Trappers organization formed to address special needs

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Native trapper's have a new organization formed to block threats to their traplines and livelihood in the form of the Native Trapper's Association.

The new group was launched during a meeting at the Bonnyville Canadian Native Friendship Centre organized by the Indian Association of Alberta last month. The IAA has been travelling the province encouraging Native people to join the new group.

More than 30 new members signed up from the area and IAA officials were pleased at the turnout. The association will act as a lobby group to advise, inform and assist its members on issues directly affecting them. In the Lakeland, for example, the major issue is the affect of petroleum development on traplines.

While many of the new members are involved in the Alberta Trapper's Association, it was felt Native concerns needed special focus. The new organization will assist Native trappers in launching and settling compensation claims where oil and gas development has decreased the animal population.

IAA spokesperson Edna Deranger said treaty rights also must be upheld and a lobby and acting group would be more effective collectively than individual complaints.

While a complete tally of members signed up during the membership drive were not available, officials say the number is 'sizable'.

Marcel Piche, former chief of Cold Lake First Nations and Russell Cardinal of Bonnyville were elected as Lakeland representatives for the Native Trapper's Association.