Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is always a concern when southern media starts to raise concerns about the way northern people manage their wildlife. The fact is, in the south, wildlife has all but become extinct. When they do show their pretty little heads, they are considered pests. In the north we have the only vibrant wildlife population left in Canada and I think we are managing it quite well without the criticism of southern people. The story which appeared in the Globe and Mail yesterday, is a result of some anomalies in the movement of Caribou. What has happened in the area which has been identified between Great Slave Lake and Baker Lake, two large caribou herds have converged in that area, the Beverly herd and the Bathurst herd, totalling more than 700,000 animals. With that comes two large wolf populations that follow each of those herds, as well as the resident wolf population from that area. You have a very high concentration of caribou and that brings, with it, a very healthy and high density of wolves. The hunters are from Saskatchewan, they are aboriginal, Dene hunters who have a right to harvest and hunt in the Northwest Territories. They have done so for 1000 of years. We do not condone and find totally unacceptable the running down and harassment of wildlife using skidoos. Hunting with the use of skidoos is allowed in the territories. Thank you.
Stephen Kakfwi on Question 464-13(5): Southern Perception Of Northern Hunting
In the Legislative Assembly on February 27th, 1998. See this statement in context.
Return To Question 464-13(5): Southern Perception Of Northern Hunting
Question 464-13(5): Southern Perception Of Northern Hunting
Item 6: Oral Questions
February 26th, 1998
Page 1183
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