Summary
In 1919 the Department of Indian Affairs released a statement indicating that provincial game regulation laws would pertain to all Indians other than those signatories on Treaty 8. The provincial regulation included the employment of “game guardians” who were meant to discourage subsistence or commercial trapping.
Implications
This decision undermined Aboriginal traditional subsistence patterns and impeded their survival and prosperity. In addition, cultural transmission would be severely hindered - trapping, while being an economic activity is a cultural one. This way of living was passed down from father to son. In doing so, not only could an occupation be passed down, but so could values and knowledge. These statements are confirmed by Franklin Carriere who stated that "I'm a hunter, hey, and I was working for my dad. He had a tourist camp at that time. So I guided for my dad and we fished guiding. And he said 'okay we are going trapping...'" Another personal interview, Daniel Daigneault, stated that his father had taken him out of school so he could be taught how to trap.
Sub Event
Department of Indian Affairs Public Notice
Resources
Date
1919-00-00
Community
Theme(s)