The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council and its 14 member nations welcomed the support of the Coastal British Columbia Guide Outfitters Association and Pearson Kal Tire of Port Alberni in the effort to apprehend and prosecute the individual or individuals responsible for the illegal and unauthorized elk kills in the territory.
The Coastal British Columbia Guide Outfitters Association has committed $5,000 in addition to the $25,000 reward previously offered by Nuu-chah-nulth Nations for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the kills. Pearson Kal Tire has committed an additional $1,000.
This brings the reward to $31,000; an unprecedented amount for a Conservation reward and one that demonstrates the very serious nature of the crimes being committed against the elk herds in the Barkley Sound and Alberni Inlet areas.
http://www.hashilthsa.com/news/2013-12-03/reward
“The Coastal British Columbia Guide Outfitters Association represents the guide outfitting industry on Vancouver Island and the south coast of British Columbia. We work collaboratively with First Nations, government and other stakeholders to assure that coastal B.C.'s wildlife is managed responsibly for all people to enjoy,” said Dave Fyfe, president of the CBCGOA.
“The CBCGOA applauds the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council's position that the wanton, wasteful slaughter of the Roosevelt Elk in the Port Alberni area is unacceptable. The CBCGOA commits an additional $5,000 to the existing reward fund for information leading to the apprehension of the individuals responsible for this act. The CBCGOA understands and respects the high cultural value that First Nations people place on wildlife, and we stand with them on demonstrating to all people that this act will not be tolerated by anyone.”
During a press conference held today at the Tseshaht First Nation, Fyfe said the members of his organization were appalled and wanted to put action to words. He said First Nations are not standing alone on this. He said the people who have done this have put themselves and greed before responsible stewardship. He said the guide outfitters association puts wildlife first.
Representing the Kal Tire team at the day’s event was Curt Schmidt, assistant manager. He brought the following message from owner/manager Dale Milne.
“The Pearson Kal Tire Team cannot believe that there is someone killing these beautiful creatures and potentially destroying the elk population in the Alberni area. Pearson Kal Tire is proud to announce our contribution of an additional $1,000 to the existing Nuu-chah-nulth reward for the prosecution of the person or persons conducting the senseless and useless slaughter of Roosevelt Elk in the Valley.”
NTC President Debra Foxcroft thanked the two organizations for standing shoulder to shoulder with the Nuu-chah-nulth Nations.
“We hold our hands up to you.”
Foxcroft said the Nuu-chah-nulth people want the elk poaching stopped, and it doesn’t matter if the person or persons responsible is Nuu-chah-nulth, non-Native or First Nations from outside the Nuu-chah-nulth community.
“The NTC is very pleased with the support we have been receiving from outside business and organizations. We are honored we can work in partnership with the local communities. This demonstrates a true commitment to resolving the illegal killing of Elk in Nuu-chah-nulth territory. These contributions to increase the reward will definitely assist in getting an arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this useless and unforgivable killing of the elk within our traditional territory. Justice will prevail,” she said.
Foxcroft said she was proud of Nuu-chah-nulth Nations for taking their responsibilities seriously in the stewardship of the resource.
Sgt. Ben York with the Conservation Officer Service said there have been dozens of tips called in and they have determined there are a number of people who have been involved in the killings.
“Many of those tips have helped to focus the various investigations currently under way. We hope this increased reward amount brings more information forward, as well as demonstrate to the perpetrators that everyone is against their actions. The Conservation Officer Service remains confident that we will apprehend these poachers with the continued support of our local communities.
“We will get you,” he said.
Tseshaht First Nations Chief Hugh Braker said he appreciated the people who had so far come forward with information, congratulating them on their courage. If there are others who may be afraid to come forward, Braker assures them Tseshaht will stand beside you.
“Tseshaht remains committed to finding those responsible for the disgusting slaughter of elk west of Port Alberni and the abandonment of most of the meat,” he said. “We are happy other organizations have joined in our commitment to help find those responsible. Ultimately, a thriving and healthy elk population will benefit all people on Vancouver Island and not just the First Nations people.”
