Many Cree and Innu hunters will have to be patient for the winter season: the caribou herd of the Feuilles River, in Nunavik, will be subject to exceptional protection measures, the two neighboring nations recently decreed by communication channel.
Indicators, notably based on the latest aerial census carried out by the government of Quebec, portend a deterioration in general health as well as a decline in the herd population
we can read in a press release published on December 20 by the Cree community of Chisasibi and the affiliated local Association of Cree Trappers (local ATC).
Pending a complete assessment of the health status of the caribou in the region, the Cree authorities have ordered all communities in their nation to significantly reduce
the hunting of this emblematic animal with a maximum of one catch per household.
In addition, any harvest must be reported to theATC local authority of Chisasibi specifying the number of individuals hunted as well as any unusual observations, such as low body mass or abnormal behavior.
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We recognize the vital cultural and livelihood role that caribou play in our communities and understand the challenges these measures can bring. However, given that the health of the herd remains a priority, these actions are necessary for its protection so that future generations can also benefit from it.
The Innu, who have access to this hunting territory under a nation-to-nation agreement with their historic neighbor, share these concerns and also believe that the situation requires intervention.
The Innu nation and its leaders will respect the recommendation of the Crees by refraining from traveling to Cree territory for the 2025 season
we read in a press release dated January 8. We will not support any individual hunting initiatives
specifies the missive.
In 2024, the Innu harvest was limited to 50 caribou from the Rivière aux Feuilles herd, which was already a marked reduction compared to the previous year when the ceiling was established at 300 individuals.
Forest fires as potential causes
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In addition to the disruption of ecosystems on Cree territory, the forest fires of 2023 took away many family chalets in their wake.
Photo: Provided by Nannie Blacksmith
The factors behind the increased precariousness of the Rivière aux Feuilles herd remain unclear in the absence of precise reports. Nevertheless, the Cree authorities have made certain hypotheses, starting with the forest fires of the summer of 2023.
They argue that it is probable that these devastations have impacted reproduction and survival rates by destroying essential grazing areas, disrupting migration routes and reducing animal fitness.
Current excessive hunting practices and the lack of reliable data have also pushed the Cree authorities to act to protect the Rivière aux Feuilles herd.
