Fur Harvesting

0ESOLUTION NO. 1988-70

SUBJECT: FUR HARVESTING

WHEREAS the indigenous peoples of the coastal communities of James and Hudson Bay have never surrendered our right to harvest wildlife from the land, the water and the air;

AND WHEREAS we entered into a sacred covenant with the Crown in 1905 and 1929, which guaranteed that these rights would continue as long as the sun shines and the river flows;

AND WHEREAS we rely heavily on the harvest of fur bearing animals, as we have for hundreds of years;

AND WHEREAS the aboriginal harvesting of furs plays an important role in maintaining a balanced population of healthy animals;

AND WHEREAS various organizations are continuing to campaign against the harvesting of furs, without adequate information and without regard for the effect on native peoples;

AND WHEREAS our communities face unemployment and severe disruption if the market for furs is interfered with;

AND WHEREAS we are informed that the World Wildlife Fund may be able to provide financial assistance to assist in public education on the fur harvest;

page 2 Resolution No. 1988-70 Mushkegowuk Council continued

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Mushkegowuk Council investigate the possibility of obtaining funds from the World Wildlife Fund to assist in educating the public on the role and importance of the fur harvest;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Mushkegowuk Council endorse the concept of and income assistance and security program for trappers.

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