Anyone can be an ally in our fight

Page 6

Editorial

The ongoing anti-fur lobby is testimony to the long and often bitter feud between Aboriginal people and conservationists. Whenever the issue of hunting or trapping is discussed groups like the Alberta Wilderness Association protest that trapping is inhumane and Aboriginal hunters accuse conservationists of being overzealous tree huggers.

However, last week Aboriginal groups had to thank the Wilderness Association for its stand against the Alberta government's grazing lease policy which, if plans to sell crown lands had gone ahead, could have seriously jeopardized (if not destroyed) Aboriginal hunting rights on crown lands in Alberta.

Last year, Forestry, Lands and Wildlife minister Don Sparrow introduced a new grazing lease conversion policy which would give leaseholders the option of buying the land they rent. However, this move so angered hunting and conservation groups that the minister froze all sales and ordered a seven member committee to investigate the issue.

The committee held meetings right across the province and many were attended by members of the Wilderness Association, who said they feared the proposed sell-off would threaten wildlife and prevent access to important recreational areas.

Last week, the committee chaired by Tory MLA Jack Campbell, released its report saying the land should not be sold.

Only 23 quarter-sections ? 3,700 acres in all, were sold to leaseholders before the January freeze, which angry farmers are opposing. They are now lobbying for the minister to re-open discussions to sell leased land.

Next spring LeRoy Fjordbotten, the new Forestry, Lands and Wildlife minister, promises to approve or reject the report recommendations. Before the issue surfaces again, our leaders should be ready and united with the Wilderness Association and other conservationist groups to wage a more fortified stand against the giant who threatens Treaty and Aboriginal hunting rights.