Yellowknife (Aug 27/03) - David Kritterdlik is from Whale Cove and he wants to see changes to the Nunavut Tungavik Hunter Support Program.

His views, he said, are as an outsider looking in, he has never applied for the benefits under the program himself.

In his opinion the program, the way it is now, does not support Kivalliq hunters.

Kritterdlik said he recognizes the vast amount of money that is put into the programs to buy hunting equipment, but believes some policies need to be changed.

"A lot of equipment is given to people who are not hunters at all. They become eligible just because they are beneficiaries, not that they rely on hunting fishing and trapping," said Kritterdlik.

As well, as soon as a household, regardless of the number of hunters who live there, is awarded equipment they cannot apply again.

"Once that piece of equipment is worn out, that person is back to the same situation as before, having no hunting equipment," said Kritterdlik.

He said the program wasn't always this way.

In the beginning a committee was used to select which applicant would be awarded equipment.

The committee's choices would then be approved by the Hunters and Trappers Organization.

But, Kritterdlik said there were complaints from other beneficiaries that the selection process was unfair.

Kritterdlik said it was then NTI decided to begin using a lottery system.

"This system is not fair," said Kritterdlik.

"It does not pick out those who are actually hunters and have need of this equipment. When it comes time to apply for hunting equipment through this program, every Inuit beneficiary suddenly becomes a hunter."

Kritterdlik said obviously this is not the case and equipment is awarded to non-hunters and the equipment is used for recreational use.

Kritterdlik said he has ideas on how to make the program better.

The first idea is making the equipment that is awarded to individuals communal.

He said it may be better if local HTOs own the equipment and lend them out to those in need.

"The whole community would have access to using them for hunting, trapping and fishing. Once worn out they could be tendered out to the public," said Kritterdlik.

NTI said they had no comment on whether there will be any changes to the program.