Charges have been laid in the case of an Elk kill in Nuu-chah-nulth territory, the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council reported in a press statement Aug. 20.
Court documents show that “Jack, Timothy Wilson” appeared in provincial court in Port Alberni Aug. 5 to enter a plea on two charges under the wildlife act that stem from the period between Nov. 1, 2013 and Dec. 31, 2013.
Mr. Jack is accused of hunting wildlife not within an open season, and possessing dead wildlife or part of any wildlife without authority under a license or permit or as provided by regulation.
The matter was held over so that the accused could consult with a lawyer. Jack’s next court appearance is Sept. 2. Jack is a citizen of the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Nation.
The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council released the following statement in response to learning of the charges.
The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council is gratified to learn that progress has been made in investigating the illegal slaughter of Roosevelt Elk in Nuu-chah-nulth territory, and that charges have been brought against an individual.
NTC respects the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government for pursuing the charges and thanks Conservation Service Officers for acting at the behest of Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ.
As the matter is now before the courts, NTC will not be commenting on the specifics of the case, and will allow the legal process to unfold and the court to make its determination. We are hopeful, however, that as awareness grows about the court proceedings, it will help discourage illegal Elk kills in the future.
NTC wants to remind the public that the investigation into all other illegal Elk kills in the territory remains open. NTC encourages others who have information about Elk being illegally killed to come forward and call the Report All Poachers and Polluters Tip Line at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277).
Nuu-chah-nulth Nations are committed to protecting and conserving the wildlife and fisheries resources in their territories. They are committed to working with BC Conservation officers to apprehend and prosecute the individual or individuals responsible for these illegal and unauthorized Elk kills no matter who they are or what community they come from.
The Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government also released a statement Aug. 20. It reads:
The Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government, as a treaty First Nation, believes in and upholds the rule of law. An individual that breaks any law, including a Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ citizen and regardless of their position in the community or government, must be held accountable and face justice without favour or special treatment.
Recognizing that aboriginal people are disproportionately represented in the justice system, the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government also believes in and supports justice that seeks to rectify this inequity, the statement reads.
In cases involving an aboriginal individual and where appropriate, it is the preference of the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government that restorative, culturally sensitive and healing justice be utilized to reinstate that individual as a contributing member in their community.
