Gameti chief charged with meat wastage
David Wedawin faces 12 counts related to more than 50 caribou carcasses found at Hottah Lake last year
Daniel Campbell
Northern News Services
Published Monday, April 14, 2014
GAMETI/RAE LAKES
The chief of Gameti and two others from the community have been charged with meat wastage following an investigation into the discovery of parts of more than 50 barrenground caribou found around Hottah Lake last spring.
Renewable resources officer Ian Ellsworth displays some wasted caribou meat last spring. Gameti Chief David Wedawin, as well as two others from the community, have been charged in relation to the wasted meat. - NNSL file photo |
David Wedawin was elected chief of Gameti last June. His co-accused Jimmy Arrowmaker serves on the band council. Frank Arrowmaker was a band councillor in the community from 2005 to June 2013.
All three are charged with 12 counts each of wasting caribou meat under the Wildlife Act. If convicted, those charged under the act can face a maximum fine of $1,000 for each animal wasted and a year in jail.
Last spring, Department of Environment and Natural Resources officers located 12 different sites around Hottah Lake, outside Gameti, with body parts from more than 50 caribou.
Roger Shepherd, a prosecutor with the GNWT, said charges against the three were likely laid around Feb. 19, although he could not confirm the date.
Johnnie Washie, 65, was charged with one count of meat wastage last August in relation to the incident. He paid a ticket of $575.
In an interview with News/North, Washie stated he felt he was being blamed for the massive meat wastage when he only shot a single wounded calf and left it behind.
Washie, a Tlicho Dene elder, stated at the time he thought hunters from other communities might have had something to do with the dozens of caribou left behind.
Judy McLinton, spokesperson for ENR, confirmed Washie, Wedawin, and Frank and Jimmy Arrowmaker are the only people charged so far in the Hottah Lake incident. She said it's likely the investigation is still ongoing, though.
Wedawin and Frank and Jimmy Arrowmaker are due to make their first appearances in territorial court April 15 in Behchoko. Allegations against the three have not been proven in court.
Attempts made to contact the accused before press time were not answered.
