Welcome to AMMSA.COM, the news archive website for our family of Indigenous news publications.

Timiskaming First Nation wants to restore the moose population in its territory

Author

Compiled by Debora Steel

Volume

32

Issue

4

Year

2014

Timiskaming First Nation said it wants to restore the moose population in its territory —about 3400 square km straddling the Ontario/Quebec border—to a healthy size. A Ministry of Natural Resources moose population survey resulted in a dramatic decrease in the number of moose tags assigned from 457 to 30 for the 2014 hunting season. “TFN is very concerned about the moose population in Timiskaming,” said Chief Terence McBride, “and while we understand people might be frustrated with the situation, it is unfortunate that some have suggested that First Nations hunting might be responsible for this decline. If we are to help the moose population it is imperative that we identify the real causes, which are likely complex and varied, and not resort to unfounded accusations.” McBride has heard information from the MNR and discussed a number of potential causes, including the impact of the winter tick  and climate change, and believes building a working relationship with the MNR is a good step toward the community playing a role in returning moose populations to healthy levels.