A First Nations group in the Northwest Territories says it will not be harvesting the Bathurst Caribou herd during the 2015-2016 hunting season.
The Tłı̨chǫ Government informed the GNWT of its decision as the herd continues to shrink across the territory.
Read: A Herd Of Half A Million NWT Caribou Is Now Down To 16,000
The GNWT believes there were some 500,000 animals in the herd 30 years ago. That number has since shrunk to approximately 16,000.
“We applaud the Tłı̨chǫ Government for showing strong leadership in dealing with this crisis,” said territorial environment minister Michael Miltenberger.
“It is a very tough choice that recognizes the need for strong actions to conserve the Bathurst herd for current and future generations.”
Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Eddie Erasmus added: “Our Government is determined to support the efforts to help the herd recover.
“We have made this difficult choice as an investment in our future and we as a people need to do this.”
Read: Ekati Owners Defend Expansion As Caribou Numbers Plunge
