Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (July 16/01) - An important step was taken last week toward making up for the loss of the polar bear hunt in M'Clintock Channel communities.

Steve Hannah, the director of sustainable development in the Kitikmeot region, said a consulting firm was hired last Tuesday to co-ordinate the recently announced $200,000 special economic initiatives fund.

The fund, part of a larger six-point strategy, was designed to ease financial burdens created when the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board announced a reduction and moratorium on polar bear harvesting in the M'Clintock Channel last January.

Recent scientific surveys suggests an dramatic decline in the area's bear population.

The consultant, whose name cannot be released until a contract is officially signed, will work with the communities of Gjoa Haven, Taloyoak and Cambridge Bay to develop business plans and economic strategies to replace the income lost by people who used to earn thousands of dollars annually leading bear sport hunts.

The hiring of the consultant means the ball is officially rolling.

"The consultant will work with the communities to help them meet their goals," explained Hannah.

"They'll know what projects people want to do, which ones are feasible and we'll go ahead with some of those," he said. A committee comprised of representatives from the three hamlets and the Department of Sustainable Development will make the final funding decisions.

While the pot of money isn't huge, Hannah said the consultant will help interested parties use what is available to leverage other sources of funding.

It is important to note, he added, that the consultant will be paid by the department and not from the special fund.

"They're going to provide a strategic blueprint for us to co-ordinate," said Hannah.

Louis Kamookak, the chair of Gjoa Haven's Hunters and Trappers Association, said is pleased by the hiring of the consultant. He believes it sets into action the framework needed to pull the communities from their economic slump.

"With this money, we'll try to develop something to replace the loss," said Kamookak.

Potential business ventures in Gjoa Haven include opening a sport fishing lodge and developing the muskox and caribou sport hunts.

Kamookak added that he still had concerns about community members who hunted bears for food and tradition.

"This helps sport hunters, but what about the ordinary people who go on polar bear hunts for their own use?" he asked. "Those people are going to miss the hunts."

Sustainable Development Minister Olayuk Akesuk said his department will help cover the costs of transporting polar bear meat to Gjoa Haven. He also said he would try to obtain a small number of tags to allow Gjoa Haven residents to hunt in the neighbouring Gulf of Boothia population.

Hunters from Taloyoak and Cambridge Bay have access to bears in other management zones.

A meeting to discuss the strategies is scheduled to be held in Gjoa Haven this month.