Decline of the George River caribou herd: the Canadian Boreal Initiative calls for protection of the Caribou Homeland

GEORGE RIVER, QC, Aug. 17, 2012 /CNW/ - Following the Government of Québec's release of the results of a survey conducted this summer on the George River caribou herd population, the Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI) calls for community and government mobilization to ensure its protection.

Yesterday, the Government of Québec confirmed the critical decline in the George River herd, which now numbers about 27,600 individuals, a decrease of more than 60% compared to its status two years ago. Twenty years ago, the herd comprised about 800,000 caribou.

Aboriginal and scientific knowledge each indicate that, in order to recover, the George River herd has retreated to an area dubbed the "Caribou homeland." The Caribou homeland covers approximately 75,000 square kilometres located between Kangiqsuallujuaq, Quebec, and the Torngat and Nain mountains in Labrador.

"CBI is greatly concerned by the decline of the George River herd. While this decline seems to reflect a natural cycle observed over the past 250 years, the latest data show that to ensure the protection and recovery of George migratory caribou, urgent action, both in terms of industry and harvest must be taken by the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal governments of Québec and Labrador," said Suzann Méthot, CBI's Regional Director in Québec.

Ms. Méthot added, "Industrial development in the Caribou homeland, particularly mining and energy development, cannot continue without including measures to drastically reduce their impacts on migratory caribou. Otherwise, we will have to collectively assume responsibility for the extinction of this unique population, which, not so long ago, was the largest caribou population in the world."

"There is great peril in the Caribou homeland," noted Valérie Courtois, Senior Advisor, Aboriginal Affairs, at CBI. "This species is at the heart of the cultural identity of indigenous peoples who have maintained a continuous relationship with the migratory caribou. Their marked decline is likely to have irreversible cultural consequences if concerted action is not taken by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal governments. As an Innu, I believe that leadership on this issue by First Nations is essential."

Aboriginal Northern Seminar

This week, together with about 30 other participants, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, CBI representatives attended the eighth Aboriginal Northern Seminar, organized by the Friends of the Mushuau-Nipi on the George River. It covered the status of the migratory caribou and measures to protect them. Following the seminar, actions will be undertaken by participants to mobilize all Aboriginal nations and the Québec and Newfoundland and Labrador governments to ensure the recovery of the George River herd, as well as maintain the Rivière aux Feuilles herd, which already shows signs of decline similar to that of the George River herd.

About the Canadian Boreal Initiative

The Canadian Boreal Initiative brings together diverse partners to create new solutions for the conservation and sustainable development of the Boreal Forest. It works as a catalyst by supporting on-the-ground efforts across the Boreal various efforts by Governments, industry, Aboriginal nations, conservation organizations, major retailers, financial institutions and scientists.

SOURCE: Canadian Boreal Initiative

Suzann Méthot, Regional Director - Québec, Canadian Boreal Initiative
Cell:  [phone] / [email protected]

Valérie Courtois, Senior Advisor, Aboriginal Affairs - Canadian Boreal Initiative
Cell:  [phone] / [email protected]