Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (May 13/02) - A decision on which community will organize the next bowhead whale hunt was postponed last week.

Following the sudden death of Goo Arlooktoo, who was the chair of the Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board, the decision was temporarily put on hold.

Bert Dean, Nunavut Tunngavik's director of wildlife, said a conference call that was scheduled for May 6 for NTI, QWB and the Kivalliq Wildlife Board would likely be held this week.

Hunters from Rankin Inlet and a combined team from Hall Beach and Iglulik are vying for the honour of harvesting a whale.

When federal Fisheries Minister Robert Thibault gave his nod of approval last month, the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board turned the matter of making the final decision over to the regional wildlife boards.

Once officials meet via teleconference, they will decide if there is enough time to organize and proceed with a safe and successful hunt this season.

If it is ruled that there is not enough time, the hunt will be put off until next summer. Officials will also choose between the proposals during the call and award the hunt to one of the competing communities.

A provision for hunting the endangered species is laid out in the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. Three hunts have taken place since 1996, in Repulse Bay, Panniqtuuq and Coral Harbour.