Dez Loreen
Northern News Services
Friday, January 26, 2007

INUVIK - The safety of the barren-ground caribou herds has been the focus of discussion this week.

The NWT barren-ground caribou summit started on Tuesday night with a meet and greet session where aboriginal groups could meet with government officials to discuss the herds.

Minister for Environment and Natural Resources Michael McLeod was in attendance to welcome participants to the conference.

"This is a meeting for all people who use the caribou and all the people who share the land with the caribou," said McLeod.

McLeod said he wants to hear about concerns that people may have regarding the herds and what can be done to increase their numbers.

"We will be looking at possible actions we might need to take in regards to helping the caribou survive," said McLeod.

The territorial government has been working with different wildlife boards and aboriginal governments to talk about concerns from their regions.

McLeod spoke of the cultural importance of the herds and what they mean to different aboriginal groups throughout the North.

"The aboriginal people depend on the caribou for many aspects in their lives, like clothing, food and a spiritual connection."

McLeod said that restricted hunting and quotas may be discussed at the summit.

"The numbers are down, we might have to make some tough decisions here," said McLeod.

Inuvialuit Game Council chair Dougie Esagok was also at the opening ceremonies.

"I want to hear about the concerns about the dwindling herds," said Esagok.

Esagok is an aboriginal hunter who has been on the land seeking caribou since he was young. He knows the importance of keeping the herds healthy.

"There are lots of causes for the low numbers, not just one factor to look at," said Esagok.

"Some of the causes are climate change, over-harvesting, all the oil and gas exploration in the region, it could be any one of those."

Esagok said he believes that quotas on aboriginal hunting will help the situation.

"We have a quota that will help the herds re-populate," said Esagok.

"Putting a limit on aboriginal hunting will help the herds."

Esagok said he likes going on the land, but has noticed a decline in the time he spends as the years go on.

"I haven't been out too much lately, but usually I'm out on the land for about half of the year," said Esagok.

"I have also noticed that I am going out farther and farther for caribou. It used to be a five mile ride on Skidoo, but it has gotten longer."

The summit will conclude tomorrow night with a review of actions that have been decided upon.