Hunting Charges Against First Nations Men Dropped

Hunting Charges Against First Nations Men Dropped

Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at 14:45

 

 

Unlawful hunting charges have been dropped against three men from the Little Pine First Nation.

 

Eric Bear, Earl Warren Nighttraveller, and John Kennedy were charged with illegal hunting in the Manitou Sand Hills region south of Marsden in October, 2009.

 

At first they planned to fight the charge, claiming a right as Aboriginal people to hunt on traditional territory.

 

But in the end, they agreed to do alternative measures.

 

In return, the Crown withdrew its charges during an appearance in a Lloydminster courtroom this week.

 

Conservation Officer Bonnie Greene declines to say specifically what the three men agreed to do as alternative measures.

 

But she says there are plenty of options, including paying restitution, making donations to resourced-related charities or doing work for the victim.

 

Greene says they can also participate in Aboriginal cultural activities — or they can be referred to special programs, like hunter safety training.