NTI says elders were manipulated by minister
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Coral Harbour (Feb 12/01) - A new showdown is brewing over the rejection of a Coral Harbour man's plan to hunt a polar bear using a harpoon and dog team.
Sustainable Development Minister Olayuk Akesuk re-instated the Nunavut government's ban on Noah Kadlak's hunt last week, once again citing concerns over public safety.
This is the third time government has rejected Kadlak's proposed hunt. The territory's land claim organization, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) forced Akesuk to review the decision after it won a court ruling overturning the ban. NTI will discuss the issue at its upcoming meeting in Arctic Bay.
"I'm absolutely astounded by this decision," said Quassa.
Akesuk discussed the hunt with 11 elders, in keeping with the government's commitment to involve Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) in making decisions.
"The elders told me such a hunt is very dangerous and Kadlak's proposal is not a very safe one," said the minister.
"Because of that, they could not support the hunt."
Quassa accused the minister of manipulating the elders.
"Is this the way the Nunavut Government is going to implement Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, by doing things behind closed doors?
"The elders were being advised by the government at this meeting, rather than the elders advising the government."
The elders were selected for the meeting based on their reputations as hunters and the fact they had conducted traditional hunts.
They included Mikituk Bruce (Coral Harbour), Moses Aliyak, Ollie Ittinuar and Jerome Tattuinee (Rankin Inlet), Gideon Qitsualik (Gjoa Haven), Levi Illuitok (Kuugaaruk), Joanasie Arreak (Pond Inlet), Eugene Ipkernak (Igloolik), Qillipalik Curley (Cape Dorset), Thomassie Nalliniq and Celestine Erkidjuk (Iqaluit).
Akesuk said he resented Quassa's assertion that he used the elders to support his stance and said NTI only seems to believe in IQ when it supports their opinion.
Safety concerns
In once again citing concern over public safety as the reason to deny the hunt, Akesuk said the original conditions imposed by the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board (NWMB) in May 1998 do not decrease the inherent dangers of a traditional polar bear hunt.
The NWMB's conditions were that a person be at least 19 years old, be an experienced polar bear hunter, sign a comprehensive release and indemnity agreement, be accompanied by an experienced hunter with a firearm and obtain the written endorsement of the Hunters and Trappers Organization and NWSMB.
Akesuk said his department wants to resolve the question for good in drafting a new Nunavut Wildlife Act.
Kadlak was leading a fishing trip for Coral Harbour youth and could not be reached for comment.
