|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Download
PDF (103K) Printer
Friendly |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
NUNAVUT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT BOARD
MINUTES: MEETING NO. 16
15-20 NOVEMBER 1997 CORAL HARBOUR , NT
Agenda Call to Order and Opening Preliminaries
Minutes: Review, Adoption, Implementation Financial and Administrative Business
Executive Committee Report and Recommendations
Date and Place of Next Meeting
Saturday, 15 November 1997
1. Call to Order and Opening Preliminaries
The Chairperson Ben Kovic convened the meeting at 9:00 a.m. in the Coral Harbour Council Chambers. He welcomed the Members to Coral Harbour , and asked all persons present to introduce themselves.
Ben gave a brief overview of the agenda for the week. He noted that in addition to the regular Board business it would be necessary to swear-in and orient new Board Members and to receive an investment report on the Nunavut Wildlife Research Trust.
Swearing-in Ceremony for New Members
Ben Kovic gave a brief historical synopsis of the NWMB. He noted that as an Institution of Public Government the NWMB has considerable authority and power. The NWMB is important because wildlife is integral to Inuit culture. The NWMB is not always going to be able to please everyone. Traditional Ecological Knowledge is integral and respected, the same as scientific knowledge. Ben stressed that Board Members do not directly represent their appointing bodies
Michael d’Eça, the NWMB Legal Advisor, swore-in the four new Members:
Following the swearing-in ceremony for the new Members, the Board moved to a meeting of the Nunavut Wildlife Research Trust (NWRT). At this meeting the Trustees heard a presentation from Mr. Martin Labrecque of TAL Investment Counsel Limited, investment managers for the NWRT.
Following the meeting of the Nunavut Wildlife Research Trust, the Board spent the balance of the day providing an initial orientation for the four new Board Members.
The Chairperson reconvened the meeting at 2:00 p.m.
Members reviewed and accepted the agenda for this the 16 th regular Meeting of the NWMB, with the addition of an update on Narwhal Management Planning under Item 9 (Old Business). (Resolution 98- 051)
3. Minutes: Review, Adoption, Implementation
3.A Iqaluit Session, August 1997
3.A.1 Regular Meeting No. 15, August 9-15
3.A.2 Special Meeting No. 6, August 10-11
3.B Conference Call No. 34, Conducted 4 September 1997
3.C Implementation of Resolutions: Progress Report
Jim Noble reported verbally with respect to progress on implementing Resolutions 98-026 through 98-044, developed at or subsequent to the last regular Meeting of the Board.
Progress on implementing Resolutions and/or on subsequent action or response was deemed appropriate, acceptable, and/or as expected. In a few cases, events overtook some of the Resolutions that accordingly were not or could not be actioned precisely as was initially intended.
3.D Implementation of “To-Do” Items from the August Meeting
Jim Noble reported verbally with respect to progress on implementing the August “To-Do-List”, noting items completed and items yet outstanding.
4. Financial and Administrative Business
4.A Financial Report to 30 September 1997
Pierre Chartrand provided a brief orientation to the new Members on the NWMB budget cycle. The annual NWMB budget is developed within the 10-year framework of the Implementation Contact. The annual budget is approved by the Board at its February meeting and forms the basis of a Contribution Agreement with DIAND. The 1997/98 Contribution Agreement was/is in the amount of $5,280,285.
The Board turned to detailed examination of the 30 September financial report. With respect to specific questions from Harry Flaherty, Pierre responded that:
Harry stressed the importance of getting conservation information into the schools, and suggested that NWMB funds earmarked for Wildlife Conservation Education might be directed to that end. He requested that a briefing note be prepared for the next Board meeting on options and possibilities for the NWMB to engage more proactively in conservation education.
Gordon Koshinsky noted the approximately equal but opposite projected variances in the two line items under Harvest Study, and asked if this implied the existence of off-setting components. Pierre responded that this was not the explanation. Internal costs are less than expected at the moment, but this line item will adjust over time. The projected over-expenditure for the DIO Harvest Study Contracts is a matter of cash flow rather than cost escalation.
The Board accepted the 30 September 1997 financial report as presented. (Resolution 98- 055)
4.B Financial Projection to Fiscal-Year-End
Pierre Chartrand drew attention to the under-expenditure of $234,659 presently projected as at the end of the 1997/98 fiscal year. The Board decided that it would be appropriate to declare a requirement to carry forward $200,000 of this amount to fiscal year 1998/99. (Resolution 98- 056)
4.C TAL Investments Report/Update (NWRT)
Pierre Chartrand referred to his briefing note on the status of the Trust Fund. The Fund has earned about 12% since the first of April. The current market value of the Fund (at the end of October) is $15,424,736. Management fees are paid out of the Fund in proportion to the Fund’s value, and will amount to approximately $45,000 for 1997/98. Fund management costs are properly evaluated in the context of “value added” through Fund management. Value-added is in the range of $120,000 for the year to date. This represents the difference between what was achieved through management and what would have been achieved by investing blindly as per the composite benchmark portfolio.
4.D NWMB Committee Structure and Composition
The Board reviewed the structure and composition of its various Committees. A number of decisions were made, as set out below.
The Board reaffirmed that the NWMB Chairperson is an ex officio member of all NWMB Committees. The Board also affirmed that the Director of Finance and Administration will continue to serve as secretary to the Executive Committee, and that the Harvest Study Co-ordinator will serve as secretary to the Harvest Study Committee.
5. Executive Committee Report and Recommendations
This item was deferred until after the Executive Committee had opportunity to meet. The item was revisited the morning of Wednesday November 19.
Monday, 17 November 1997The Chairperson reconvened the meeting at 09:00 a.m.
Official Welcome by Community
His Worship, Johnny Ningeongan, on behalf of the Hamlet Council and the residents of Coral Harbour , welcomed the NWMB Members to the community. Johnny stated that the community was proud to be hosting the NWMB meeting. He made reference to the re-establishment of caribou on Southampton Island and the dramatic increase in the caribou population. A commercial hunt was established and has contributed substantially to the local economy. Johnny noted that the increasing number of caribou is not without concern and that the commercial hunt has to be maintained to keep the numbers under control. The community proposes to construct bridges over several rivers to allow better access to area resources. The Mayor noted that several Government Ministers plan to visit Coral Harbour in the near future, to discuss these issues. Residents are getting into tourism without external funding assistance. Facilitating the sport-hunting of polar bears is a very important local endeavour, but the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Regulations are discouraging the participation of American hunters. The lack of a quota for polar bear sport hunting in Foxe Basin continues to be a major disappointment for the regional communities including Coral Harbour .
Ben Kovic advised that the senior staff members and advisors had provided activity reports for the information of the Board. Ben suggested that unless Board Members had specific questions, or staff members or advisors had particular highlights, time would not be devoted to reviewing these reports in the course of the meeting.
7. Member’s Reports and Concerns
Makabe noted a number of wildlife management concerns in the Kitikmeot Region. Narwhal come into the area occasionally, and the KHTA would like to see an increase in the narwhal quotas for all communities. Taloyoak hunters are unhappy about having to contend with two polar bear management zones. It was decided that Makabe should submit these concerns under item 8G in the agenda.
David noted that the HTOs in the Kivalliq Region have poor office facilities and equipment. The HTA at Baker Lake , for example, is working out of a very small office and this is not acceptable. David further noted that the HTOs were overlooked when several Renewable Resource Offices were recently turned over to the Hamlets. Ben Kovic advised David that the NWMB does provide operating funds to the HTOs, however these funds are not generally adequate for large capital expenditures.
8.A Canadian Wildlife Service (DOE)
8.A.1 Assessing the Need for Statutory Amendments
Grant Gilchrist reminded the Board of the requirement identified in NLCA 9.3.1 for Government, in consultation with Inuit, to conduct a study ”to determine the need for new legislation or amendments to existing legislation to designate and manage Conservation Areas” in the NSA. DOE/CWS took the lead on this matter and prepared a discussion paper some time ago. The discussion paper was erroneously interpreted by NTI as an unsatisfactory attempt by DOE/CWS to fulfill the requirements of the designated study. DOE/CWS is advocating a co-operative approach by Government and NTI to develop terms of reference.
Mr. Gilchrist confirmed that it is now illegal to possess lead shot for the purpose of hunting migratory game birds. This new prohibition was approved by NWMB earlier.
8.A.3 CITES Regulatory Amendment Proposal
Mr. Gilchrist advised that DOE is proposing a relaxation of regulations under CITES so that persons who have in possession personal or household items made from animal parts would no longer require a permit to cross borders within Canada or the border into the USA. It is not being proposed to alter the present requirement for an export permit in respect to moving polar bear hides into the USA .
8.A.4 Snow Goose Population Problems
Mr. Gilchrist reiterated the problem of over-population of snow geese, notably around southern Hudson Bay and James Bay . It is deemed desirable that the mid-continent population be reduced to about half its present size. Two committees were recently formed to work towards this objective. One of these committees is national (Canadian); the other is international.
8.A.5 North American Waterfowl Management Plan Proposed Amendment
Mr. Gilchrist advised that a number of conservation organizations and management agencies, the Canadian and American Governments included, have begun pursuing a Seaduck Joint Venture (similar to the Arctic Goose Joint Venture) as an amendment to the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Letters of support are being sought for this initiative.
The Board affirmed that seaducks, specifically eiders and oldsquaw, are an important group of birds for the residents of Nunavut . The Board also recognized that an initiative of the nature being contemplated could increase the political profile of these birds and might help garner new resources for their study and management. The Board decided to support in principle the development of a Seaduck Joint Venture for inclusion in the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. (Resolution 98- 061)
8.A.6 Migratory Birds Convention Amendments
Mr. Gilchrist reported that the Protocol is now awaiting the signature of the U.S. President. Once ratified by Mr. Clinton, the matter will need to be introduced to the Parliament of Canada. Once finalized, it will make provision to accommodate traditional harvesting by Inuit according to the Land Claim.
8.B Department of Fisheries and Oceans
Mr. Weber advised that comments on the current draft are still being received. NWMB has responded; Makivik has not. The aim is to have the next, presumably very near final, draft completed for the February Board meeting. Robert Moshenko stated that the plan will be very general, in the nature of an umbrella document.
8.B.2 Walrus Sport-Hunt Management Options
Mr. Weber advised that considerable background work has been done, but no concrete proposals for regulatory change are yet available for consideration by the Board. Some consultation is yet to be completed, notably with the RWOs.
Mr. Weber introduced Patricia (Patti) Kuntz, Director of Oceans Strategy for DFO Central and Arctic Region. Ms. Kuntz reminded the Board of the requirement, under the new Canada Oceans Act, to develop an Oceans Strategy. In fact, three separate strategies are being developed, one for each ocean. All will aim to foster three principles:
A discussion paper is being developed, for completion by the end of December. Agencies such as the NWMB are encouraged to identify individuals to work with this initiative and to bring their perspectives forward.
Gordon Koshinsky congratulated Ms. Kuntz for a strong, enthusiastic, and refreshing presentation. He offered two cautionary suggestions:
Mr. Weber acknowledged that fisheries regulations specific to Nunavut will be required by the date of Territorial division. The matter is complicated by the fact that the boundaries of the Nunavut Territory and the Nunavut Settlement Area will not precisely coincide. Also pertinent is the continuing Federal effort to pass a new Fisheries Act.
Michael d’Eça counseled that if the Department wished to minimize the complications that would be encountered in the process of making statutory and regulatory changes, the Department could do no better than to approach the Board early in the process.
8.C Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development
8.C.1 Polar Bear Quota for 1997/98: Kane Basin Population
Stephen Atkinson referred to the recent (October 3) disallowance by the DRWED Minister of the NWMB quota decision of three polar bears for Grise Fiord from the Kane Basin population for 1997/98. The Minister’s disallowance was made in accordance with NLCA 5.3.9 and 5.3.11. Stephen stressed a number of points in relation to this disallowance:
A question-and-answer session ensued. A synopsis of Stephen’s responses:
Other comments made included the following:
Dan Pike suggested that the options available to the Board were as follows:
At the suggestion of Harry Flaherty, the Board decided to defer its final decision in this matter until its next meeting in February.
8.C.2 Peary Caribou: Management and Recovery Plans
Michael Ferguson advised that recent genetic data, not yet published, are challenging the precepts about the distinctiveness of Peary caribou as originally inferred from examination of skulls. For one thing, the animals seem to be identical to an extinct race of caribou on Greenland . Creation of a refugium on Greenland emerges as a possibility based on this finding.
The Department estimates that there are approximately 1,100 Peary caribou left on the Western Queen Elizabeth Islands , and fewer than 2,000 in total. As one particular example, the number of animals on Bathurst Island has dropped from about 3,000 in 1993 to about 75 in 1997. Enough carcasses have been recovered to rule out migration as the reason for the decline. Most of the carcasses showed the effects of starvation.
The Department recently established an inter-departmental working group to: • Develop management plans for Peary and Arctic Island caribou, and • Obtain and disseminate monitoring information on population status.
With respect to Peary caribou per se, the following measures are planned: • Opportunistic assessment of weather, forage, and condition of animals. • Population survey of the Eastern Queen Elizabeth Islands in 1998, to complement the 1997 Western survey.
A workshop at Grise Fiord in October focussed on the matter of survey design. It is currently planned to start with a ground-based reconnaissance, in order to provide a first-cut community-derived population estimate as well as to focus the final air survey plan. The aerial survey will be stratified, with low-density coverage in low-occupancy areas. The cost estimate for the aerial survey component is $500,000-$750,000. An alternative approach would be a variation of mark-and-recapture methodology used to estimate polar bear populations. That approach has considerable opposition in the communities.
Stephen Atkinson noted that the management plan for the Peary caribou being spearheaded by the Department will not replace the National Recovery Plan (NRP), although it would aim to incorporate and localize the appropriate NRP recommendations. The NRP is being produced by COSEWIC, which means that it is a purely technical undertaking. Michael d’Eça stressed that it would remain the prerogative of the NWMB, as per NLCA 5.2.34, to approve any designation or recovery plan produced by COSEWIC. Dan Pike cautioned against substituting too much process in place of action.
8.C.3 Southampton Island Caribou: Management Options
Stephen Atkinson advised that the available data indicate that the herd is continuing to grow at a rate of about 27% per year. This rate of increase cannot be sustained indefinitely. Initiation of summer and winter range/forage studies has become a matter of high priority. The return of wolves to the Island , initially observed in 1994, was at first actively opposed by the community but has been encouraged by the Department.
It is planned to initiate studies this winter on snow characteristics in relation to caribou densities. This will also provide background for subsequent long-term studies to assess the potential of the plant community to support caribou. The herd will be classified according to gender and age categories, and animals will be necropsied during the commercial harvest. Efforts will be made to develop a 5-year management plan, and to secure funds for a 5-year survey rotation.
It is proposed that the commercial caribou quota be increased, from 4,000 to 6,000 animals for 1998. Tunnuq Harvest Ltd., the business arm of the Coral Harbour HTA, is setting up two abattoir sites to accommodate a larger quota.
Leonard Netser, the Chairperson of Tunnuq Harvest Ltd., expressed great concern that the Southampton caribou will overwhelm their habitat. The existing and proposed infrastructure is not adequate to support the volume of harvest that is required to safe-guard the herd. Gordon Koshinsky suggested that the effectiveness of the harvest might be increased by focussing it on females.
Sam Emiktowt stated that a 20-mile radius is about the maximum that can be serviced by any particular abattoir site. Establishing two sites in 1998 should be a major improvement. The operation lost money last year because logistics made it impossible to take the full quota.
Gordon Koshinsky asked for a definition of the term “lost money” in this instance. How are the costs apportioned and how are the proceeds shared? Will harvesting more animals decrease or increase the “loss”? Those present could not explain the operation in these terms. It was noted that the meat is marketed in southern Canada and beyond. The operation is federally-inspected. Ben Kovic suggested that opportunities be explored for inter-settlement trade, particularly with communities that face caribou shortages.
Harry Flaherty suggested that the re-colonization by wolves should be actively opposed. Stephen Atkinson suggested that the experience regarding predation by wolves on caribou derived from such places as Banks Island may not apply to Southampton . The large muskox population on Banks Island provides a food reservoir for wolves so that wolf populations never crash and are always available to predate caribou. Gordon Koshinsky predicted that allowing wolves to re-colonize Southampton would eventually terminate, or at least minimize and very much complicate, what could be a very important experiment to determine the limits of caribou productivity in the absence of natural predation. This was an experiment that had the potential for a great deal of local participation and satisfaction and that, if properly managed, could probably be quite lucrative as well.
The Board approved a commercial quota of 6,000 caribou for Southampton Island for 1998. The Board also encouraged the Department to maintain and enhance its management efforts regarding this population, but to give further consideration to the pros and cons of controlling the re-colonization by wolves. (Resolution 98- 062)
Tuesday, 18 November 1997
The Chairperson reconvened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. Joan Scottie led the opening prayer.
Ben Kovic reported on his participation in a local radio phone-in program last night. Concerns were expressed about the perceived inadequacy of even a 6,000 commercial quota to control the population increase of caribou, and about whether polar bear hunting was an appropriate priority for the community.
8.C.4 Effects of Research/Handling on Polar Bears
Stephen Atkinson advised that his Department has contracted a preliminary analysis of the existing information (all sources), with the aim of having a report in time for the next Board meeting. It will be up to the Board to decide if this is adequate, or if more detailed or independent work is needed.
There were no reports of any polar bear mortalities due to handling this year, other than one research specimen (a female, with a cub) that was defence-killed by the researcher.
A new anaesthetic has recently come available for experimental use. It is a cocktail of drugs that is effective in smaller volumes with less physiological effect on the animal. The heat-control mechanisms remain operative so there is less chance of over-heating. An antidote is available and is routinely given; this permits the animal to walk away in a couple of minutes.
8.C.5 Caribou Sport Hunt, Arctic Bay : Interim Decision by DRWED
Stephen Atkinson explained that two American hunters arrived in Arctic Bay , with a much larger group to follow very shortly, on the understanding that there were no impediments for them to hunt caribou. Arctic Bay did not have a quota for non-resident or non-resident alien caribou sport hunting, so the situation had potential for much embarrassment. However the community did have a commercial caribou quota; this offered a means to solve the resource-access problem, without compromising conservation, through a re-allocation.
The Department rapidly made arrangements to issue the requisite outfitting and guiding licences, and to expedite a regulatory change to provide a caribou sport-hunting quota. The latter was actioned on behalf of the HTO and with the knowledge of the NWMB, according to the emergency provisions of NLCA 5.3.24. The entire operation was completed within three days, and the hunt proceeded successfully. There is a requirement now for the NWMB to formally review the decision that the Department took to modify harvesting activities.
The Board considered the matter, and generally applauded the Department’s initiative. The Board decided to confirm the interim decision taken by the Minister of DRWED, to amend the NWT Big Game Hunting Regulations and the Sale of Wildlife Regulations by removing 22 caribou from the commercial quota and adding 22 caribou to the non-resident and non-resident alien sport-hunting quota, in order to permit a legal caribou sport hunt at Arctic Bay as of 29 August 1997. (Resolution 98- 063)
8.C.6 Statutory Changes: Status Report
Stephen Atkinson noted that the NWT Wildlife Business Regulations were recently amended, without the benefit of specific input from NWMB. Michael dE noted that the Board had indicated a desire to make input, but had urged that the Department first make provision to receive it in the context of plans for a comprehensive review of all Territorial legislation pertaining to wildlife management as is called for in the Implementation Contract. Michael viewed the ensuing unilateral initiative by the GNWT as a missed opportunity, and an exercise that will surely need to be repeated since the new Wildlife Business Regulations take no apparent account of the NLCA.
Stephen advised that the Department recently engaged a consultant to identify what changes are needed in the NWT Wildlife Act. This exercise was not specifically in reference to, but was cognizant of, the NLCA. A whole new Act is basically required. The Nunavut Implementation Commission recently gave notice that if the Department does not soon take action on this matter it may lose the initiative. The Department has hired a Senior Advisor for Legislation and Enforcement to take charge of this. A framework document is expected by April 1999. There will be extensive consultations in the interim. The new legislation will incorporate three themes:
Stephen Atkinson brought a number of matters from the Department’s regular update report to the attention of the Board:
Michael d’Eça noted that Quebec , Labrador , Nunavut and Greenland all have rights to hunt the Davis Strait polar bear population. When a bear is in one jurisdiction, that jurisdiction has authority over it. Part 9 of Article 5 is the pertinent provision in the NLCA that sets out the role of the NWMB. Gordon Koshinsky called for negotiation of a formula for dividing up the available Davis Strait polar bear production among the competing jurisdictions before that production is fully understood and documented. The key would be to reach agreement on what fraction of the biological production originates in which jurisdiction. Dan Pike suggested that the Labrador proposal be reviewed by the Polar Bear Technical Committee before it is considered by the NWMB. The next meeting of the Committee is scheduled for February. It was agreed to request the Polar Bear Technical Committee for such a review.
8.C.8 Caribou Research: Baffin Island
Michael Ferguson advised that the South Baffin Caribou Study is currently being written up. The work will be input to a management plan targeted for completion in April 1999. The population is probably on the brink of a long-term decline. Harry Flaherty requested a briefing or progress report on each element of the Study as the write-up is completed.
Exploratory meetings have been held in the communities in advance of commencing a North Baffin Caribou Study. The communities have indicated that they want the Study to proceed according to their plan, not according to a plan that has been negotiated to integrate their aspirations with those of the Department. The Study plan will be brought to the NWMB for its consideration.
8.D Nunavut Wildlife Management Board
8.D.1 Northern Shrimp: Integrated Management Plan
Dan Pike advised that the DFO Minister had forwarded for NWMB review a draft copy of the Integrated Fishery Management Plan for Northern Shrimp. The draft Plan was reviewed by staff and in the response back to the Department the following points were stressed and/or proposed:
It is expected that the revised Plan will soon be back to the NWMB for approval.
8.D.2 Quota for Striped Pink Shrimp in the NSA: Final Decision
Dan Pike reviewed the history of this issue. A key aspect was the reaction of the DFO Minister to the NWMB decisions pertaining to the 1996 fishery. In his response at that time the Minister:
The latter item made the NSA fishery competitive with the fishery outside the NSA, and was contrary to the intentions of the NWMB. In effect this was a variation of the NWMB decision, taken unilaterally and thus contrary to the provisions of the NLCA. The Minister was advised of his oversight in this matter.
Recently the NWMB made the following decisions pertaining to the 1997 fishery, and so advised the DFO Minister:
The Minister, in his reply, rejected the NWMB decision to establish a 1,000-MT quota within the NSA. Except for his unilateral modification at that time to make the quota competitive, this was the same quota decision that the Minister had accepted for the previous-year’s fishery. Convincing biological reasons for the rejection were not given. It can only be speculated that the rejection stems from a desire to avoid any need to take further action to prevent the erosion of the effective quota outside the NSA by the implicit subtraction of 1,000 MT to accommodate a separate NSA quota, coupled with the realization that last year’s unilateral modification would not bear repeating.
Dan identified three options for the Board to consider, briefly summarized as:
The Board decided to defer final decision on this matter until the next meeting.
8.D.3 Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary Management Plan
Dan Pike reminded Members that David Tooloktook, Chairman of the Akiliniq Planning Committee, submitted the draft Management Plan for the Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary to the NWMB for approval in early June. Since then a number of agencies, and also the NWMB Legal Advisor, have identified numerous shortcomings in the draft Plan. NTI has spearheaded the critique up to this point, and has now called on DRWED to coordinate completion. The NWMB staff review of the draft Plan will be completed and forwarded shortly. When the Plan has been updated and the consultative aspects of the project have been completed, the Plan will be brought back to the NWMB for consideration and approval.
8.D.4 Research Priorities Workshop
Dan Pike provided an overview of the NWMB role and responsibilities pertaining to research. In order to address its research requirements and obligations, it is imperative for the Board to develop and maintain research priorities. In an effort to obtain input from the RWOs and HTOs and to streamline the priority-setting process, the NWMB conducted a Research Priorities Workshop last January. The exercise was successful as an introductory effort, but it is necessary to repeat it in order to build on last year’s experience and to update the product. It is planned to hold another Research Priorities Workshop in Iqaluit in January.
8.D.5 Traditional Polar Bear Hunt: Request for Approval
Ben Kovic introduced Noah Kadlak, a hunter and film entrepreneur from Coral Harbour . M. Kadlak, in conjunction with Toronto-based Arctic Bear Productions Ltd., proposes to conduct and film a traditional polar bear hunt.
Mr. Kadlak explained his proposition to harvest a polar bear using traditional practices (spear, dogs, etc.). He considered that a film of such an event, built around his personal experience growing up and living off the land, would provide an important vehicle for re-instilling traditional cultural values in Inuit children and would also be a good promotional tool for tourism. If completed in time, such a film could be part of the celebrations that will inevitably accompany the birth of Nunavut . The proposal has the support of the Keewatin Wildlife Federation as well as the local HTO. The Federation does recognize that a special permit would be required, and that the sensitivities of external interests would have to be taken into account.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
