The present report marks a step in the planned five-part PLS hearing approach undertaken by the Ɂehdzo Got’ı̨nę Gots’ę́ Nákedı (Sahtú Renewable Resources Board – SRRB) during 2020-2024 to address the central question, “What is the most effective way to conserve caribou?" The Colville 2020 PLS focused on the question, “What is the most effective way to regulate the harvest of caribou?”

This report follows upon the January 29, 2021 response by the NWT Minister of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) to the SRRB’s October 30, 2020 Report and Reasons for Decision on the Colville 2020 PLS. The documents arising from the Colville 2020 PLS are referred to as the October 30 SRRB Report, the January 29 Minister’s Response and the March 30 SRRB Second Report.

The SRRB is established by the Sahtú Dene and Métis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (SDMCLCA) as the main instrument of wildlife management in the Sahtú region. The Minister retains ultimate responsibility for wildlife management, so the SRRB’s decisions are sent to the Minister. The SRRB met and considered the January 29 Minister’s Response. The SRRB also invited hearing parties to comment on legal issues not previously raised before preparing its second report. The SRRB sought to fulfill its mandate by presenting reliable evidence, sound analysis and justified positions.

This report contains two parts: 1) a policy statement on Hı̨dó Gogha Sę́nę́gots’ı́ɂá (Community Conservation Planning - CCP); and 2) the SRRB’s analysis and reply specifically with respect to October 30 decisions and recommendations that the Minister proposed be varied or set aside and replaced.

In light of the Minister’s January 29 Response, the SRRB has decided to establish a policy on Hı̨dó Gogha Sę́nę́gots’ı́ɂá. This includes an explanation of the principles the SRRB applies to Community Conservation Planning (CCP) and the CCP Components. This second report also addresses issues raised in the January 29 Minister’s Response, while inviting further engagement on a number of these via the planned 2021-2024 Public Listening Sessions.