Allegations of caribou wastage after hunt meant to vilify First Nations hunters, former lodge owner says

The recent caribou hunts at Nueltin Lake Lodge in northern Manitoba have sparked controversy and raised concerns about vandalism and animal wastage. The former owner of the lodge, Garry Gurke, has expressed disbelief over the allegations and believes that the images of dead fetuses were circulated to paint First Nations hunters in a negative light.

The lodge, now owned by Nick Scigliano, was found vandalized with multiple caribou carcasses, including pregnant cows and fetuses, scattered around the site. While the RCMP initially reported nine carcasses, the Manitoba Wildlife Federation claims there were between 50 to 75 carcasses, some with a significant amount of meat wastage.

The Manitoba Wildlife Federation has condemned the wastage and called for action to prevent such incidents in the future. Treaty-based hunters are exempt from many hunting restrictions but can still be charged for game wastage under Manitoba’s Wildlife Act.

Chief Simon Denechezhe of the Northlands Denesuline First Nation, whose ancestral hunting grounds include the lodge site, expressed deep concern over the reports and emphasized the importance of respecting the caribou and the ecosystem. He condemned any wastage and called for accountability.

The lodge owner, Scigliano, is involved in a legal dispute with Northlands over a treaty land issue in the area. The lawsuit alleges that Scigliano was not properly consulted during the treaty land negotiations and seeks to prevent the transfer of land to the First Nation until he is included in the process.

The tensions between the lodge owner and the First Nation highlight the complexities of land management and conservation in the region. As investigations continue into the caribou hunts and wastage, it is essential to address the underlying issues and work towards a more sustainable and respectful relationship between all parties involved.

The situation at Nueltin Lake Lodge serves as a reminder of the need for collaboration and mutual respect in wildlife management and conservation efforts. It is crucial to uphold traditional values and practices while also ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources for future generations.