IRC: Preservation of the Reindeer Herd

(Inuvik, NT) January 21, 2020 – The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) wishes to remind Inuvialuit beneficiaries and other residents and visitors of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region that harvesting from the Reindeer herd is strictly not allowed. IRC Chair and CEO, Duane Smith understands that, “harvesting is a fundamental way of life for many members of our communities, however, we must respect that this is a private herd and it is not part of the harvesting rights acknowledged under the Inuvialuit Final Agreement”.

Currently, the herd is struggling and requires immediate intervention and protection to ensure that it recovers to a point where it can eventually provide food security to those in need within our communities. IRC, in co-operation with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Environment and Natural Resource division, are working together to protect the herd. These organizations will be monitoring the situation and reminding individuals that harvesting of the herd will not be allowed under any circumstances until further notice.

IRC understands and respects that, in some instances, harvesters may be accessing the herd to provide for their dependents. Respectfully, if the reindeer are to benefit as many families as possible in the future, we must act now to preserve this herd at a critical mass.

We ask for the support of everyone to help by respecting the health of the herd and by not harvesting or causing undue stress to any Reindeer.

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Contact:

Evan Pound

Legal Counsel

Tel: (867) 777-7065

Email: epound@inuvialuit.com

www.irc.inuvialuit.com

NT5