The Saskatchewan government confirms it did not allow a biologist and executive member of the Beverly and Qaminirjuaq Caribou Management Board to speak at a northern caribou conference this week.
The Environment Ministry says it felt it was not appropriate for the same individual to represent both the ministry and the board at the event.
The Ministry says the government fully supports the work of the Board and it intends to participate in future meetings and discussions on the future of Barren-ground caribou.
The biologist was on the agenda to speak.
The two-day gathering was to strategize on population recovery and harvest management plans for declining Barren-ground caribou herds, which the federal government is considering classifying as threatened under the Species at Risk Act.
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The leadership of the Prince Albert Grand Council says it is concerned that a last minute cancellation of a government biologist at a caribou conference this week shows a lack of commitment in dealing with caribou issues.
The organization says a biologist and executive member of the Beverly and Qaminirjuaq Caribou Management Board were scheduled to speak, but did not.
“This is a shared responsibility, and by failing to allow the provincial regional biologist who is also a BQCMB executive member to travel and present, the Ministers office showed its lack of commitment in dealing with caribou issues,” said PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte. “Since we are one of the main stakeholders at hand, it was important to have the province attend this meeting in order to share knowledge and listen to the communities who will be most impacted by this change.”
The two-day conference in Wollaston Lake was to strategize on population recovery and harvest management plans for declining Barren-ground caribou herds, which the federal government is considering classifying as threatened under the Species at Risk Act.
“The Athabasca Denesuline Chiefs are deeply concerned that there was no explanation given as to why key staff was prevented from attending and providing valuable information,” added PAGC Vice Chief Joseph Tsannie. “Without having received any clear answers from them, we strongly believe that this is a step back in efforts of reconciliation with our First Nation communities.”
The PAGC says the Chiefs plan to discuss the matter with Environment Minister Dustin Duncan.
The provincial government has not returned a call for a request for comment.
(Photo courtesy of Environment Yukon)