NWT government committed to development of resources

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The Northwest Territories government is committed to the development of its renewable resources, says NWT government leader Nick Sibbeston.

The Native MLA's keynote address at the Native People and Resource Manage-ment symposium May 1 at the Westin declared, however, that "there can be no renewable resources development without considering the cultural and social aspects.

The renewable resource sector is a major part of the NWT economy. Hunting, trapping, fishing, forestry and agriculture make up $50 million of the budget and employ 4,000 people. In Sibbeston's home, Fort Simpson, it is estimated that 95% of the Natives are employed as hunters or trappers. If tourism, which is "directly related to renewable resources, " is included, that adds another $50 million.

With the drop in oil and decline in base metal prices, even the sheltered NWT is beginning to feel the squeeze of the recession. Because of this, said Sibbeston, "the traditional way of living - the hunting and trapping - is becoming very significant to the people.

Yet even the harvesting of wildlife, the major resource of the eastern and high Arctic Inuit, is threatened by white attitudes. Three communities have been badly affected by the anti-seal campaign, said Sibbeston. From an annual profit of $350,000 in 1982, these communities have sunk to revenues of $60,000 in 1984. Many people have had to accept social assistance.

Public feeling about the leg-hold trap have also been difficult for the Native trapper.

Another drawback to hunting is money. "A modern hunting culture needs cash input to support itself," said Sibbeston. Modern hunters and trappers need $10,000 annually to finance their work. Their lifestyle and culture is really endangered by people who don't understand."

Yet the northern Natives have been able to protect their resources. Oil exploration has been restricted, said Sibbeston, by the traditional Inuit attitude towards land. As well, the government has helped to increase the bison and caribou, and to re-establish the musk oxen in northern herds.

The traditional lifestyle has been kept for a number of reasons. Although the fur industry dropped from $6 million to $3 million between 1978 and 1985, it grew by 10% between 1984 and 1985. Sibbeston was confident that the upward trend would continue. In the meantime, the government has encouraged trade between settlements, and the development of new products. Sealskin briefcases look very similar to cow leather.

Other aspects of renewable resources, like fishing, forestry and agriculture, are still being developed. Many industries still need to be subsidized, and most products are used within the Territories. The NWT is still dependent on southern imports, said Sibbeston.

Fishing has declined over the last few years because of lower sales and higher costs. As well, Sibbeston feels that Arctic fish are not being well promoted by the fish marketing board in Winnipeg. Only one operation, Arctic char, is not heavily subsidized. Fishing is kept now only for employment and domestic use.

Forestry is an industry with "some potential," producing some $2 million annually. Again, its use is basically domestic, including local construction and firewood. Three of four sawmills in the NWT need subsidies. There is some concern about forest renewal, and Sibbeston wants the industry under government control.

At this time, agriculture is not a major part of the territorial economy. Sibbeston feels that the South Mackenzie and Liard Valley would be productive farming areas. Territorial agriculture will have to be subsidized and promoted if it is to work.

Any resource development, renewable or otherwise, must respect and make compensation for Dene and Inuit land claims, and the "needs and goals of the Native people," said Sibbeston. Native resource management councils will be set up, and the traditional and social patterns will be integrated into resource planning.

"We need to preserve the way of lfe long embedded in our culture," Sibbeston concluded.