NAIN, NL, Sept. 27, 2013 /CNW/ - The Aboriginal Roundtable is pleased to report that their third meeting in Nain yielded productive discussions on key actions towards the conservation and preservation of the caribou. Following the initial two meetings, the participants of the Roundtable have made significant progress in understanding one another, their respective needs and their relationship with the caribou.
A tremendous amount of respect and trust has been achieved through frank and open discussions around the table. All nations and aboriginal governments are committed to sacrifices aimed at ensuring the survival of Ungava caribou, in particular for the George River herd. The discussions included adopting Terms of Reference for the functioning of the Roundtable as well as actions towards the conservation and preservation of the caribou of the Ungava Peninsula, including the George River, Leaf River and Torngat Mountain herds on which all nations of the Roundtable depend.
"The deep respect and unity demonstrated by all around the table is impressive, it is the strength of the table and we are hopeful for the future of Ungava Peninsula Caribou", says Sarah Leo, President of Nunatisiavut and co-chair of the Round Table.
These commitments will be expressed through the development of a conservation plan that will be based on preserving the respect and our relationship with the caribou. The plan will address aboriginal cultural values, scientific and aboriginal knowledge, harvesting, monitoring, food security, habitat conservation, education and awareness; the responsibility we all have towards the caribou. The Roundtable is also exploring ways to meet food security while ensuring cultural and spiritual needs are maintained. The technical committee has been mandated to deposit a first version of the plan for the next meeting in April.
"We have made great progress since first coming together of the round table, considering the many views and opinions around the table, the progress is incredible and most importantly it is built on consensus and genuine trust," concluded Adamie Delisle Alaku of the Makivik Corporation and co-chair of the Round Table.
About the Ungava Peninsula Caribou Aboriginal Round Table
The Ungava Caribou Aboriginal Round Table membership is: the Inuit of Nunavik, the Inuit of Nunatsiavut, the NunatuKavut Community Council, the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach, the Grand Council of the Crees of Eeyou Istchee/Cree Regional Authority (GCCEI/CRA), the Innu Nation of Labrador and all the Innu communities from the Québec region. The Round Table will be developing a website in the near future.
Image with caption: "Participants of the Ungava Peninsula Caribou Aboriginal Round Table in Nain, Labrador. (CNW Group/Ungava Peninsula Caribou Aboriginal Round Table)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130927_C5216_PHOTO_EN_31466.jpg
SOURCE: Ungava Peninsula Caribou Aboriginal Round Table
Sarah Leo, Co-Chair (709) 922-2942
Adamie Delisle Alaku, Co-Chair (819) 964-2925
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