Two groups at odds in determining the fate of the bears
By George T. Baker, The Prince Rupert Daily News, February 18, 2010
Bears - the majestic mammals at the heart of British Columbians experience
with this province's vast wilderness - are stuck in the middle of a fight
over how they should die at human hands, if at all.
A local notice in the newspaper placed by the BC Wildlife Federation may
have broken what little potential there was for an agreement between B.C.'s
Coastal First Nations and the BCWF.
The notice questions First Nations in Prince Rupert on whether they are
aware of representation on their behalf by an ad hoc group named Coastal
First Nations, a body that is advocating for the end of trophy hunting of
bears on the coast.
Art Sterrit, head of Coastal First Nations, told the Daily News - after
seeing the open letter for the first time - that this would be likely to
severe any relationship developed between First Nations and the BCWF.
"We thought we were coming to an understanding and eventually an agreement
over sustenance hunting with the BCWF. So, now I find out they have tried to
undermine the political autonomy of First Nations along the coast. It won't
be tolerated - though I am not surprised," said Sterrit.
In the BCWF notice, which is signed by BCWF president Mel Arnold, questions
are raised over who appointed the group and what gave them the right to
represent the communities. They also wanted to know if local First Nations
have been properly consulted by the CFN, and whether CFN had the right to
restrict future generations of First Nations from hunting.
"Ordinarily we would not get involved in the business of First Nations
people or their relationships with the BC Government; however in this case
an effort is being made by the consortium to virtually eliminate residents'
long and established cultural right to hunt."
The intent of the letter, said BCWF Skeena regional representative Ken
Franzen, is to fight fire with fire.
A massive ad was purchased in the Vancouver Sun signed by an international
network consisting of First Nations, conservation, animal protection and
tourism groups - representing more than 15 million members and constituents
from over 40 countries - calling on the government to ban the trophy hunt
for ethical, cultural, conservation and economic
reasons.
The campaign - which includes the Coastal Bear Viewing Association, Pacific
Wild and the Humane Society of B.C. - is hoping that world attention on the
Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver will result in eyes turned towards their
cause.
"We have no choice but to respond," commented Franzen. "We have hunted bears
for a long time in this country and its not like we have a conservation
concern. That would be different."
Sterrit, however, is not amused.
"Our attempts at a relationship with the BCWF are finished," proclaimed
Sterrit.
"[First Nations] teach our children not to make fun of animals - we teach
them that."