opportunity to approve funds to send NWMB-appointed observers to witness the Inuvialuit bowhead hunt. (Resolution 95- 022)

 

 

8.D Harvest Study Design: Request for Proposals

 

Gordon Koshinsky tabled a Request for Proposals document (in English only) that incorporated input received from some Board Members. It was decided to defer discussion until the document could be translated. Ben Kovic noted that he had indicated informally to the Implementation Panel that the start-up deadline for the Harvest Study, as per the NLCA, would be impossible to meet.

 

8.E Book Project: Birds of Nunavut

 

Kevin McCormick noted that a draft of the book now exists. Much of the material was prepared at DOE Headquarters in Ottawa at the request of the Baffin Divisional Board of Education. NWMB support for the project has been indicated in principle, but remains unconfirmed in detail.

 

Gordon Koshinsky reiterated that he could not support provision of NWMB funds unless he was confident that the material contained, both technical and traditional, was as accurate as possible. Kevin gave assurance that the technical aspects were correct, but acknowledged that it might be appropriate to have more traditional input. The book is not exactly intended to be a definitive new reference. Malachi Arreak noted that some of the distribution maps did not coincide with his own experience. Ben Kovic and Joannie Ikkidluak urged that all communities be given opportunity to review the draft material before it is actually published.

 

Gordon suggested that it was entirely reasonable for the NWMB to contribute to conservation education. But amounts and priorities should be decided through some rational process. The “Birds of Nunavut” initiative stands to benefit from being “first past the post”, but it is unlikely that birds are really the NWMB’s number-one educational priority. The Board decided to approve its funding contribution to this project in the amount of $60,000. (Resolution 95- 023)

 

8.F Operating Procedures

 

Kevin McCormick reminded the Members that the Organizational Development Consulting Group (ODCG) was contracted for this task. They were formally instructed on May 13 to proceed, and they are to finish by July 15. Kevin reviewed a package of preliminary recommendations that ODCG has already brought forward. The consultants are confirming the view that the NWMB should adopt operating procedures instead of relying solely on by-laws. Operating procedures would be more flexible and easier to amend (the latter by simple Resolution of the Board, rather than requiring an AGM or an extraordinary meeting).   .

  

 

The available material was in English only, so further more detailed discussion was deferred until the material is translated. Nick Arnatsiaq has been hired to translate the documents.

 

The Board approved a defined schedule of instalments for paying ODCG’s professional fees. (Resolution 95- 024)

 

 

9. Regional Issues

 

9.A Thelon Game Sanctuary

 

David Aglukark reported on a meeting that he attended in Baker Lake on April 6-7, to begin developing a Management Plan for the Sanctuary. Representatives from the community of Baker Lake, the Vice President of the Keewatin Inuit Association, the Implementation Co-ordinator for the Keewatin, and two persons from DRR in Yellowknife were also in attendance.

 

The management-planning initiative derives from Part 5, Article 9 of the NLCA. This Part also sets out some specific obligations of the NWMB in determining the future of this Sanctuary. It seems likely that there will be separate Management Plans for the different jurisdictional components of the Sanctuary.

 

The next planning meeting will be on June 28 in Baker Lake.

 

 

9.B Polar Bear Management Agreements: Davis Strait and So. Hudson Bay

 

Ben Kovic reported chairing a meeting last week in Iqaluit, with representatives from Pangnirtung, Iqaluit, Lake Harbour, and Sanikiluaq, as well as from the Labrador Inuit Association, the Labrador Government, the Northern Quebec Wildlife Section, and the Ontario Government. The two Makivik Members of the NWMB could not attend, but Willie Adams and Charlie Watts sat in as observers.

 

This was intended to be a signing ceremony for two polar bear Management Agreements but it turned out to be just a discussion and review session. It was noted that the Davis Strait population is healthy and the harvest is close to the sustainable yield level.

 

Kevin McCormick noted that Dr. Ian Sterling of CWS has some useful ideas for resolving, at little monetary cost, polar bear population boundaries. The Board agreed that Dr. Sterling should be invited to develop and present these ideas.

 

 

10. Other Business

 

10.1 Staffing Issues

 

Ben Kovic identified an immediate requirement for a person to take charge of the office. It was decided to obtain the services of an interim administrator until the Executive Director position is filled. It will be essential to recruit a local (Iqaluit) person in order to keep the costs reasonable. (Resolution 95- 025)

 

The Board examined in detail the Executive Director job description provided by ODCG. The Board also decided to advertise for a clerk (in addition to seeking an interim administrator) using existing GNWT job descriptions. (Resolution 95- 026)

 

 

10.2 Purchase of Equipment

 

The Board decided to purchase two sets of translation equipment: one highly portable for small meetings, and one larger set. (Resolution 95-027)

 

10.3 Publicity

 

The Board approved up to $2,000 to run a small “NWMB profile” in a forthcoming "Report on Nunavut" supplement of Nunatsiaq News. (Resolution 95-028)

 

 

11. Next Meeting

 

It was decided that the next regular Meeting of the Board will be held on 8-14 August in Clyde River. The time frame will also accommodate a two-day workshop. If the hotel in Clyde River is not available, then the next choice for location is Lake Harbour.

 

 

12. Adjournment

 

Ben Kovic thanked the people of Taloyoak, Mr. Eeteelook, and David Igutsaq for recommending Taloyoak as a meeting place, and the interpreters. A motion was passed to adjourn the meeting. (Resolution 95-029)

  

 

 

Minutes Approved by:_________________________ ________________

                                                    Interim Chairperson                        Date

 

 

 

* This document was reconstituted from the original Minutes in the interests of enhancing general coherence and promoting conformity with subsequent Minute formats.

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