Carverk...... you seem to be missing the point many of us are trying to make.....
This is not about FN as a race IMOP....... and I absolutely agree that there are bad apples of all races and creeds among us.....
I will also submit that, if there were no poaching laws and stiff penalties, non aboriginal Canadians would have likely wiped most species off of the map by now......
What I am saying, is that we keep our bad apples in check using tough laws, heavy fines, confiscation of property etc....
The FN do none of that and allow their bad apples free range...... and crimes against nature such as this one go completely unpunished.....
I hear what you are saying. And understand that.
I wish to convey some information, in the least confrontational way I think I can, given the constraints of how it is hard to get down exactly what you mean, with typed word, on the internet. Since it is not my intent for this to be a confrontational and non-offensive post.
Only a short time ago, I believe in the area of Uclulet, a band ousted their Chief. (http://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/ucluelet-first-nation-chief-removed-by-band-over-elk-poaching-1.2855031) I googled that, for anyone interested. Why? Because of his actions in the regard of taking wildlife in a manner unethical, and unsustainable (in short form). The PEOPLE ousted him. His band members. Do you think this is an isolated , one off, story? Look it up, see what reparations his people demanded of him. It actually made the news.
So many stories, like that, do not.
There's that wide brush again. (the bolded items) That is easy to do. I catch myself doing it at times, as much as I try not to. I think that is within the human nature of all of us.
Somewhere in this thread it was said that no one needs 4 moose. I don't disagree, at all. No
ONE needs 4 moose. But there cold be a valid reason for a hunter to take 4 moose. Let me explain, and as I do, I am NOT implying that it relates to this specific event.
Speaking only about a traditional hunter, in the Cree way, that I have been brought to know. The hunter(s) will go out, only after the appropriate ceremony and prayer, and thanks. Upon a successful hunt, they will harvest their game. (There are certain traditional procedures conducted immediately after the kill). They will bring their game back to the people. They will keep very little, if any, for themselves. Traditionals will harvest wild meat, as it is part of what gives long life. It is also important not to take, without making an offering, prior.
Feasts happen often, in the (traditional) culture. Leaders, warriors, hunters, and the types, gain that status (traditionally) by
taking care of their people. Such as when we recently laid my kokum to rest. The family fed all the people that came (and there was many, from all over Canada. She was traditional. Yes, there was a traditional hunt, for the traditional foods offered, at the ceremony. (This is what the treaties protect)
The hunters that are subject of this thread, are not likely traditionals. We would consider the 4 moose as "pets". Not wild. Not appropriate to take, at any time.
But bottom line, there are bands that are trying to get back to these traditional ways. That does mean that they are going to only hunt with bows, arrows, and spears, and ride horses. The hits on technological advancement in this thread, have no merit. No demographic should be relegated to live in the dark ages.
The damage done while colonialists tried and failed; first to wipe out the first nations, then failing that, tried residential schools to destroy the culture. That failed, also. That happened over a period of many years, and generations. There used to be law lodges, when the culture was strong, to deal with things just like in this thread; the tribal people that had gone astray. The traditional way dealt with issues exactly like this within the band.
And now, as can be read in this thread, people want the first nations to go back to their traditional ways. Well, there are very few traditionals left. The ones I know are putting everything they are, into trying to get back that way of life. Enough roadblocks were thrown in their way, over many years. But it will take time. Likely as much time as was spent in the effort to subjugate them.
Seems to me that the cries for First Nations self-government have been denied, for years, decades, if not more. Denied by the same people who want the First Nations to punish, and reign in their bad apples. So what are they supposed to do (FN)?
You've hit the nail on the head with that.
