Hunters complain

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Metis leader 'sick and tired' of alleged harassment

The Metis Association will attempt to enter into negotiations with Alberta Fish and Wildlife after allegations of harassment and discrimination have been made by several Metis hunters.

Zone 1 vice-president, Gerald Thom says he is "sick and tired" of the alleged harassment. He feels the association must step in to defend the rights of the Metis hunter.

The Metis Association will attempt to enter into negotiations with Alberta Fish and Wildlife after allegations of harassment and discrimination have been made by several Metis hunters.

Zone 1 vice-president, Gerald Thom says he is "sick and tired" of the alleged harassment and feels he and the association must step in to defend the rights of the Metis hunter.

Thom cited several incidences that were reported to his office by concerned Metis hunters who had been charged by local Fish and Wildlife officials for a variety of alleged offences.

"We were informed that they were clamping down on poaching, but we are not the poachers they are trying to stop," he said, adding that Fish and Wildlife officials must be made aware of the fact that many Metis hunters cannot read or write English well enough to understand some of the regulations.

However, although Thom has contacted a lawyer, the association does not have the funding to take on a long and expensive law case against the Alberta government.

"We get funding to maintain our offices and do day-to-day things, but not to fight for our rights," he said.

Thom is particularly upset over the fact that the lynx restrictions were put into place without the input of the association. Alberta Fish and Wildlife recently set lynx quota at on per trapline.

"We just don't have the money to deal with all these issues," he said. "It's totally unfair."

Now, Thom says he is looking for a lawyer with expertise in the area of hunting rights to take on the case for the Metis hunters.

"A lot of people depend on hunting as part of their livelihood and our people understand the animals. The lynx, for instance, follows a cycle. It's not an endangered species our hunters tell us," he said.

"We haven't been involved in the decision-making and that has to stop," he added.

Fish and Wildlife officer Doug Stalnick was contacted at his Athabasca office, but declined to speak to Windspeaker until he had spoken with the officers concerned.

However, Dennis Gigges, ST. Paul's regional superintendent, said that he has not yet received any formal complaints regarding the incidents.

"My hands are tied until I receive a complaint . . . I would suggest Mr. Thom contact me and lodge a complaint so I can investigate," he added.

Gigges admits that no Cree speaking officials have been employed by his department, but added that if requested, a Cree translator could be located.

"We are in close contact with the Metis Association at Bonnyville and they are always willing to locate a translator for us," he said. "But until I get feedback, I cannot step in," he added.

Municipal Affairs official Ron Harrison was also unavailable at press time.