Modern sensibilities, bear hunt tradition dilemma for Nunavut
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Coral Harbour (Jan 15/01) - In previous times, Noah Kadlak's desire to hunt a polar bear with dogs and a spear would have fit right into Inuit lifestyle.
In 2001, it presents a cultural dilemma for the Nunavut government.
"We are now living in a modern world and need to deal with issues in a manner in keeping with modern society, while not turning our backs on tradition," said Minister of Sustainable Development Olayuk Akesuk.
He was reacting last week to a recent Nunavut Court of Justice ruling by Justice Robert Kilpatrick that a decision to deny Noah Kadlak permission to conduct the traditional hunt went against the Nunavut Final Agreement.
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. had challenged the 1999 decision by former Sustainable Development Minister Peter Kilabuk.
Complicating the matter is the fact Kadlak, of Coral Harbour, planned to take a film crew along on the hunt.
Akesuk expressed disappointment over the ruling, but said the Nunavut Government will continue to study the decision.
Akesuk said Kilabuk's decision to disallow the hunt on the grounds it posed an unacceptable risk to public safety was not easily made.
He said that when Kilabuk made his decision in October 1999, he was attempting to fulfill his responsibilities under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement in good faith.
"We are disappointed that the (former) minister of Sustainable Development's decision was not upheld by the court," said Akesuk. "However, we respect the rule of the law."
The minister said he would consult with the people of the territory before deciding how to proceed.
"The decision has been sent back to me to be reconsidered and I will refer a decision to the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board within a month."
Akesuk said the GN remains committed to the idea that Nunavut's laws relating to wildlife be respectful of Inuit traditions, while, at the same time, balancing the needs of a modern Nunavut.
"We need to be a responsible government dealing with the needs of all people and making decisions for the common good," he said.
He said Kadlak's case signals the need for thorough consultations with Nunavummiut on all aspects of the Wildlife Act, so his department can obtain their views on matters of this nature.
"We have begun that process in co-operation with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board," he said.
