First Nations in the northeast have added their voice to the ongoing debate over hunting restrictions imposed by the province.
In a joint statement, the Doig River, Halfway River, Prophet River, and West Moberly say the move "undermines the new path forward that we were promised."
The group also challenges the idealogy that changes were made in partnership with First Nations.
"The regulations create disproportionate impacts among Treaty 8 Nations and for local residents."
"Doig River First Nation, Halfway River First Nation, Prophet River First Nation and West Moberly First Nations," the statement went on to say, "all have grave concerns about these regulations."
“The recent amendments to the hunting regulations do not represent what we had hoped to achieve when we entered into these discussions with the Province," said Doig River chief Trevor Makadahay.
"Right from the start we presented options to the Province for limiting impacts on local hunters. They were all rejected."
"We would have rather seen the Province implement an LEH (limited entry hunt) that reduced the hunting pressure in the region but gave priority to local residents and guide outfitters," said West Moberly Chief Roland Wilson.
"We are very unhappy that the Province disregarded our recommendations and made a unilateral decision."
"The regulatory changes are a unilateral action of the Minister of Forests," added Prophet River chief Valerie Askoty, "that do not reflect the proposals advanced by Treaty 8 First Nations."
Leaders in all four communities are calling on Victoria to find solutions that will protect local livelihoods and the ways of life for residents of the Peace Region, while also providing for the meaningful exercise of its members’ Treaty rights.
