RESOLUTION NO. 1993-10
Subject: Migratory
Harvesting and Management
WHEREAS Mushkegowuk Council commissioned a survey migratory birds which consultation with almost hundred community members;
on involved four
AND WHEREAS the study has successfully completed;
AND WHEREAS the study identified five critical areas including the need to strengthen and support traditional Cree hunting ethics, the need to regulate disturbance by mechanized vehicles, concerns around the numbers of hunters and the size of the harvest, Ministry of Natural Resources {MNR) and pollution;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Mushkegowuk Assembly hereby recognizes and supports the findings of the Migratory Bird Harvesting and Management study {September 1993);
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that:
A public education campaign shall be developed by Mushkegowuk Council to do the following:
-to enable the Mushkegowuk membership to fully understand and appreciate the three sub species of Canada Geese in the
hunting area (the
Mississippi Valley Canada Goose, Southern James Bay Canada Goose and the Giant Canada Goose).
-the true value of country foods must be examined and reinforced. The value of this resource must be viewed not only for its dollar and nutritional value over store bought goods, but most importantly, the cultural value of the harvest and our relationship to the environment.
to review and enhance existing programs and
develop innovative new ones
for young people in
preschool programs and
elementary and secondary schools that would teach how the hunt ties to their cultural being and the
traditional ethics and standards expected from good hunters.
to develop a poster campaign promoting the value of all parts of the goose: a video on the preparation of heads, wings and goose innards; and introducing traditional food preparation and traditional recipe programs in schools.
-develop a public education campaign to encourage a return to our traditional code of ethics in hunting.
That the Mushkegowuk Council shall enter into discussions with MNR to build a new
relationship established on a common goal of safeguarding healthy levels of migratory birds in the Mushkegowuk area. Further, that these discussions shall involve establishing an equal partnership in undertaking the necessary work to achieve and maintain the common cause, and that Mushkegowuk Council shall have an equal or primary role in the relationship.
That the Chiefs and Councils of the communities where summer harvests are evident will be encouraged to address the issues raised in the Migratory Bird report to ensure that an orderly and reasonable harvest takes place.
That a campaign shall be launched by Mushkegowuk Council to educate the southern non-native population on our right to hunt, the importance of our hunt and our methods and timing.
That the Chiefs and Councils of the communities will be encouraged to establish a food redistribution program to collect in a timely manner, the excess of some to be distributed to the needs of others, especially the elderly.
That the Mushkegowuk Council shall take immediate steps to regulate low level flights of planes and helicopters and restrictions on travel by snowmachines,
ATV's and boats to minimize the disruption of nesting and staging waterfowl.
. That Mushkegowuk Council
shall provide support to the Attawapiskat First Nation to enter into formal discussions with Ontario and/or NWT to resolve the issue of Akamiski Island birds sanctuary to ensure the continuance of the traditional hunt on Akamiski and at the same time provide reasonable nesting and feeding areas for migratory birds.
certified copy of a Resolution adopted on September 16, 1993
8. That the Mushkegowuk Council shall develop and implement a strategy to begin a process of developing a waterfowl management plan that would ensure the survival of healthy levels of migratory birds and to regulate our hunt and set levels of harvests. Further, that the basis of doing so would be to return to our own system of values, using the elements of the code of ethics that was expected of every responsible hunter, young and old alike.
September 16, 1993 Thomas Cheechoo Jr. Memorial Complex
Moose Factory, Ontario
9. That the Mushkegowuk Council enter into discussions with the government os that we might take up our fair share of the responsibility with others to ensure the survival of migratory birds common to Mushkegowuk traditional lands. Further, that these discussions start now as time may be shorter than most would believe.
The Governments of Ontario and Canada are hereby requested to provide the necessary financial resources to enable the communities to carry out the above noted actions which will benefit all parties.
That none of the above be carried out in a way that will detract from aboriginal and treaty rights.
September 16, 1993 Moose Factory, Ontario
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