To help ensure the safety and survival of a critical Northern species, the GNWT and multiple Indigenous government groups are urging hunters and harvesters to follow traditional practices.
This season, travelers along the Winter Road between Tibbitt and Contwoyto have discovered nearly fifty caribou that were left behind after an improper and illegal harvesting. Many of these animals were found with only their backstraps taken, with the rest being left to waste away.
Both territorial and Indigenous government leaders are taking this opportunity to remind the public of proper and responsible harvesting practices that improve caribou conservation. The Bathurst caribou herd has seen a drastic decrease in its population. In the mid 1980’s, the Herd was numbered at an approximate 470,000, while a 2021 report showed that number had dropped to a mere 6,240. To help keep the Herd safe, a Mobile Core Bathurst Caribou Conservation Area was established in 2015.
Jackson Lafferty, the Grand Chief of the Tlicho Government expressed his concern on the matter, saying “I urge all harvesters to practice respect and responsibility in caribou harvesting. Our elders have taught us to use everything we harvest and to never waste. Caribou is a sacred gift, and the increasing reports of meat wastage contradict our values. This responsibility belongs to all of us: follow the laws, honour the caribou, and protect our way of life for future generations.”
Fred Sangris, the Chief of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, said that the wasting of caribou meat is very disappointing, and cannot be allowed to continue given the current state of the NWT’s caribou population.
To help turn things around, the GNWT is working with its Indigenous partners to promote proper harvesting practices, and are encouraging others to do the same. The most important practices that are being highlighted are to:
- Take only what is needed
- Leave nothing behind
- Share what you have with the community, and
- Listen to Elders and learn from what they have to say.
Harvesters are also encouraged to share these practices with their friends and communities, and even on social media with the hashtag #HarvestWithRespect.
Regional hunting regulations can also be found at offices for the Department of Environment and Climate Change.
