The Manitoba Wildlife Federation has respectfully submitted the following response to the Editorial published in the Winnipeg Free Press titled:
The spirit, and the language, of a deal; posted Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. Read the full editorial here: https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/editorials/2024/08/30/the-spirit-and-the-language-of-a-deal
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR – New approach needed
Published: September 4, 2024
Pimicikamak Okimawin is demanding unilateral control over moose hunting in a portion of northern Manitoba. The demand is based on novel and unproven assertions about the scope of Pimicikamak Okimawin rights and the status of moose populations in the area.
The answer to Pimicikamak Okimawin’s demand, either from our government or the court, has the potential to transform the landscape for resource management in this province. It is both incorrect and irresponsible to suggest that the answer to this dispute is “pretty simple”. (Editorial: The spirit, and the language, of a deal; posted Friday, Aug. 30, 2024).
Reconciliation requires a balancing of Indigenous rights and broader societal interests, through a process that is fair to all stakeholders. That is the process that is unfolding under the thoughtful supervision of our courts. In addition to Pimicikamak Okimawin’s legal challenge, the Manitoba Wildlife Federation has brought a legal challenge of its own to the government’s moose licensing decisions. While MWF and Pimicikamak Okimawin may disagree on the right approach going forward, we are in agreement that the government’s current approach is unacceptable.
The courts have consistently and logically held that provincial and federal governments always have an overriding responsibility to conserve wildlife and fisheries resources and uphold public safety. That responsibility, sadly, has resulted in complete closures over much of Manitoba’s southern moose range, applying to indigenous and licensed harvesters alike.
The solution to avoid these closures is a shared management framework, wherein science determines sustainable harvest, that harvest is allocated through discussions with indigenousand licensed hunters, and all Manitobans share in reporting their harvest to ensure that ourmoose populations will be conserved for future generations to enjoy.
Capitulating to the demands of one group to unilaterally determine harvest would represent an unprecedented abdication of the provincial government’s responsibilities.
Many Manitobans live and work here because we cherish the opportunity to hunt, fish and enjoy the outdoors, and in turn hunters and anglers contribute time and money to conservation. Our precious fish and wildlife resources deserve thoughtful solutions that include all of us.
Manitoba Wildlife Federation
