The Soda Creek Indian Band (SCIB) is proud to support the Cow Moose Sign Project by providing billboard space in partnership with the project, says Kukpi7 (Chief) Sheri Sellars.
“Xatśūll – Cmetēm strongly opposes the recent increases in moose hunting, especially the antlerless moose hunt. Declining moose populations affect our traditional rights. Revitalizing moose populations is crucial for current and future generations, as well as the ecological balance in our traditional territory. We absolutely support Cow Moose Sign Project. ”
SCIB is part of the Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw (NStQ) and Northern Shuswap Tribal Council (NSTC) who announced their opposition to the increase in tags at the end of August.
Stswecem’c Xgat’tem Chief Patrick Harry and NSTC spokesperson voiced his concern at the time.
“Increasing moose tags, especially antlerless, goes against our Secwepemc values and ongoing efforts of our nations. Some of our communities have made the difficult decision to restrict our own citizen’s Rights to Hunt by placing bans on the cow moose hunt and any additions to the antlerless moose LEH will put us in conflict and make it more difficult to uphold our own policies.”
Cow Moose Sign Project founder Dan Simmons says the support means a lot.
“We’re doing our best to try to get the government to overturn their stupid decision on these antlerless moose tags. We’re going to stay in this as long as we can and try to overturn it.”
In total 27 First Nations have signed in opposition, says Simmons.
“We’re just trying to get our moose population back.”
Simmons thanked the Soda Creek Band, the Chief and everyone involved with the project.
Sellars says that she hopes increased signage and pressure from fellow First Nations will lead to better moose management.
Xatśūll – Cmetēm supports Cow Moose Sign Project (PDF)
