Controversy rages over sheep slaughter

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A Calgary biologist is calling for the restriction of Treaty hunting rights after the slaughter of a herd of big sheep near Rocky Mountain House in September.

Brian Horejsi, a biologist with the Alberta Wilderness Association, a conservation group, says Treaty Indians have abused their right to hunt.

Treaty Indians "should abide by the same hunting regulations as the rest of society." Horejsi points out that when the treaties were signed a hundred years ago little thought was given to conservation.

However, Gregg Smith, president of the Indian Association says Horesji is reacting to an incident that has been blamed on Indian people.

"According to reports the slaughter was carried out by Indians from Morley . . . but why haven't there been any charges laid? It is not proven that we have abused our rights." According to a report by Red Deer lawyer and newspaper columnist Bob Scammell, the slaughter took place "on or around Sept. 21 or 23" at a lodge near a point where the Panther River joins the Red Deer River.

"A group of Indians drove onto lodge property and opened fire on animals . . . when the lodge occupants protested, the Indians just moved upstream and continued the barrage from the road. Most of the shooting was done by kids, encouraged by laughing old men," writes Scammell.

The report adds that about 24 animals were taken by the men and that these people have identified themselves as Stoney Indians from Morley.

But Smith says that if this incident happened as Scammell reports several laws were contravened.

There were supposed to be young boys shooting guns, that would clearly be illegal . . . also using a firearm in a dangerous manner that might harm people at the lodge would also be illegal . . . again why have no charges been laid?"

Chief John Snow of the Stoney band says he has investigated the incident and denies that Stoney Indians were involved in the incident.

Ron Hanson, Native Liaison officer with Alberta Forestry, Lands and Wildlife agrees with Smith saying that although Treaty Indians can hunt at any time on unoccupied crown land, and do not need licenses to shoot most animals, they must still adhere to basic safety regulations.

"Just like the general public they cannot shoot from a car on the highway and they cannot use a firearm in an unsafe manner," he said.

Hanson agreed that the slaughter incident appeared too contravene several restrictions, however, he added he had "no idea" why no charges have been pressed.

Smith has met with Horesji and told the biologist that the real issue is wildlife management.

"The great European hunter brings American hunters up here for big trophy animals and the government condones that . . . yet one isolated incident and these people are calling for an end to our rights," he said.

Smith would like to see more control over wildlife by Aboriginal people that could lead to economic