Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Vice-President James Eetoolook called last week’s meeting in Inukjuak, Nunavik, positive and productive.
Meeting participants included NTI and Makivik Corp. officials, Inuit, Cree, hunters, wildlife management boards, and territorial, provincial and federal government representatives. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss management of polar bears in the South Hudson Bay population.
Participants at the meeting agreed to a temporary, voluntary total quota of 60 bears per year. Prior to the significant decision, Nunavut was the only jurisdiction which shared the population and set a quota of 25 bears on the management zone.
Eetoolook said the long-term objective was to develop a management plan that involves Inuit, Cree, wildlife management boards and governments.
“This is a strong and successful example of Inuit in Nunavut and Nunavik responsibly managing our shared polar bear population,” said Eetoolook.
Participants also agreed to continue open communications, and to collaborate on harvest information and scientific research on polar bears.
Officials from Makivik Corp. agreed to the quota, but it is subject to endorsement by Nunavimmiut from affected communities.
