Press release - For immediate release

Kitcisakik, August 21, 2019 - The leadership of the Algonquin Nation demand immediate action from the Quebec government to implement a moratorium on sport hunting, complete a survey on the moose population, and a co-developed management plan for the conservation of the moose in the Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve. This request was expressed on August 16, 2019 to the Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks (MFWP), Mr. Pierre Dufour.

The Algonquin leadership are deeply concerned by the marked decline in the moose population, an important and vital source of food for their members. The leadership reminded the Minister of MFWP that the Wildlife Reserve is located on the unceded traditional territory of the nation and covers parts of the beaver reserve, which we would like to remind the beaver reserve was set aside exclusively for the Algonquin people.

The Algonquin Nation is calling for a complete survey to document the current state of the moose population. Using the results of the survey and our traditional knowledge, the Algonquin leadership want to co-develop a management plan for the conservation of the moose which are currently threatened by sport hunting, deforestation, climate change, diseases and parasites. The Nation seeks peaceful co-existence with a focus on conservation.

If the Quebec government's response is unsatisfactory, the Algonquin leadership promise to assume their responsibility as "protectors of the territory" by adopting appropriate, peaceful measures to this effect. "As stewards of the land, it is our duty to take steps to manage wildlife conservation for all future generations. We are therefore united to take all the necessary measures to face this state of emergency, for the best of our Nation and for all citizens" said Chief Régis Penosway, of Kitcisakik.

"We invoke our inherent rights and jurisdiction as custodians of our land, as specified in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)," said Chief Casey Ratt, of Barriere Lake.

“Indigenous peoples have the right to the conservation and protection of the environment and the productive capacity of their lands or territories and resources. States shall establish and implement assistance programs for indigenous peoples for such conservation and protection, without discrimination” Article 29, UNDRIP.

For further information, contact:
Casey Ratt, 819-441-8002, rattcasey@gmail.com (English Spokesperson)
Lucien Wabanonik, 819-355-9084, lucien.wabanonik@lacsimon.ca (Francophone Spokesperson)

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