Tahltan Act to Protect Moose Population

Vancouver, September 22, 2009 – The Tahltan Central Council (TCC) is in emergency talks with its membership regarding protection of the moose population in Tahltan Territory. In response to a communication received from by the Province last week indicating the Ministry of Environment will not act this season to protect moose populations within Tahltan territory from overhunting, Tahltan members have taken direct action by blockading the Klappan Road. “We have been trying to work with the Province for several years to improve the regulation of the moose hunt in Tahltan territory without success,” says Annita McPhee, TCC Chair. “Our members are frustrated and feel they can no longer sit by and allow another season of overhunting to take place without doing everything possible to protect our land and most precious resources.”

The Tahltan’s ongoing concerns with the yearly moose hunt authorized by the Province in Tahltan territory include the length of the season, the number of animals taken and the shortage of reliable data on the existing moose population.
“Moose are our most important food source,” said Chief Rick McLean of the Talhtan Band. “We have a sacred trust to protect the moose population for our future generations. We can’t sit by and watch the moose in our territory get pushed to the edge of extinction due to the mismanagement of the Province.”

For more information contact:
Annita McPhee, Chair, Tahltan Central Council
Tel: 778-229-1264.

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