IronNoggin
Well-Known Member
Comment opportunity closes in a week...
apps.nrs.gov.bc.ca
BC trades away outdoor recreation rights to continue industrial encroachment in the Peace region
- Thread starter IronNoggin
- Start date
IronNoggin
Well-Known Member
EatWild 64 - Treaty Rights, Reconciliation, and Wildlife Allocation - Implications of the Yahey vs. BC ruling
March 14, 2022
Today I am sitting with Spencer Greening La’goot, Indigenous scholar and Jesse Zeman, executive director of the BCWF to discuss a tough topic.
The news of restrictions for resident hunters as a result of the BC Government losing the Yahey vs. British Columbia court case has the potential to cause polarizing views. Pitting resident hunters against Indigenous Nations in a perceived competition for “the right to hunt and conducting one’s way of life” is not only dangerous in its potential for hindering reconciliation efforts, but it effectively takes the focus off the main issue: habitat loss.
My guests provide the context of this court decision, share important insight into how it was interpreted by the BC Government when implementing the measures that were just announced, and together we explore alternative strategies to support reconciliation.
The proposal from the BC Government is open for feedback until March 23 at midnight.
EatWild 64 - Treaty Rights, Reconciliation, and Wildlife Allocation - Implications of the Yahey vs. BC ruling | EatWild Podcast
Today I am sitting with Spencer Greening La’goot, Indigenous scholar and Jesse Zeman, executive director of the BCWF to discuss a tough topic. The news of restrictions for resident hunters as a result of the BC Government losing the Yahey vs. British Columbia court case has the potential to...
Sitkaspruce
Well-Known Member
Hit this up guys, an insider has informed me that only ~1800 have submitted their comments. Even if you are not big in comments, at least hit opposed and put down a few comments about the use of science over social management of fish and wildlife.Comment opportunity closes in a week...
Close Peace Caribou Hunts and Reduce Peace Moose Hunts (Region-wide) | AHTE
And if you think this is only affecting us in the Peace, think again. FN west of the Rockies are already asking questions about the processes and how to restrict BC resident access to hunting and fishing. It is coming and is already on the west coast. Just look at the post Another Dagger, restrictions on chinooks and the slow closure of shellfish over time. Death by a thousand cuts...
Cheers
SS
wildmanyeah
Crew Member
1800 is actually a pretty good amount considering you need to log into to provide feedback.
IronNoggin
Well-Known Member
Collecting your BC FWID is FREE.
Log in afterwards is FREE.
We should ALL be hitting this one up!
Anyone that doesn't understand this nonsense is gathering steam has their head firmly buried in the sand.
This very much IS coming to all of BC if allowed to proceed now.
And it WILL effect a heck of a lot more than hunting - Fishing especially!
Nog
IronNoggin
Well-Known Member
Received a reply from Peter Milobar - MLA Kamloops - North Thompson - Finance Critic
Thank you for your email expressing your concerns regarding the hunting closures being proposed in Region 7b.
As Official Opposition we are also concerned with how things are happening and our MLA's from that area have taken the lead on this issue. They have recently sent a letter, which I have attached for your information. I will make sure to let them know that this issue is also impacting many people from my riding and that they fully understand this.
Thank you again for taking the time to email me.
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
of BRITISH COLUMBIA
BC Liberal Official Opposition
Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC V8V 1X4
T: 250-356-6171
BY EMAIL
Honourable Katrine Conroy
Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development
Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC
March 4, 2022
Dear Minister:
British Columbians are concerned about declining ungulate populations. Decisions surrounding
wildlife management in the province of British Columbia must be science-based and not
political. The vast majority of hunters support science-based wildlife management and are
willing to see reductions in wildlife harvest levels to help ungulate populations recover as
needed.
Constituents concerned with the decision to significantly reduce moose hunting opportunities
in Region 7B in north-eastern British Columbia have written to the Official Opposition, asking
for clarity on the government’s decision-making process. You will find these letters enclosed.
When decisions are made behind closed doors, rumours thrive. When wild salmon returns are
down, all invested parties see restrictions on what can be harvested. This is done publicly and
transparently so that everyone can understand the steps that are being taken. In a similar
fashion, the management of ungulate harvest levels should see reductions across the board
when science demonstrates it is required. It is incumbent on the government to be transparent
with British Columbians and provide the rationale for its recent decision. The Official
Opposition calls on the government to:
• open, meaningful conversations about wildlife management to all concerned parties;
• assure British Columbians have fair and equal access to ungulates similarly as to how
wild salmon populations are managed;
• disclose the data surrounding ungulate populations in the area;
• provide a list of stakeholders the government consulted prior to making the decision;
and
• disclose any economic impact studies on the local area resulting from a reduction in
moose hunting.
The right to hunt and fish by Indigenous Peoples is enshrined in the Canadian constitution. It is
important to uphold these rights so that transparent, science-based decisions regarding
ungulate populations can be supported by all. Thousands of British Columbians rely on hunting
to feed their families and hunters are well-aware of the need for strong wildlife management
practices to ensure wildlife populations are healthy and sustainable for the future.
We look forward to your prompt response.
Sincerely,
John Rustad, MLA Nechako Lakes
Dan Davies, MLA Peace River North
Mike Bernier, MLA Peace River South
Thank you for your email expressing your concerns regarding the hunting closures being proposed in Region 7b.
As Official Opposition we are also concerned with how things are happening and our MLA's from that area have taken the lead on this issue. They have recently sent a letter, which I have attached for your information. I will make sure to let them know that this issue is also impacting many people from my riding and that they fully understand this.
Thank you again for taking the time to email me.
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
of BRITISH COLUMBIA
BC Liberal Official Opposition
Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC V8V 1X4
T: 250-356-6171
BY EMAIL
Honourable Katrine Conroy
Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development
Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC
March 4, 2022
Dear Minister:
British Columbians are concerned about declining ungulate populations. Decisions surrounding
wildlife management in the province of British Columbia must be science-based and not
political. The vast majority of hunters support science-based wildlife management and are
willing to see reductions in wildlife harvest levels to help ungulate populations recover as
needed.
Constituents concerned with the decision to significantly reduce moose hunting opportunities
in Region 7B in north-eastern British Columbia have written to the Official Opposition, asking
for clarity on the government’s decision-making process. You will find these letters enclosed.
When decisions are made behind closed doors, rumours thrive. When wild salmon returns are
down, all invested parties see restrictions on what can be harvested. This is done publicly and
transparently so that everyone can understand the steps that are being taken. In a similar
fashion, the management of ungulate harvest levels should see reductions across the board
when science demonstrates it is required. It is incumbent on the government to be transparent
with British Columbians and provide the rationale for its recent decision. The Official
Opposition calls on the government to:
• open, meaningful conversations about wildlife management to all concerned parties;
• assure British Columbians have fair and equal access to ungulates similarly as to how
wild salmon populations are managed;
• disclose the data surrounding ungulate populations in the area;
• provide a list of stakeholders the government consulted prior to making the decision;
and
• disclose any economic impact studies on the local area resulting from a reduction in
moose hunting.
The right to hunt and fish by Indigenous Peoples is enshrined in the Canadian constitution. It is
important to uphold these rights so that transparent, science-based decisions regarding
ungulate populations can be supported by all. Thousands of British Columbians rely on hunting
to feed their families and hunters are well-aware of the need for strong wildlife management
practices to ensure wildlife populations are healthy and sustainable for the future.
We look forward to your prompt response.
Sincerely,
John Rustad, MLA Nechako Lakes
Dan Davies, MLA Peace River North
Mike Bernier, MLA Peace River South
IronNoggin
Well-Known Member
The Wild Sheep Society of BC Steps Up:
"The Wild Sheep Society of BC is disheartened to learn that wildlife is once again being used as a bargaining chip. It has come to our attention, along with many concerned stake and title holders across the province that the BC government is making secret deals, with the end goal of putting the entire Region of 7B Peace under moose limited entry, and a complete closure of caribou hunting.
These proposed decisions have been made in blatant contradiction to the Vision, Principles & Goals of Together for Wildlife, the Provincial Wildlife Management Strategy. It is unacceptable that in the adolescence of the Strategy’s implementation its Vision, Principles and Goals are being disregarded in decision making. Instead of upholding these, the proposed decisions are being made under social values, instead of science and evidence-based management and dealing with the cumulative effects of resource extraction.
The WSSBC maintains that it is our intent to recognize and support the rights and title of First Nations in the province and has and will continue to work alongside them on projects. The province needs to put an immediate stop to using wildlife as a pawn in social management decisions that only fuel divisiveness. The division created when we only manage access to wildlife, rather than manage wildlife is unacceptable when the province is committed to implementing Together for Wildlife.
This agreement goes farther than hunting. This affects everyone that uses the outdoors, including hikers, anglers, campers and all who love to embrace the beautiful backcountry. It is imperative to the sustainability of wildlife and habitat, and outdoor recreation that land use decisions, and their associated management plans do not occur in the shadows.
It is critical to sound, successful stewardship that the province supports organizations like ours in building bridges between Stakeholder, Non-Governmental Conservation Organizations and First Nations in pursuit of bettering shared values, rather than place us at ends with one another.
We encourage everyone that is concerned by this to engage their MLA and voice their thoughts in a rational and intelligent manner."
https://www.wildsheepsociety.com/actnow/
They have links to the engagement survey, and present another opportunity to send letters through them to the appropriate MLA & Ministers.
I suggest we all use their suggestions and send them a loud THANKS!
Nog
"The Wild Sheep Society of BC is disheartened to learn that wildlife is once again being used as a bargaining chip. It has come to our attention, along with many concerned stake and title holders across the province that the BC government is making secret deals, with the end goal of putting the entire Region of 7B Peace under moose limited entry, and a complete closure of caribou hunting.
These proposed decisions have been made in blatant contradiction to the Vision, Principles & Goals of Together for Wildlife, the Provincial Wildlife Management Strategy. It is unacceptable that in the adolescence of the Strategy’s implementation its Vision, Principles and Goals are being disregarded in decision making. Instead of upholding these, the proposed decisions are being made under social values, instead of science and evidence-based management and dealing with the cumulative effects of resource extraction.
The WSSBC maintains that it is our intent to recognize and support the rights and title of First Nations in the province and has and will continue to work alongside them on projects. The province needs to put an immediate stop to using wildlife as a pawn in social management decisions that only fuel divisiveness. The division created when we only manage access to wildlife, rather than manage wildlife is unacceptable when the province is committed to implementing Together for Wildlife.
This agreement goes farther than hunting. This affects everyone that uses the outdoors, including hikers, anglers, campers and all who love to embrace the beautiful backcountry. It is imperative to the sustainability of wildlife and habitat, and outdoor recreation that land use decisions, and their associated management plans do not occur in the shadows.
It is critical to sound, successful stewardship that the province supports organizations like ours in building bridges between Stakeholder, Non-Governmental Conservation Organizations and First Nations in pursuit of bettering shared values, rather than place us at ends with one another.
We encourage everyone that is concerned by this to engage their MLA and voice their thoughts in a rational and intelligent manner."
https://www.wildsheepsociety.com/actnow/
They have links to the engagement survey, and present another opportunity to send letters through them to the appropriate MLA & Ministers.
I suggest we all use their suggestions and send them a loud THANKS!
Nog
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IronNoggin
Well-Known Member
Another for the cc / distribution list:
Nathan Cullen MLA for Stikine Minister of State for Lands and Natural Resource Operations & Chair of the Environment and Land Use Committee
nathan.cullen.MLA@leg.bc.ca
Room 027 Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC V8V 1X4
Nathan Cullen MLA for Stikine Minister of State for Lands and Natural Resource Operations & Chair of the Environment and Land Use Committee
nathan.cullen.MLA@leg.bc.ca
Room 027 Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC V8V 1X4
IronNoggin
Well-Known Member
Besides sending in your letters (template provided above) the following site has listed most of the available options for response.
The vast majority take but mere moments...
linktr.ee
Cheers,
Nog
The vast majority take but mere moments...
Wildernesslocals - Listen on Spotify - Linktree
View Wildernesslocals’s Linktree. Listen to their music on Spotify here.
linktr.ee
Cheers,
Nog
IronNoggin
Well-Known Member
Note that the government survey states that comment will be shut down at midnight on the 23rd of March.
However, their own backgrounder and other related pages mark that as the 22nd.
Time to get on with submitting your comments folks.
And it would really be beneficial if we all fired off a letter or two as noted above...
Cheers,
Nog
However, their own backgrounder and other related pages mark that as the 22nd.
Time to get on with submitting your comments folks.
And it would really be beneficial if we all fired off a letter or two as noted above...
Cheers,
Nog
IronNoggin
Well-Known Member
Both the Blueberry First Nation (all 197 of them) and the government did note what they were going to do with regards to their reaction over the court findings. Oddly enough the vast majority of that simply slid off the table:
Three days remain to get your comments into the government survey:
https://apps.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ahte/con...unts-and-reduce-peace-moose-hunts-region-wide
B.C., Blueberry River First Nations reach agreement on existing permits, restoration funding | BC Gov News
Today, Blueberry River First Nations and the Province have reached an initial agreement that begins to support healing the land, and helps provide stability and certainty for forestry and oil and gas permit holders in Blueberry’s traditional territory in the immediate term.
news.gov.bc.ca
Three days remain to get your comments into the government survey:
https://apps.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ahte/con...unts-and-reduce-peace-moose-hunts-region-wide
Last edited:
IronNoggin
Well-Known Member
This will not only effect us, but those we take along from other parts of the Country...
Permit to Accompany Non-Resident or Non-Resident Aliens to Hunt Big Game
Due to proposed regulation changes in Peace, Skeena, and Omineca regions, Permit to Accompany applications for moose and caribou in these regions are not being reviewed. We recommend submitting applications for moose and caribou after June 1, 2022.
Note that Region Six has already been included...
Permit to Accompany Non-Resident or Non-Resident Aliens to Hunt Big Game
Due to proposed regulation changes in Peace, Skeena, and Omineca regions, Permit to Accompany applications for moose and caribou in these regions are not being reviewed. We recommend submitting applications for moose and caribou after June 1, 2022.
Note that Region Six has already been included...
Permit to Accompany Non-Resident or Non-Resident Aliens to Hunt Big Game
Information about the permit to accompany program allowing non-residents and non-resident aliens of BC to hunt in BC.
www2.gov.bc.ca
Last edited:
IronNoggin
Well-Known Member
This is very much the case.
Already it is spilling over into adjacent Regions, and growing.
7A (which means all of Region 7) and Region 6 are now in the mix.
Writing is very much on the wall if this proceeds!
Those that are sitting on their laurels thinking this will not effect them, think again!
Already hungry eyes well south of the Peace are turning towards deer, elk and FISHING!
I suggest it is in your best interest to get involved while you still have the opportunity to do so!!
While limited time remains to get an email or letter (or many of each) headed in the right direction, please note:
Today represents the FINAL DAY to get your comments in to the government survey!
Close Peace Caribou Hunts and Reduce Peace Moose Hunts (Region-wide) | AHTE
If you haven't already, please do!!
Cheers & Thanks!
Nog
IronNoggin
Well-Known Member
Seems we have been granted a day's grace!
The government site actually appears to still be open for comment!
Inside sources have noted "The government engagement page was bombarded with comments the last few days. Over 98% want the proposal gone."
So Folks, if you haven't already, please take advantage of the one day's grace...
apps.nrs.gov.bc.ca
Cheers & Thanks!
Nog
The government site actually appears to still be open for comment!
Inside sources have noted "The government engagement page was bombarded with comments the last few days. Over 98% want the proposal gone."
So Folks, if you haven't already, please take advantage of the one day's grace...
Close Peace Caribou Hunts and Reduce Peace Moose Hunts (Region-wide) | AHTE
Cheers & Thanks!
Nog
IronNoggin
Well-Known Member
I would like to extend my personal THANKS to everyone that took a moment to try and defend our outdoors heritage by commenting on the government survey, sending emails through the various platforms that were offering such, and most especially to those who wrote actual letters and sent them in.
Some little time remains to do the latter, as well as hitting the sites offering their form emails.
Your help in this matter was and is Greatly Appreciated!
Let's now hope someone with at least a little common sense is listening on the receiving end...
Cheers,
Matt
Some little time remains to do the latter, as well as hitting the sites offering their form emails.
Your help in this matter was and is Greatly Appreciated!
Let's now hope someone with at least a little common sense is listening on the receiving end...
Cheers,
Matt
IronNoggin
Well-Known Member
Things that make you go Hmmmmm...
‘We have no agreement’: Blueberry River First Nations speaks out against proposed hunting closures
Blueberry River First Nations Chief Judy Desjarlais says her community had no involvement with the province’s proposal to cut the number of moose that can be harvested in Northeast B.C.
Blueberry River First Nations Chief Judy Desjarlais says her community had no involvement with the province’s proposal to cut the number of moose that can be harvested in Northeast B.C.
“We have no agreement in regards to that decision by the province, what they’ve decided to do, regarding the funding,” said Desjarlais. “That was their own action, it had nothing to do with Blueberry, because we have not reached any agreement with the province, especially with the wildlife impact pertaining to the treaty rights litigation.”
She added that the nation remains at the negotiating table, following their legal victory last summer in winning a cumulative impacts claim against the province.
“We’re working with the province to make it clear that Blueberry had no hand in their decision when it comes to reducing the number of moose hunted,” Desjarlais said.
Under the new terms, caribou hunts would be closed permanently in the Peace Region, while the number of killable number of moose would be slashed to 50%, in addition to cutting the number of hunting licenses available to 50%.
Moose hunting would also be closed from Aug. 15 to 31, and Oct. 1 to 15 in the Peace.
According to a regulation release earlier this month by the province, the hunting changes are expected to be an interim measure and one part of a broader package of actions specific to improving wildlife stewardship, upholding Treaty rights, habitat conservation, and the future of resource management.
“These proposed hunting regulations are aimed at addressing the ability of Treaty 8 First Nations to continue their way of life and begin to address the impacts of industrial development of the rights guaranteed in this Treaty as confirmed in the Supreme Court of BC decision Yahey vs. BC,” reads the release.
Desjarlais said she’s unable to comment on what Blueberry wants to see for moose and caribou management as they remain at the negotiating table with the province.
“We’re still at the table, but first and foremost we would like our Treaty rights protected. As you know from past posts, Treaty rights have been breached when it comes to impacts by development,” said Desjarlais. “The result of that is that is there was a threat to our way of life, which is hunting, fishing, and trapping.”
https://www.alaskahighwaynews.ca/fo...out-against-proposed-hunting-closures-5196702
And from this article: https://energeticcity.ca/2022/03/24/141117/
South Peace MLA Mike Bernier spoke with Energeticcity last week and said he’s concerned the province is creating a racial divide in the Peace with their proposed moose and caribou hunting restrictions.
Bernier believes that the government’s decision is based solely on politics.
“My fear is, and what I’m starting to hear, is that the government is actually creating and continually creating almost a racial divide here. I feel very bad for the First Nations in our region who are being caught in the middle because the government’s making announcements without talking to people without talking to all of the stakeholders and all of the different clubs,” Bernier said.
“The challenge there is I’m even hearing from a lot of First Nations locally that are contacting me kind of off the record saying they are getting very frustrated with the government trying to put them in the middle of this.”
Minister of Forests Katrine Conroy rebuked Bernier’s comments and says the regulations are an attempt to create a better future for everyone residing in the Peace.
“Mr. Bernier’s attempts to stoke racial divides are disturbing and frankly represent an outdated approach. In 2019, all members of the B.C. legislature stood together to support enshrining the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into law. Our government remains dedicated to living up to that commitment,” Conroy said.
“Our goal is to bring communities together, not divide them. It’s important to remember that these conversations are focused on addressing the ability of Treaty 8 First Nations to continue their way of life and the impacts of industrial development on their rights,” Conroy said.
Conroy says she has personally met with B.C.’s hunting community members to ensure their views are heard as part of this process.
.................................................. .........
Odd that Conroy won't answer any letters or emails, but has the gall to insist she "has personally met with BC's hunting community members". I call BS on that!
Not at all surprising she trotted out the race card. Somewhat ironic of her considering what she is in the process of promoting...
Nog
‘We have no agreement’: Blueberry River First Nations speaks out against proposed hunting closures
Blueberry River First Nations Chief Judy Desjarlais says her community had no involvement with the province’s proposal to cut the number of moose that can be harvested in Northeast B.C.
Blueberry River First Nations Chief Judy Desjarlais says her community had no involvement with the province’s proposal to cut the number of moose that can be harvested in Northeast B.C.
“We have no agreement in regards to that decision by the province, what they’ve decided to do, regarding the funding,” said Desjarlais. “That was their own action, it had nothing to do with Blueberry, because we have not reached any agreement with the province, especially with the wildlife impact pertaining to the treaty rights litigation.”
She added that the nation remains at the negotiating table, following their legal victory last summer in winning a cumulative impacts claim against the province.
“We’re working with the province to make it clear that Blueberry had no hand in their decision when it comes to reducing the number of moose hunted,” Desjarlais said.
Under the new terms, caribou hunts would be closed permanently in the Peace Region, while the number of killable number of moose would be slashed to 50%, in addition to cutting the number of hunting licenses available to 50%.
Moose hunting would also be closed from Aug. 15 to 31, and Oct. 1 to 15 in the Peace.
According to a regulation release earlier this month by the province, the hunting changes are expected to be an interim measure and one part of a broader package of actions specific to improving wildlife stewardship, upholding Treaty rights, habitat conservation, and the future of resource management.
“These proposed hunting regulations are aimed at addressing the ability of Treaty 8 First Nations to continue their way of life and begin to address the impacts of industrial development of the rights guaranteed in this Treaty as confirmed in the Supreme Court of BC decision Yahey vs. BC,” reads the release.
Desjarlais said she’s unable to comment on what Blueberry wants to see for moose and caribou management as they remain at the negotiating table with the province.
“We’re still at the table, but first and foremost we would like our Treaty rights protected. As you know from past posts, Treaty rights have been breached when it comes to impacts by development,” said Desjarlais. “The result of that is that is there was a threat to our way of life, which is hunting, fishing, and trapping.”
https://www.alaskahighwaynews.ca/fo...out-against-proposed-hunting-closures-5196702
And from this article: https://energeticcity.ca/2022/03/24/141117/
South Peace MLA Mike Bernier spoke with Energeticcity last week and said he’s concerned the province is creating a racial divide in the Peace with their proposed moose and caribou hunting restrictions.
Bernier believes that the government’s decision is based solely on politics.
“My fear is, and what I’m starting to hear, is that the government is actually creating and continually creating almost a racial divide here. I feel very bad for the First Nations in our region who are being caught in the middle because the government’s making announcements without talking to people without talking to all of the stakeholders and all of the different clubs,” Bernier said.
“The challenge there is I’m even hearing from a lot of First Nations locally that are contacting me kind of off the record saying they are getting very frustrated with the government trying to put them in the middle of this.”
Minister of Forests Katrine Conroy rebuked Bernier’s comments and says the regulations are an attempt to create a better future for everyone residing in the Peace.
“Mr. Bernier’s attempts to stoke racial divides are disturbing and frankly represent an outdated approach. In 2019, all members of the B.C. legislature stood together to support enshrining the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into law. Our government remains dedicated to living up to that commitment,” Conroy said.
“Our goal is to bring communities together, not divide them. It’s important to remember that these conversations are focused on addressing the ability of Treaty 8 First Nations to continue their way of life and the impacts of industrial development on their rights,” Conroy said.
Conroy says she has personally met with B.C.’s hunting community members to ensure their views are heard as part of this process.
.................................................. .........
Odd that Conroy won't answer any letters or emails, but has the gall to insist she "has personally met with BC's hunting community members". I call BS on that!
Not at all surprising she trotted out the race card. Somewhat ironic of her considering what she is in the process of promoting...
Nog
IronNoggin
Well-Known Member
Proposed changes to moose hunt not being welcomed
A wave of opposition over a proposal by the provincial government to cut the number of moose that can be harvested in Northeast B.C. is gaining steam.
“Honest to goodness, there has not been a bigger issue that has come across my desk. This is even bigger than Covid,” says North Peace MLA Dan Davies. “The number of calls we’ve received in this office. The emails. I think we’re well over a thousand emails alone,” and that’s from across the province, states Davies.
“This (government decision) is impacting families. Families are that are living off the land, teaching their children to live off the land and being environmental stewards.”
“People are definitely concerned with the lack of consultation. They feel like it’s just being thrown at them,” says Szoo, an avid hunter, who’s also sat in on several public advisory committee meetings. “Something that also has to be cleared up, this is something that is not being asked for by First Nations. This is purely government. There is no user group that has asked for this.”
“Let’s be frank, this is not about the science,” reiterates the area’s MLA. “I was just on a call with FLNRO (Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resources Operations) who said this is not about the science. It’s a social science decision, and we know that.
https://www.alaskahighwaynews.ca/fo...nges-to-moose-hunt-not-being-welcomed-5190390
A wave of opposition over a proposal by the provincial government to cut the number of moose that can be harvested in Northeast B.C. is gaining steam.
“Honest to goodness, there has not been a bigger issue that has come across my desk. This is even bigger than Covid,” says North Peace MLA Dan Davies. “The number of calls we’ve received in this office. The emails. I think we’re well over a thousand emails alone,” and that’s from across the province, states Davies.
“This (government decision) is impacting families. Families are that are living off the land, teaching their children to live off the land and being environmental stewards.”
“People are definitely concerned with the lack of consultation. They feel like it’s just being thrown at them,” says Szoo, an avid hunter, who’s also sat in on several public advisory committee meetings. “Something that also has to be cleared up, this is something that is not being asked for by First Nations. This is purely government. There is no user group that has asked for this.”
“Let’s be frank, this is not about the science,” reiterates the area’s MLA. “I was just on a call with FLNRO (Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resources Operations) who said this is not about the science. It’s a social science decision, and we know that.
https://www.alaskahighwaynews.ca/fo...nges-to-moose-hunt-not-being-welcomed-5190390
IronNoggin
Well-Known Member
Dear Premier,
I am exceedingly disappointed that you have chosen to simply ignore my repeated requests for clarification in this matter.
I was under the impression that you and your Government works for us, and are therefore accountable to us to some degree.
I can now clearly ascertain that is not the way you understand it to be.
This is a very serious matter, especially so given the stated concerns of the involved First Nation, outdoor enthusiasts and many more.
It very much appears to be trading away the opportunities of the majority of those groups in order to proceed with further environmental damaging industrial developments. It also very much appears you and your Government did so unilaterally without the explicit consent of the involved First Nation, in direct contrast to what You yourself have stated you will be adhering to now and into the future.
I am now aware of several organizations that are investigating the potential of litigation should this proposal be implemented.
Due to the refusal of yourself and many of your Ministers to provide clarification / justification on the matter, I will be supporting those initiatives as strongly as I possibly can should this proposal be implemented.
Sincerely,
I am exceedingly disappointed that you have chosen to simply ignore my repeated requests for clarification in this matter.
I was under the impression that you and your Government works for us, and are therefore accountable to us to some degree.
I can now clearly ascertain that is not the way you understand it to be.
This is a very serious matter, especially so given the stated concerns of the involved First Nation, outdoor enthusiasts and many more.
It very much appears to be trading away the opportunities of the majority of those groups in order to proceed with further environmental damaging industrial developments. It also very much appears you and your Government did so unilaterally without the explicit consent of the involved First Nation, in direct contrast to what You yourself have stated you will be adhering to now and into the future.
I am now aware of several organizations that are investigating the potential of litigation should this proposal be implemented.
Due to the refusal of yourself and many of your Ministers to provide clarification / justification on the matter, I will be supporting those initiatives as strongly as I possibly can should this proposal be implemented.
Sincerely,
IronNoggin
Well-Known Member
Typical CBC spin, but given the source I find no surprises with that.
Here's the Original that they are "adjusting" to their agenda:
Blueberry River First Nations Chief receives death threat about proposed moose hunting restrictions
Blueberry River First Nations Chief Judy Dejarlais received a death threat on Thursday, claiming Indigenous people are the reason for proposed moose hunting restrictions in the region.In a Facebook post, Desjarlais shared the voicemail, which came from an unknown number and has been reported to police.
“Hey Chief, a sad white man calling you. Trying to take away our moose? F**k you. F***ing line you up and scalp all you f***ers out there,” said the man in the voicemail.
Desjarlais believes this is a response to the province’s announcement to reduce moose hunting in Northeast B.C. by 50 per cent.
The band has not reached any agreement with the provincial government regarding any wildlife impact within their territory, according to Desjarlais.
Blueberry is currently working with the province to clarify the media release as Blueberry was not a part of their proposal to restrict moose hunting in the region, said Desjarlais.
Prior to the voicemail, Desjarlais has expressed to local media that her community had no involvement in the province’s proposal.
“We have no agreement in regards to that decision by the province, what they’ve decided to do, regarding the funding,” said Desjarlais. “That was their own action, it had nothing to do with Blueberry, because we have not reached any agreement with the province, especially with the wildlife impact pertaining to the treaty rights litigation.”
She added that the nation remains at the negotiating table, following their legal victory last summer in winning a cumulative impacts claim against the province.
“We’re working with the province to make it clear that Blueberry had no hand in their decision when it comes to reducing the number of moose hunted,” Desjarlais noted.
Under the new terms, caribou hunts would be closed permanently in the Peace region, while the number of killable moose would be slashed to 50 per cent, in addition to cutting the number of hunting licenses available to 50 per cent.
Moose hunting would also be closed from August 15th to 31st, and October 1st to 15th in the Peace.
According to a regulation release earlier this month by the province, the hunting changes are expected to be an interim measure and one part of a broader package of actions specific to improving wildlife stewardship, upholding Treaty rights, habitat conservation, and the future of resource management.
“These proposed hunting regulations are aimed at addressing the ability of Treaty 8 First Nations to continue their way of life and begin to address the impacts of industrial development of the rights guaranteed in this Treaty as confirmed in the Supreme Court of BC decision Yahey vs. BC,” reads the release.
South Peace MLA Mike Bernier spoke with Energeticcity last week and said he’s concerned the province is creating a racial divide in the Peace with their proposed moose and caribou hunting restrictions.
Bernier believes that the government’s decision is based solely on politics.
“My fear is, and what I’m starting to hear, is that the government is actually creating and continually creating almost a racial divide here. I feel very bad for the First Nations in our region who are being caught in the middle because the government’s making announcements without talking to people without talking to all of the stakeholders and all of the different clubs,” Bernier said.
“The challenge there is I’m even hearing from a lot of First Nations locally that are contacting me kind of off the record saying they are getting very frustrated with the government trying to put them in the middle of this.”
Minister of Forests Katrine Conroy rebuked Bernier’s comments and says the regulations are an attempt to create a better future for everyone residing in the Peace.
“Mr. Bernier’s attempts to stoke racial divides are disturbing and frankly represent an outdated approach. In 2019, all members of the B.C. legislature stood together to support enshrining the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into law. Our government remains dedicated to living up to that commitment,” Conroy said.
“Our goal is to bring communities together, not divide them. It’s important to remember that these conversations are focused on addressing the ability of Treaty 8 First Nations to continue their way of life and the impacts of industrial development on their rights,” Conroy said.
Conroy says she has personally met with B.C.’s hunting community members to ensure their views are heard as part of this process.
Blueberry River First Nations Chief receives death threat about proposed moose hunting restrictions
Blueberry River First Nations Chief Judy Dejarlais received a death threat on Thursday, claiming Indigenous pe...
energeticcity.ca
Despite her claims to the contrary, no-one involved with the BC Hunting Community can verify that she met with any of them whatsoever.
Cheers,
Nog
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