YELLOWKNIFE (October 22, 2015) – The  Tłı̨chǫ Government has advised the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) of its decision to not harvest the Bathurst Caribou herd for the 2015/16 hunting season.

“We applaud the Tłı̨chǫ Government for showing strong leadership in dealing with this crisis,” said J. Michael Miltenberger, Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources. “It is a very tough choice that recognizes the need for strong actions to conserve the Bathurst herd for current and future generations.”

The Bathurst caribou herd, almost half a million strong 30 years ago, has declined to about 16,000-22,000 animals. 

“Our Government is determined to support the efforts to help the herd recover,” said Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Eddie Erasmus.  “We have made this difficult choice as an investment in our future and we as a people need to do this. We look forward to close cooperation with the GNWT and the support of the Wek'èezhìi Renewable Resources Board as we develop both short and longer term strategies for the stabilization and eventual recovery of the Bathurst herd.”

Media inquiries:

Giselle Marion
Implementation Facilitator
Tłı̨chǫ Government
Tel: (867) 392-6925
Email: gisellemarion@tlicho.com

Roya Grinsted
Communications Officer
Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 767-9000 ext. 11092
Email: Roya_Grinsted@gov.nt.ca