Chipewyan hunting, scientific research and state conservation of the barren-ground caribou, 1940-1970
Date
1995
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
ORCID
Type
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
This study examined the actions of the scientific community in
their role as advisors to the state on caribou conservation policy
initiatives, and the reaction of the Aboriginal people to the
restrictions imposed on their basic resource. The study is an
interpretation of evidence found in the files of the National Archives
of Canada.
A case study of the Chipewyan caribou user group and another
case study of the Beverly and Kaminuriak Barren-ground Caribou
herds were done. Second, an examination of the relevant records
from a variety of government departments in the National Archives
of Canada was pursued. Special emphasis was placed on an analysis
of the records of the Canadian Wildlife Service during the period
1940 to 1970.
The study found that biologists of the Canadian Wildlife
Service recommended hunting restrictions based on flawed
evidence. Policy makers used that evidence to further their longterm
goal of assimilating Aboriginal people into the larger southern
oriented wage economy. Aboriginal people resisted hunting
restrictions by non-compliance, and by protest. The study concludes
that to the dominant special interest groups conservation of the
caribou was more important than the preservation of the Chipewyan
traditional culture.
Description
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Degree
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Department
Native Studies
Program
Native Studies