I am saddened that the people of the north must continue to fight to protect our traditional way of life. Mr. Speaker, the aboriginal people find it hard to understand why we are being attacked. We are responsible harvesters of wildlife. We live in balance with the land and with all life. We would not take more than we need. We do not destroy wildlife habitats. To destroy the land and the gifts that it holds, would be to destroy ourselves and our way of life. The forest, lakes, rivers and wildlife are in danger in Canada, Mr. Speaker, but not from the trappers. (Translation ends)
We do not pen up animals to keep them captive their entire lives, for easy slaughter. We do not agree with this way of life. We do not force our morality on other people. We do not try to change others, whose way of life incorporates their own beliefs. You do not see in the northern communities the build-up of consumer goods that is found in many parts of the world. We do need to develop the northern economy and improve our standard of living, but to us the environment is not an obstacle to be overcome in this struggle; it sustains us. Our relationship with the land and the environment is the centre of our spiritual life, our culture and our traditions. Our relationship with the land and wildlife is also our means of physical survival.
The standard of living in the northern communities is very poor, but if we are unable to sustain ourselves from the land, we simply could not survive. The trap line is the lifeline. There are no other choices, and I will tell you, we are not leaving our land. Part of what I am trying to say is that if the groups really try to understand our way of life and our respect for the land, we might be able to move on from this issue. Mr. Speaker, I want to give you one example of the level of understanding that exists within the anti-fur movement. I will read a comment that a Mr. Stephen Beth made in 1987. At the time, he was the vice-chairman of the International Wildlife Coalition. He was also the former Canadian coordinator of the International Fund for Animal Welfare and was involved in the European community ban on the importation of harp seal products.
Mr. Beth had this to say about native culture and our way of life, and I quote, "the native people have got to become self-sufficient, but they have got to have their own culture that is living. I own the native culture", he said. "I bought it with my taxes and I own about two-thirds of it." Mr. Speaker, this attitude is disgusting. This is the attitude we are fighting, and there are many people who support this man and his beliefs. This will be a long battle. I do not know how much is at stake for the animal welfare organizations, but for us, this is the essence of our spiritual being, our economy and our life on our land. We must defend ourselves, Mr. Speaker, therefore, I support this motion. Mahsi.
---Applause