This report provides a cross-regional overview of harvester perspectives on barren-ground caribou management, with a focus on Bathurst caribou. The three day Bathurst Caribou Harvesters Gathering on January 29-31, 2013 brought together grassroots Aboriginal elders, harvesters and youth delegated by Aboriginal governments and co-management boards of the NWT, Nunavut and Saskatchewan to share knowledge across cultures and landscapes and make recommendations to decision-makers. The Gathering, attended by approximately 120 people, was structured to reflect a traditional format for dialogue and knowledge sharing that lends itself to a sense of equality among the participants. Identification of key issues served as the basis for focused development of solutions and recommendations.

The Gathering reflected advances in people’s confidence to assert their perspectives and develop concrete recommendations for moving forward. A lot has been learned through the six years of debate since the 2007 Caribou Summit held in Inuvik about approaches in management. All parties have come to recognize the value of working together. The value of the grassroots approach was reaffirmed, and participants repeatedly mentioned their interest in sharing knowledge at similar forums in the future.

Information from the Gathering was collected through audio recording of the proceedings, key messages posted on flip charts, and notes which were taken as close to verbatim as possible. Through consensus the Gathering participants put forward recommendations on six themes:

1. Traditional Monitoring and Management Systems
2. Traditional Aboriginal Laws about Caribou
3. Research Questions
4. Research Planning and Follow-Up
5. Grassroots Approach
6. Next steps

A brouchure that was delivered door-to-door in Deline, describing the Belarewı́lé Gots'ę́ Ɂekwę́

Poster inviting harvesters to a meeting to discuss the next steps in Belarewı́lé Gots'ę́ Ɂekwę́

This brochure and poster were produced to build awareness of Délı̨nę's decision to end the hunt in the ɂekwę́ zone as of February 12, 2016, and to encourage alternative harvesting (moose, tǫdzı, fish and other wildlife), and sharing among families and communities. The brochure also promotes the Dene Ts'ı̨lı̨ (Being Dene) awards.

This is a press release issued following Délı̨nę's consensus decısıon to end huntıng ın the ɂkewę́ zone.  It includes information about next steps for the community.

Per the hearing update letter of June 13, the Board has determined that the Reconnaissance Survey results for BNE ekwę́ are relevant to the Board's final decisions and recommendations, although they were not available prior to the closing of the hearing record on May 20, 2016. The Board is therefore exercising its discretion in order to take notice of this new information. This results summary provided by ENR on July 15, 2016  includes a summary of survey results for both BNE and Bathurst ekwę́, and Appendix 2 which contains additional details about the BNE survey.

The following information is provided:

• The data are from aerial surveys of the two herds during calving in early June, 2016.

• Breeding tsı́da (females) of the Bluenose-East ɂekwę́ were grouped in a more compact area on the calving grounds than in 2015. Bedzıo (bulls) were spread out south of Kugluktuk.

• The surveys are taken from airplanes flying routes, or transects, over the herds but are NOT photographic surveys which are more accurate and take more time to analyse. The next photographic survey is scheduled for 2018.

• The tight grouping of the adult ɂekwę́ on the BNE calving grounds makes accurate counting more difficult using this type of survey.

• There were 36 radio-collared tsı́da in the area surveyed, all of which were located (i.e., it is unlikely that any major groups of tsı́da were missed in the survey).

• ENR estimated that there were 18,500 adult (over 1 y old) ɂekwę́ in the BNE at ɂekwę́ nę́go lek’e (the calving grounds). There is no estimate of the number of calves present. Bedzıo were not counted.

• ENR concludes that the BNE is continuing to decline, although not as quickly as in the last 5 years. The Bathurst may have increased by a small amount since the last survey.

• The conclusions from the survey are very tentative, and are only used for rough estimates.

This report details the calving ground photo survey of the Bluenose-East caribou herd conducted during June of 2015 in Nunavut (NU), near Kugluktuk, NU. The main objective was to obtain an estimate of breeding females that could be compared to estimates from previous calving ground surveys in 2010 and 2013.

Demographic modelling that used composition, collared caribou, and survey data estimated that cow survival rate was low (0.71, CI=0.69-0.72) and calf recruitment has declined. These factors along with harvest pressure have led to the ongoing decline of the herd.  The authors suggest that continued monitoring and proactive management of harvest with a shift from mostly cows to mostly bulls is recommended. In addition, continued monitoring of calving ground distribution and spring productivity should be conducted to allow ongoing monitoring of herd status.

A list of meetings and correspondence on potential management measures for Bathurst and Bluenose caribou. Includes complete minutes for 2 out of 3 (Aug 27/14 and Nov 28/14) meetings held with aboriginal leaders, co-manangement boards and ENR.  

ENR's letter to the Délı̨nę Ɂehdzo Got'ı̨nę, (Renewable Resources Council) acknowledging the department's commitment to continue assist the community in executing its caribou conservation plan (Belarewı́lé Gots’ę́ Ɂekwę́) and outlining concerns about the implementation of the plan to date, with respect to the number of cows harvested and the collection of samples. 

A report by the Boreal Leadership Council which looks at the level of indigenous involvement in action plans for caribou recovery across Canada. The report concluded that hunters and elders provide a perspective from the land which keeps them attuned to early signs of decline and environmental change, and that  plans which consider all perspectives and include traditional knowledge have the best chance of success.

This is a summary submission by the Kugluktuk Hunters and Trappers Organisation (KHTO) to the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board for consideration as part of their Bluenose East Caribou Hearing. Per the SRRB BNE Hearing update letter of July 13 (Public Registry File 1.08), the Board has determined that the Kugluktuk submission is relevant to the Board's final decisions and recommendations, although it was not available prior to the closing of the hearing record on May 20, 2016. The Board is therefore exercising its discretion in order to take notice of this new information, and has distributed the document to the Parties.

The KHTO submission proposes development of a Community Caribou Management Plan (ICCMP) developed in consultation with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association as a KHTO-controlled alternative to the Total Allowable Harvest (TAH) proposed by the Government of Nunavut (GN), stating that "the KHTO does not believe that a TAH is necessary and should only be used as a last resort." The following tools in the ICCMP are identified, as follows:

1. Setting a limit on KHTO member harvest which is controlled by the KHTO;
2. Mandatory BNECH harvest reporting to the KHTO by members;
3. Establishing a ‘No Caribou Hunting Zone’ to reduce BNECH harvest in an area that has easy access by trails and all-terrain vehicles;
4. The establishment of an KHTO controlled enforcement system regarding BNECH harvest rates and zones, mandatory reporting, and harvest practices;
5. Creation of a program and looking for partners to create a predator management program to reduce predation pressure on the BNECH;
6. Continuing and improving education of KHTO members about caribou, respectful harvest practices, and alternate species to harvest; and
7. Increased effort to increase the fair quota to the KHTO regarding muskox in the Kugluktuk harvest area to relieve harvest pressure on the BNECH.

The submission outlines the basis for the KHTO's view that the GN Department of Environment did not adequately consult with them about their proposal for a TAH. Appended is a signed May 9, 2016 resolution opposing the GN's proposal for a TAH.

This is a consensus resolution of the Renewable Resources Council (Ɂehdzo Got'ı̨nę) Gathering in Fort Good Hope, held in conjunction with the Ɂehdzo Got'ı̨nę Gots'ę́ Nákedı (Sahtú Renewable Resources Board) meeting in Fort Good Hope on September 18, 2012. The following are the four resolutions (see the attached file for the full text):

1. The Sahtú Renewable Resources Board (SRRB) adopt traditional knowledge and Dene law as the leading edge of caribou and harvesting knowledge and law that will guide all efforts to protect the animals.
2. The SRRB and RRCs should jointly support caribou traditional knowledge and harvesting research as well as appropriate scientific research that does not disrespect the animals or harm them in any way, benefits both the caribou and the communities, and helps to maintain and strengthen our relationships with caribou.
3. The SRRB, ENR and RRCs develop a joint memorandum of understanding about our collaborative role in designing (including development of funding proposals), implementing and interpreting caribou and harvesting research.
4. Caribou and harvesting research activities must involve youth to ensure that they are able to use knowledge well as our future providers, caribou stewards and leaders.

This meeting was jointly sponsored by the Sahtú Secretariat Inc. and Ɂehdzo Got’ı̨nę Gotsę́ Nákedı (Sahtú Renewable Resources Board), and hosted by the Behdzı Ahda First Nation in Colville Lake on April 22-23, 2015. The purpose was twofold: to share information about caribou stewardship in the Sahtú Region past and present; and to discuss the Sahtú approach to caribou stewardship and management moving forward.
Five key themes discussed were: Governance; health of land and caribou; caribou and governance; research and monitoring; and management framework questions.

The meeting resulted in consensus resolutions on the following topics:

1. Governance
2. Ɂehdzo Got’įnę fundıng
3. Caribou tags
4. Caribou collaring
5. Proposed Tundra Copper Exploration (in Nunavut)

This letter from the Délı̨nę First Nation and Ɂehdzo Got’ı̨nę Gotsę́ Nákedı (Sahtú Renewable Resources Board) to the NWT Minister of Environment and Natural Resources outlines seven points of consensus from the Ɂekwę́ ghǫ Łǝ́nats’edǝ́ - Sahtú Gathering for the Caribou on January 27-29 in Délı̨nę.

The meeting included representatives from the five Sahtú communities, including Renewable Resources Councils, Sahtú Youth Network, and Délı̨nęgot’ı̨nę community; representatives from other jurisdictions included the NWT Wildlife Management Advisory Council, the Inuvialuit Game Council, Kugluktuk Angoniatit Association, Tłı̨chǫ Nation, and Parks Canada. At that meeting, Assistant Deputy Minister Bird provided an overview of the request for feedback on the issues to be considered regarding harvest allocations for the Bluenose East caribou. The following consensus points were presented to Mr. Bird:

1. Decisions are needed about how to share the caribou.
2. ENR has invited Aboriginal leaders and wildlife management authorities to a teleconference to discuss Bluenose East caribou harvesting allocations on Monday, February 2; there was strong direction that such important matters require an in-person meeting of the parties.
3. Timelines for discussions and decisions should not be imposed by the Minister; rather, they need to be agreed upon by the parties. Allocations should be arrived at and implemented for the 2015-2016 harvesting season; it is not feasible to accomplish this for the current harvesting season.
4. According to the best available information, the current status of the Bluenose East caribou does not constitute an emergency.
5. The health of the caribou depends on the health of the aboriginal peoples, their ability to “Be Dene” (Dene Ts’ı̨lı̨).
6. The full range of actions, as presented by the Aboriginal Caucus at the November 28 meeting with the Minister, and as outlined in the Bluenose Caribou Management Plan, is needed to address declining trends.
7. Education is needed in the communities to prepare the ground for any decisions that will be made.

The Ɂekwę́ ghǫ Łǝ́nats’edǝ́ - Sahtú Gathering for the Caribou was held at Dene Náoweré Kǫ́ - the Délı̨nę Cultural Centre on January 27-29, 2015. The Workshop was jointly hosted by the Ɂehdzo Got’ı̨nę Gots’ę́ Nákedı (Sahtú Renewable Resources Board) and the Délı̨nę First Nation. Over 40 delegates representing community organizations as well as regional and territorial levels of government were invited from four land claim areas. Following the meeting, the Délı̨nę First Naiton and Ɂehdzo Got'ı̨nę Gots'ę́ Nákedı (Sahtú Renewable Resources Board) sent a joint letter to the minister with consensus recommendations from the participants. This report provides a compilation of messages from the Gathering on the following three topics:

1. “We have to protect the caribou our way”
2. “It’s time to make some tough decisions"
3. Traditional laws

This is a backgrounder prepared for the media in preparation for the Mar 1-3 hearing.  It includes information about the context of the hearing, a summary of key points in the Délinę and ENR plans, information about the Board's role and the decision-making process, information about its agreement to share information with the Wek'èezhı̀ı board, and a note on language.

This Briefing Note was prepared by Science Advisor Dr. Colin Macdonald for the Ɂehdzo Got'ı̨nę Gots'ę́ Nákedı (Sahtú Renewable Resources Board), and is supplementary to the Technical Review of ENR's Bluenose East Caribou Management Proposal (February 28, 2016). The document provides a summary review of the current scientific understanding of barren-ground caribou ecology as it may apply to management of the BNE herd with respect to topics not discussed in ENR's proposal but identified in the Board's List of Key Emerging Issues as well as Délı̨nę's Belarewı́le Gots'ę́ Ɂekwę́ proposal and the March 1-3, 2016 hearing in Délı̨nę, as follows:

• The status of the BNE herd
• The use of collars
• Bull-only harvest or selective harvest
• Predator control
• Cumulative effects
• Climate change

This review was requested by the Ɂehdzo Got’ı̨nę Gotsę̀ nákedı (Sahtú Renewable Resources Board) for anthropological analysis of Délı̨nę Caribou Conservation: A Délı̨nę Got’ine Plan of Action (the Délı̨nę Plan). The Délı̨nę Plan is considered in light of the following:

• Caribou are like relatives to the Sahtù Dene
• Numbers of ɂekwę́ have been decreasıng since 2010

The document addresses the following topics:

• Stories and knowledge
• Stewardship and Management
• Benefits of Délı̨nę Plan

Minor copy edits to this document were provided by the author on February 29, 2016.

This review was initiated by a request from the Ɂehdzo Got’ı̨nę Gotsę́ Nákedı (Sahtú Renewable Resources Board – SRRB) for a critical assessment of the western science behind the Bluenose-East herd management plan, as proposed by Environment and Natural Resources (ENR). The objective is to provide a synthesis addressing topics identified in the List of Key Emerging Issues developed by the SRRB based on discussions in the Sahtú Region over the past year, as well as Information Requests by Parties to the hearing. It is recognized that the community of Délı̨nę has put forward a second proposal, but it ıs not the focus of this review.

Issues addressed include:

• Caribou monitoring approaches and options
• Habitat concerns
• Harvest management
• Predator control
• Effect of development
• Cumulative effects
• Disease and parasites

The ACCWM management plan for the Cape Bathurst, Bluenose-West, and Bluenose-East barren-ground caribou herds. The plan was developed in consultation with most of the communities that harvest from the three herds. It is intended to address the need for a cooperative approach to managing for the herds; protect the habitat in the herds’ range; and make decisions on the shared harvests in an open and fair manner.The ultimate goal was to ensure that there are caribou today and for future generations. The Management Plan is a working document used in developing specific management tools such as Action Plans.