March 10, 2016 - For Immediate Release
Behchokǫ̀, NT – The health of the barren-ground caribou is of critical importance to the Tłı̨chǫ. The Tłı̨chǫ have committed to significantly reduced harvesting levels and in the case of the Bathurst Caribou herd, a complete ban on harvesting. We are working with our partners to develop plans to protect the herds. This includes management actions with Wek’ èezhı̀i and the NWT.
Nunavut is a separate jurisdiction with its own plans, laws and responsibilities. The Tłı̨chǫ Government respects the jurisdictions of Nunavut, and is working with, listening to, and providing advice to all our partners in Nunavut, including and especially the Kitikmeot Inuit Association. We share common goals, protecting our resources; the Caribou, the water while identifying sustainable opportunities for the employment of our people, the people of Nunavut and the NWT.
The recently discussed Tundra copper project is an exploration in Nunavut. This exploration is small scale. Our main concern was that the exploration was scheduled on the calving grounds during calving season. The company adjusted its schedule. We were assured that our partners (the Kugluktuk Hunters and Trapping Organization) would be there as monitors. We understand that Kugluktuk harvesters were in the helicopters and that no Caribou were near the drilling sites. We trust our partners in Nunavut, on their own lands. They want the same thing, protection of the caribou.
Tłı̨chǫ Government continues to support the complete protection of the caribou calving and post calving grounds and has made submissions to the Nunavut Land Use Planning Commission calling for measures that will ensure the protection of the critically important calving and post calving grounds.
Tłı̨chǫ Government will continue to monitor existing developments and carefully review any new proposed development within the calving and post-calving grounds and make such recommendations, and take such action, as we deem necessary to protect the herds. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners in Nunavut moving forward.
Media inquiries:
Giselle Marion
Implementation Facilitator, Communication and Special Projects
Tłįchǫ Ndek'àowo / Tłįchǫ Government
Phone: (867) 392-6925 or (Cell) 867-446-3481
