Comments added to petition on caribou
Michele LeTourneau
Northern News Services
Monday, March 28, 2016
NUNAVUT
Hilu Tagoona of Baker Lake has started an online petition at change.org opposing the Government of Nunavut's position of case-by-case decision-making for exploration and mining in sensitive caribou habitats.
Tagoona is one of the main forces behind Nunavummiut Makitagunarningit, which has long opposed uranium mining and the proposed Kiggavik project, located near her home community and between the Qamanirjuaq and Beverly calving grounds,
"We, the undersigned, believe this was an irresponsible decision. We do not support exploration and mining on caribou calving grounds. We are concerned it will negatively affect the sensitive caribou population. We ask the government of Nunavut to listen to the people they represent and support the prohibition of mineral exploration and mining on caribou calving grounds," states the petition which was signed by 417 people by March 25.
Those signing have the option of leaving a comment.
"Together with Mitch Campbell (GN caribou biologist), I led the development of the previous GN position protecting core calving grounds," wrote Justin Buller of Iqaluit. "We successfully argued that development of non-renewable resources should not come at the expense of an existing, highly valued, renewable resource.
"The previous GN position was not against mining or industrial development - it limited it where the viability of caribou herds would be negatively affected. The surreptitious reversal of this landmark decision to protect caribou, just because the premier doesn't like it, is not only irresponsible, it's dishonest and reprehensible."
Two Cambridge Bay residents left comments.
"Inuit have always had respect for the lands and animals, Shame, shame for abandoning these values for short-term benefits," wrote Jason Tologanak.
"Caribou numbers are at an all-time low. The calving areas are extremely important for caribou health and survival. The species is especially sensitive and vulnerable right now. Our neighbours to the south in the NWT are making sacrifices and are making caribou protection plans so future generations can have caribou and maintain a traditional lifestyle," wrote Jaida Ohokannoak of Cambridge Bay. "Our government is not considering that and is only focused on economic development. Land use planning also needs to ensure these areas are protected."
Dozens of comments came from all over Nunavut. Inuit living in southern Canada also spoke out in support of rigorous protections, as well as aboriginal people who depend on caribou whose calving grounds are in Nunavut.
