MI Indian Tribal Leaders Give Their Response to the Recent Wolf Hunt Approval

 

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Challenges.

LANSING, MICHIGAN – To the angst of several Michigan Indian tribal leaders, the Michigan Natural Resources Commission last Thursday approved a limited public wolf harvest in three distinct regions of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

The Gray Wolf

The decision followed a process of dedicated conversation with the public and experts, along with a thorough review of the pertinent science, according to a news release issued by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

“The recovery of Michigan' wolf population has been a remarkable success story,”

said Natural Resources Commission Chairman J.R. Richardson.

“Today's decision by the NRC supports ongoing scientific management of this game species, just as voters intended when by an overwhelming margin they approved Proposal G in 1996.”

Native Protesters outside the Michigan capitol earlier this year.

 

The commission adopted the regulations during its regular monthly meeting, held in Roscommon. The regulations establish a limited harvest of 43 wolves in three areas of the Upper Peninsula where wolf/human conflicts, including depredation of livestock and pets and human safety concerns, have been persistent despite employing a number of control measures.

The reactions by three tribal leaders were swift to proclaim their displeasure to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission's action:

Reaction by Tribal Chairman Aaron Payment, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians:

I am deeply disturbed by the Michigan legislature enacting legislation that is NOT based on science and the manner in which this legislation barreled down a path through a one party house, senate and governorship.

At our recent State Tribal Accord meeting between the Governor and all 12 Michigan tribes, I cautioned the governor to not sign the bill given our culture, science, and conservation concerns. I specifically said, "The legislature may ignore the 60,000 or so indigenous people of Michigan, but Governor, please don't ignore the 225,000 Michigan citizens who signed the referendum."

The State-Tribal Accord was set up to facilitate better government to government relations. I have tried repeatedly to get a meeting with the Governor to share our concerns. At this point, I am questioning the wisdom of my participation in an Accord where our input is not sought nor included and decisions that affect our shared resources are made unilaterally.

Reaction by Tribal Councilor Belinda Bardwell, Little Bay Bands of Odawa Indians:

As a tribal leader AND voter in the state of Michigan, I am completely in awe of the shear disregard to treaty rights, compact agreements, science, and the voice of over 200 thousand REGISTERED voters our governor and lawmakers could have. One should question their agenda when policies and laws are passed with such swiftness and callousness.

Reaction from former Tribal Chairman Derek Bailey, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians:

Michigan made a rash political decision that is not supported by sound science, nor does it comply with the state's own management plan upon which the federal "de-listing" was premised. Compared to Minnesota and Wisconsin, very few predation incidents have been documented in Michigan and a process already exists for targeted elimination of these animals. The hunt authorized by the Michigan Natural Resource Commission is extremely risky to the sustainability of this important species, especially considering that two years ago these wolves were still designated as an endangered species.

Source: Native News Network