Wildlife Issues: Concerns outlined by workshop delegates

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From education to survival, from rights to indignities-these were the concerns on the minds of Alberta's Treaty Eight chiefs, band representatives, and other interested and concerned parties at a recent workshop held at Jasper's Sawridge Hotel.

The issues represented a broad spectrum of viewpoints among the Treaty 8 leaders with the most emphasis put on wildlife, education, unity, and a call for action to defend against the indignities faced by Aboriginal people's misrepresented treaties.

These are the words of some of those leaders.

Lawrence Courtreille, V/P Treaty 8:

"It is our feeling that the Alberta government is test casing every right we have regarding hunting, trapping, fishing and fathering. We even have a case of an Indian who is charged with 'trying' to shoot a duck!

"The government is trying to take away our rights and pass them on to a certain exclusive group, which is, unfortunately, nearly all non-Native.

"It's time to look again at the proposal (by Clifford Freeman) to unify bands with a solid information and public relations program."

Walter Twinn, Sawridge Band:

"We need the minister (Don Sparrow) to say that Indians will not be exempted from outfitting/guiding, trapping, hunting, and fishing.

"We do not want what is surely coming. We don't want another Europe, where only the rich and the elite can afford the luxury of hunting."

"We must ensure that we communicate with other Albertan's-this (Wildlife Act) is an issue which will affect everyone."

Allan Willier, Chairman:

"These regulations (Wildlife Act) were actually passed and approved in 1984. A proclamation was the only thing needed, and they (government of Alberta) couldn't even wait until April 1. They shoved it through on February 27.

"A very productive workshop as was indicated by the solid support of the Treaty 8 Chiefs and representatives."

Greg Smith, IAA President:

"We will not accept an observer role on any government committee. We will work with the Metis to preserve our wilderness and our traditional way of life."

Judy Desjarlais, Grande Cache Rep:

"Rights? What rights? We are being forced to vacate a business that is our way of life and our livelihood."

Dan McLean, Trapper:

"I'm not worried about what I can sell, only about what I can keep" (referring to his trapping rights).

Percy Potts, V.P. Treaty 6:

"It's too bad the word didn't get out to the Chief's sooner. I hope it's not too late!"

Russell White, ATFA:

"The demand for furs is big in the Orient. We can no longer sit around and watch someone else get rich on our furs.

"A trapper who received $35 for a marten pelt now (under the ATFA format) gets closer to $100."

Jim Bouche, Chief, Ft. McKay:

"We are against environmental degradation (pesticide/herbicide spraying) or any other 'poison' that affect Native people."

Dennis Wallace, DIA:

"We prefer doing things with the involvement of the Indian people that we serve."