NR 07-28 INT ENG Intrusive Wildlife Research.doc

(December 5, 2007 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) 2nd Vice-President Raymond Ningeocheak today called on federal and territorial governments to halt intrusive scientific wildlife research. Ningeocheak’s comments follow resolutions unanimously passed at NTI’s Annual General Meeting in Rankin Inlet last week.

Inuit have said for years that Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit must be incorporated into any scientific research in Nunavut, especially when it comes to polar bear research, said Ningeocheak. Our requests have largely been ignored, and this is unacceptable. Under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, NTI is a co-management partner in wildlife, and has the authority to voice Inuit concerns in Nunavut. It is time government considered this and acted accordingly, he said.

NTI’s comments are based on firsthand accounts from Elders and hunters, information presented during Nunavut Wildlife Management Board public hearings on west Hudson Bay polar bear quotas, and an Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit study conducted by NTI.

There are several examples of intrusive wildlife research in Nunavut. For example, government did not incorporate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into the decision to reduce the polar bear quota in western Hudson Bay from 57 to 38 bears this year, and to eight next year. In addition, polar bear research conducted in Davis Strait over the last three years has resulted in 2,364 bears being darted and handled by wildlife researchers. Ningeocheak expressed concern that such a large number of bears were handled, given that the population in Davis Strait is estimated at 2,100 bears. In the spring of 2007, government researchers captured 20 female caribou on sensitive calving grounds near Baker Lake during calving time. After installing satellite collars, an estimated eight caribou died within a short period of time. Further, in summer 2007, federal government researchers drowned six beluga whales in James Bay and Cumberland Sound while bolting satellite tracking tags to the backs of the animals.

NTI believes research is important, but this type of intrusive research must come to an end. It is disrespectful of animals and Inuit, said Ningeocheak.

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