ANSMC – No Moose Harvest in 2024 Due to Population Concerns

July 19, 2024

COMMUNITY NOTICE

The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs have come together, with our Moose Management Team, the Grand Chief and Mi’kmaq Grand Council members, Mi’kmaw organizations, many community members and harvesters, and the Province of Nova Scotia to discuss the moose population. A decision has been made to halt all moose harvesting activities in Cape Breton this year and to work together toward recovery of the species.

On May 17, we issued a science document that talked about the decline of moose in Cape Breton and how the moose population is in jeopardy. Since then, we have heard many concerns. We also hosted a webinar this week, where we had more great feedback and discussions.

It is clear that everyone is very passionate about their Treaty Rights but, they are also very worried about the moose. We have been told that we need to do what is best for the species now, and this resulted in the decision to put a moratorium on hunting moose and a commitment to keep looking at the numbers on a yearly basis.

We understand that the inability to harvest moose will significantly impact many families and communities. It is a challenging situation, especially considering we have a Treaty Right to harvest. But, we have also heard, “with Rights comes responsibilities” and that we have a responsibility to ensure that the moose population is sustained for the next seven generations. Even the Sparrow decision it says that Aboriginal Rights come after conservation. Right now, we must focus on conservation.

Many communities’ youth moose camps will still go ahead this year, but rather than hunting moose, the lessons will focus on science, conservation, education, and cultural teachings. We respect and honour the opportunities that these camps provide our younger generation to learn that taking care of all that Mother Earth has to offer is critical.

This is a difficult decision, but we will work on developing a community-based process for the recovery of this important species. We look forward to engaging community members on this process moving forward.

Wela’liek aq Msit Ko’kmaq.