Caribou Hunt will be Dramatically Decreased Due to Summer Forest Fires

In a significant move towards wildlife conservation, Quebec Cree and Innu leaders have agreed to a substantial reduction in the caribou harvest for the Innu hunters this winter. This decision comes as a response to the need for the caribou population to recover from the damaging summer wildfires.

Historically, the Cree have allowed the Innu to harvest 300 caribou annually from the Leaf River herd on Cree traditional territory for the past two years. This practice is part of a nation-to-nation agreement known as the Maamuu nisituhtimuwin/Matinueu-mashinaikan atiku e uauinakanit, meaning “mutual understanding.”

However, at a recent summit in Chisasibi, Quebec, on January 9 and 10, 2024, Cree and Innu leaders came together and renewed this agreement with a significant change. For this year, the number of caribou that Innu hunters are permitted to harvest has been limited to 50, a nearly 85% decrease from previous years.

The decision to limit the harvest was taken in the context of the Cree’s trapline system, where land stewards, known as tallymen, oversee traditional hunting grounds. The summit also focused on discussing a management strategy for both the George River and Leaf River caribou herds.

This resolution aligns with the broader efforts of the Ungava Peninsula Caribou Aboriginal Round Table (UPCART), an initiative established in 2017. UPCART, which includes representatives from the Innu, Cree, Naskapi, and Inuit, was formed to protect both the Leaf River and George River caribou herds.

At the summit, a joint statement from the Cree and Innu leaders emphasized their dedication to shared values and mutual support. The statement highlighted the importance of the limited harvest of 50 caribou, particularly for elders and educational purposes. This reduction is seen as a necessary step to help the caribou herds recover from the forest fires of 2023 and adapt to their changing environment.

Chief Daisy House of the Cree community of Chisasibi expressed the community’s sentiment, “Following the 2023 forest fires, our community continues to mourn profound losses affecting our community, land, and caribou. As we embark on the path to recovery, we seek acknowledgment and understanding of the challenges we face. Recognizing the vital role of caribou for the Innu, we commit to maintaining our relationship based on trust and cooperation for the recovery and well-being of the caribou population. The recommendation from our tallymen [Kiniwhapmakinch] emphasizes the importance of giving a voice to the caribou. With empathy and unity, we must offer the caribou the opportunity to recover and adapt, especially amid growing climate challenges.”

According to a report by the CBC, the current situation for the caribou herds is concerning. The George River herd is critically endangered, with an estimated population of 7,200, representing an 11% decrease since 2020 and a dramatic 98% decline since 2001. Meanwhile, the Leaf River herd, predominantly found in Cree territory, is healthier with a population of 190,000 but has also seen a significant decline from over 600,000 in 2000.

This agreement and the actions taken by the Cree and Innu leaders demonstrate a strong commitment to preserving wildlife and respecting the delicate balance of their ecosystems.