Meet to discuss Natives and resources

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Attendance from Native groups, governments, industry and private individuals is expected at a three-day symposium dealing with Native people and renewable resources, to be held at the Westin Hotel in Edmonton April 29 to May 1.

The Alberta Society of Professional Biologists will examine the past, present and future relationships between the Native people and renewable resource management as well as the effects on the cultural and economic welfare of the Native people.

Day One will deal with Native resource use and the way it is now compared to the way it was.

The keynote address on resource use and Native culture is being given by Bill Wlson, co-ordinator of the Musganmagw Tribal Council.

Presentation will also be given on: resource harvesting and the social structure of Native communities; renewable resources and the economy of Native communities; seal harvesting and social services; Fort Chipewyan and the Peace-Athabasca Delta, and wildlife use and management by James Bay Cree.

Day Two will deal with co-management of renewable resources.

The keynote address will be given by Peter Usher, a consultant, on devolution of power in the Northwest Territories and changing roles in resource management. There will be other presentations on the following topics: resource co-management in Wood Buffalo National Park, co-management of Pacific salmon, polar bear co-management in the Northwest Territories, preparing for the future - training on Native people as resource managers in Alberta, Native roles in monitoring of energy developments, and training and employment of Alaskan Natives after land claim settlement.

Day three will deal with economic development through renewable resources, and case histories.

The Honourable Nicholas Sibbeston, leader of the NWT government, will give the keynote address on renewable resources and economic development in the NWT. Presentations will also be made on the following topics: game ranching and the fisherman's co-op in the Lac La Biche region, the Inuvialiut settlement, self sufficiency through agriculture and the culturing of wild rice.

In the afternoon of the third day, there will be a panel discussion on animal rights and resource economics with panel facilitator Dr. Alan Birdsall; a brief presentation by panel members on management lessons from the anti-sealing campaign, by author Allen Herscovici; the animal rights viewpoint by the president of I Kare Wildlife Coalition, Steven Best; effects of the sites agreement on Native people and their lifestyles by the Honourable Nellie Cournoyea, MLA for Nunakput, NWT.

All sessions will be held on the mezzanine level of the hotel. A barbecue featuring smoked salmon and buffalo pemmican, and a buffet dinner with barbecued buffalo will be provided at Fort Edmonton Park on the evening of April 30, with bus transporation from the Westin Hotel being available.

There will be a limited number of booths and display spaces available for displays and posters on the mezzanine level during the Symposium. Any individual or organization interested should register as soon as possible for information or to reserve display space.

Advanced registration fee of $95 per person includes the luncheon on the first day (ASPB members, $80.) Registration at the door is $125 per person, and includes the luncheon on the first day (ASPB members, $110 person). Barbecue tickets, $30 per person.

Early registration is recommended as the acceptance of registrants is limited.

For further information contact: Symposium Registrar, P.O,. Box 566, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 2K8, or phone (403) 269-5150.