BQCMB Meeting #87 April 30-May 2, 2019 CanadInn Polo Park, Winnipeg, MB

CONFIDENTIAL AND FOR BOARD USE ONLY - NOT FOR CIRCULATION

BQCMB Members and Alternates: Jan Adamczewski (Government of NWT); Stanley Adjuk (Kivalliq Region Nunavut Communities); Erik Allain (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada); Ernie Bussidor (Northern Manitoba Communities – Alternate); Joe Dantouze (Northern Manitoba Communities - Alternate); Napoleon Denechezhe (Northern Manitoba Communities); Simon Enuapik (Kivalliq Region Nunavut Communities); Earl Evans (South Slave Region NWT Communities and BQCMB Chair); Daryll Hedman (Manitoba Government); Jennifer Jonasson (Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation); Jimmy Laban (Northern Saskatchewan Communities); Vicki Trim (Manitoba Government - Alternate); Tim Trottier (Government of Saskatchewan)

Regrets:) Geoff Bussidor (Northern Manitoba Communities); Mitch Campbell (Government of Nunavut); Dean Cluff (Government of NWT)

Presenters/Guests: Maria Arlt (MB Sustainable Development); Dennis Brannen (MB Sustainable Development); Derek Cook (North of 60); Dr. Vince Crichton; Tagak Curley (Kivalliq Inuit Association); Saleem Dar (Environment Canada – Canadian Wildlife Service, ECCC-CWS); Bert Dean (Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.); Chief Simon Denechezhe (Northlands Dene First Nation); Wendy Eskowich (ECCC-CWS); David Fisher (The Lodge at Little Duck); Tim Flett (Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation); Nicole Firlotte (MB Sustainable Development); Tina Giroux (Athabasca Dënesuliné Ne Ne Land Corp.); Joe Hyslop (Northlands Dene First Nation); Andrew Isaloke (Fond du Lac First Nation); Brian Joynt (MB Wildlife Branch); Brian Kotak (Manitoba Wildlife Federation); Keri McFarlane (ECCC-CWS); Freddy Marcel (Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation); Raymond Mercer (Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.); Chief Louie Mercredi (Fond du Lac First Nation); Robert Moshenko (Nunavik Marine Region Wildlife Board); Hugh Nateela (Baker Lake Hunters and Trappers Organization (HTO); Qovik Netser (Kivalliq Wildlife Board); Mira Oberman (Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) – MB Chapter); Paula Pacholek (ECCC-CWS); Ken Rebizant (MB Sustainable Development); Kyle Ritchie (Nunavut Wildlife Management Board); Dan Shewchuk (Nunavut Wildlife Management Board); Ron Thiessen (CPAWS MB); Augustine Tsannie, (Northlands Dene First Nation); Lisa Tssessaze (Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation); Modeste Tssessaze (Lac Brochet); Ashley Veville (Northlands Dene First Nation)

Staff: Ross Thompson (Executive Director); Leslie Wakelyn (Contract Biologist); Lynne Bereza (Contract Communications Coordinator)

Abbreviations:

ACFN – Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation ADNLC – Athabasca Denesuline Né Né Land Corporation CIRNAC – Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada CPAWS – Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society ECCC-CWS - Environment and Climate Change Canada – Canadian Wildlife Service GN – Government of Nunavut GNWT – Government of NWT HTOs – Hunters and Trappers Organizations (NU) NGMP – Nunavut General Monitoring Plan NTI – Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated NWMB – Nunavut Wildlife Management Board

1 NWTMN – Northwest Territories Metis Nation NWT-CMA – Northwest Territories – Conference of Management Authorities NWT-SAR – Northwest Territories – Species-at-Risk MB-SD – Manitoba Sustainable Development SK-ENV – Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment KIA – Kivalliq Inuit Association KWB – Kivalliq Wildlife Board WWF-Canada – World Wildlife Fund Canada

2 BQCMB Board Only, April 30, 2019 Opening Prayer: J. Laban

Board Administration:

Review of Agenda (see Appendix 1)

Motion: that the agenda be adopted as amended Moved: E. Evans Seconded: E. Bussidor Carried

Note: action items and motions from this meeting are listed in Appendix 2.

Review of November, 2018 Minutes

Motion: that the November 2018 minutes be adopted. Moved: J. Laban Seconded: T. Trottier Carried.

Business and Actions Arising from Minutes L. Wakelyn reviewed the list of action items from the November 2018 meeting.

BQCMB Appointment Updates

Review of Action Items not covered by Agenda Items

#2 – Nap will follow-up with Pierre Bernier re: culture camp #3 –Community reps from Nunavut have not yet been formally appointed. The alternates for CIRNAC and GN have not yet been appointed. There is also no alternate for Lutsel K’e appointed. SK appointments were confirmed at November’s meeting. #20 – L. Wakelyn provided an update on the proposed letter to the federal government concerning their position on protection of the Porcupine caribou herd’s calving grounds in Alaska compared to their position against calving ground protection in NU. Following discussion and explanation of why there was a delay, it was decided to proceed with drafting a letter for board review and submission before the next board meeting.

Action: E. Allain will look into Board appointments for CIRNAC. Action: N. Deneschezhe will follow-up with Pierre Bernier re: culture camp. Action: R. Thompson will follow-up with GN and GNWT concerning alternate appointments.

Members also reviewed the list of Motions from the fall 2018 meeting.

2019/20 Proposed Budget – Appendix 3 The Board reviewed the 2019/20 proposed budget. Highlights: • All parties have committed the full amount, including Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Invoices were sent in early April to the 5 government parties for full 2019-20 payments ($25K each). The Board received the back-payment from Gov. SK 2

3 weeks after a BQCMB conference call with the DM, so the meeting was effective. • Amounts from WWF, NGMP, and NWT-SAR are to be determined although preliminary approval for these payments has been confirmed. • Cash flow arrears of $10K is owed by Gov. MB. • Travel/board meeting income has been increased to facilitate a fall 2019 meeting in Arviat/Rankin Inlet. This was made possible because of additional funding from CIRNAC in 2018-19. • There is more money in community/promo outside of On-The-Land-Camps. • Clarification was provided that FWDF is from the SK Fish and Wildlife Development Fund for a poster contest. • There is a modest increase in the Board chair stipend. • There is increased funding under Contract Support. • Regarding future agreements, J. Adamczewski pointed out inflation and cost increased should be considered when negotiations occur. L. Wakelyn noted this has occurred in the past – the contributions increased from $10-$15K/year in 2000 (after 18 years) and from $15k/year to $25k/year in 2012 due to inflation and increased costs. R. Thompson pointed out the agreement also states in addition to the contribution signatories are supposed to cover the costs of board members to attend board meetings. Board members also suggested the BQCMB is under-funded compared to other similar boards (e.g., Porcupine Caribou Management Board). • L. Wakelyn pointed out the positive budget is in large part due to the additional year-end funding of $50K from CIRNAC. R. Thompson also reviewed the transaction report from these additional funds. • J. Adamczewski pointed out it is very difficult for the Board to operate always having to scramble for additional funds. The normal operating costs should always be covered with the regular annual funding.

Motion: To accept the proposed 2019/20 budget Moved: J.Laban Seconded: E. Bussidor CARRIED

New Members • L. Bereza provided new members Simon Enuapik from Whale Cove NU and Jennifer Jonasson from Lutsel K’e with Board Member Orientation Guides.

Action: L. Bereza to send digital Board Member Orientation Guide to J. Adamczewski or other GNWT alternate appointee.

Correspondence R. Thompson reviewed the major Board correspondence since May: • Letter from Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) requesting membership on the BQCMB. o The Board discussed how community members are appointed currently, and that representation is at the regional, not community level. It was noted the whole agreement/process would have to be looked at.

Action: R. Thompson to respond in writing to ACFN letter requesting board membership.

• Letter to Dr. Philip McLoughlin re: his request for BQCMB support for research proposal. L. Wakelyn reviewed the Board’s decision that the lack of community consultation made the proposal unacceptable to the BQCMB. The BQCMB’s letter also included an attachment describing the Northern Contaminants Program’s Community Engagement process, which is in contrast to Dr. McLoughlin’s “talk to people later” approach.

4 Action: R. Thompson to send a letter to David Mech asking if he can help the BQCMB out regarding a presentation and discussion on the relationship of wolves and caribou at a future meeting. Action: R. Thompson to send a letter to MB Minister thanking her for attending the spring 2019 meeting. Conference Call with the Saskatchewan Deputy Minister of Environment • E. Evans reviewed the meeting with the Saskatchewan Deputy Minister of Environment, Lin Gallagher. The Board reviewed the minutes of the meeting and the follow-up letter sent to the DM. • R. Thompson stated that an invoice was sent directly to the DM after the conference call and she made sure that it was paid immediately. • It was pointed out that some SK members have paid their own way to attend meetings (J. Laban has had two BQCMB meetings paid for by his Band.) and others (such as D. Larocque) have not been funded at all to attend.

Future Meetings A proposal for a Fall 2019 meeting in Arviat Nunavut in conjunction with a proposed caribou workshop was discussed. The Board reviewed a Community Engagement Form submitted by the BQCMB to describe how the Board will combine its meeting with a three-day Caribou Workshop in Arviat being planned by Mary Gamberg, a northern contaminants researcher, GN-DOE and others. Funding approval for the Northern Contaminants Program (NCP) is expected by the end of April 2019.

Access to hotel space was discussed as well. Arviat has only two hotels and only one with boardroom; most of October is already booked.

The Board discussed whether, if the NCP does not get funding, the BQCMB meeting should be held in Rankin Inlet instead, as well as the logistics of both options. KWB members S. Adjuk and S. Enuapik recommended Rankin as being easier to get to, but that an Arviat meeting would be more community-oriented.

R. Thompson suggested scheduling the meeting and asking Mary Gamberg to work around that date. Mary has indicated flexibility.

Action: Leslie will talk to M. Gamberg and M. Campbell re: meeting locations in Arviat and board suggested dates of October 29-31 or November 5-7. The Board will revisit Thursday morning.

2022-2032 BQCMB Agreement R. Thompson discussed the need to prepare strategy for negotiations for the 2022-2032 Agreement.

L. Wakelyn noted that in 2000, two years prior to expiration of the previous agreement, former BQCMB Secretary- Treasurer G. Abrahamson wrote a letter to all parties asking for an agreement ‘in principle’.

T. Trottier noted that for the 1992-2002 agreement there was a perceived budget crunch across Canada, so the Board asked for reduced funding ($13.5K rather than $15k). He also noted there was an additional federal government member (Environment Canada) contributing at that time (prior to the creation of Nunavut), for a total of 5 government parties.

J. Adamczewski suggested including the proposed federal assessment of barren-ground caribou as a species at risk (SAR) will mean existing boards and knowledge bases like the BQCMB, with Management Plans and coordination mechanism already in place, will enhance and support the federal recovery planning process.

L. Wakelyn noted the language used should emphasize the ‘value’ of the Board going forward. E. Allain agreed and

5 added governments want to know they are getting value for the money they are putting into the Board.

T. Trottier suggested specifying the consequences of not receiving funding should be noted, and that the Board should develop an alternate way forward if governments will not continue to provide support beyond 2022.

Action: L. Bereza will draft a letter briefly outlining the Board’s major accomplishments and highlighting its uniqueness and value, for Board review and submission to government parties with a request for agreement in principle.

Motion: That the Board send a letter, before the fall 2019 BQCMB meeting, to the five signatories seeking their agreement in principle to proceed on developing a new 10-year Agreement. Moved: J. Laban Seconded: E. Evans Carried Unanimously

The Board also discussed potential changes to the Agreement, including: 1. The option for jurisdictions to provide “in-kind” support should be omitted 2. Should more members per region be included? - Should regional representation be continued or should individual communities be represented? - Could membership be reviewed periodically to allow for rotation of appointments among communities within a region? - Could the approach vary between jurisdictions? 3. Should an additional federal rep be added given the federal SAR assessment? 4. Should the Board ask for funding up front to pay for members to attend meetings; rather than be at the mercy of jurisdictional approval for each meeting? 5. Should the Board ask for a larger operating budget? 6. Are there other organizations (ex: PAGC) that would be interested in participating? 7. Would revising membership require consultation with all signatories to ensure fairness? 8. Should the language be revised to allow the regional organizations to recommend any changes to community representation?

BQCMB Operating Procedures

R. Thompson reviewed the main proposed changes/updates to the BQCMB Operating Procedures, including: - delete 3-year term for Chair - delete option for Parties to provide in-kind contributions instead of cash - delete reference to formal exchange of information with NWMB.

Appendix 2 needs to be updated to reflect what is currently in the Management Plan. L. Wakelyn reviewed the major changes to be made.

E. Bussidor noted exploration near the calving grounds needs to stop and asked about limits for caribou intake at the Rankin Inlet meat plant. S. Enuapik stated there is an annual limit of 500 caribou they can accept.

J. Laban attended a meeting where it was recommended that no tags for sport hunters should be allowed until caribou populations come up. His community recommended a 10-year pause on permitting exploration activities and sports hunters to protect caribou.

6

D. Hedman suggested with herds declining, the Operating Procedures should include some of the examples of cumulative effects, not only focus on harvest issues.

J. Adamczewski used the example of the Bathurst herd, which went from being an unmanaged herd with unrestricted harvest to being almost gone, and a similar situation exists for Baffin Island caribou. A proactive approach with the Beverly herd may be needed before it is too late, as it is the only NWT herd with an unrestricted harvest

E. Evans noted the BQCMB is caught in the middle of governments providing money to conserve caribou and territorial governments trying to pass bills to fast-track permits. What used to take years now takes months. He noted the GNWT and GN are trying to fast-track an all-season road (Slave Geological Province Road) from Yellowknife all the way to the arctic coast, strictly for mineral exploration. This is creating a mixed message around caribou.

J. Jonasson noted a recent monitoring report from Lutsel K’e observed hundreds of caribou daily staying in one area because of the height of the ice road berm. Hunters with huge trailers that can haul many caribou were also observed, as well as wastage of caribou.

R. Thompson – suggested updating “The Current Situation” part of the Operating Procedures with 2019 information and then referring to the Management Plan guidelines in terms of recommended allocations, using the most conservative harvest level (2-3% of the total population estimate). L. Wakelyn noted that to cope with the uncertainty in the population estimate usually a low-high range is used, which is referred to as the “confidence interval” within which the true population value lies.

Quorum discussion: Eight (8) members are normally a quorum. There are times when members are unable to attend meetings. When this occurs they may be represented by a replacement with prior notification to the Executive Director.

New information on the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Herds

L. Wakelyn reported on behalf of GN-DOE that the current size of the Beverly herd has been estimated, based on 2018 surveys, to be about 103,400, which is 24% less than the 2011 estimate. She reported that M. Campbell had provided a presentation that she would give on his behalf during the public part of the meeting.

J. Adamczewski noted monitoring of caribou on the ice roads continues to be a concern. In the N. Slave region there is a “mobile no harvest zone” to protect the Bathurst herd, which has deflected some Indigenous hunters to go east on the ice roads to harvest other herds, including the Beverly herd. B. Croft estimated 2,200 harvested but that is likely conservative. E. Evans noted that this does not include hunters that pass the check stations at night.

D. Hedman noted drugs are a huge problem, in terms of hunters shooting animals and selling them for drugs or drug money. Drug and alcohol use by hunters is also a problem.

Various members noted traditional knowledge and protocols are not being followed, prompting discussion on the potential for another caribou summit similar to the one the BQCMB held in 2010.

Action: The Board will revisit the idea of a BQCMB caribou workshop – possibly fall 2020 in Thompson or Winnipeg.

7 BQ Management Plan Implementation

L. Wakelyn reviewed the actions identified in the Management Plan that were previously selected by the Board as highest priorities. She asked the Board to select the next priorities before the end of the meeting by choosing 1-3 actions from a list she provided, and she would collate all input from board members to identify the next highest priority actions to provide direction for staff.

Action: That L. Wakelyn discuss with M. Campbell the possibility of the Board passing a Motion calling for the next Qamanirjuaq herd survey to take place in 2020 and a Beverly survey in 2021.

8 Board and Invited Guests, May 1, 2019

Opening Prayer: J. Jonasson

GN-DOE Caribou Monitoring Results - Beverly Caribou L. Wakelyn gave a presentation provided by M. Campbell that described recent surveys and results, including the June 2018 Beverly calving ground survey and analyses. Board members and guests were informed the results are still confidential pending formal reporting to the Kivalliq HTOs and release of a written GN report.

Total herd estimate – 103,400 (2018) Previous estimates were 136,600 (2011) and 276,000 animals (1994).

The 2018 estimate includes Adelaide Peninsula animals, which previously weren’t included. GN is 95% confident that the true population size in 2018 was between about 93,700 and 114,100. These numbers represent a decline of 24% since 2011, or a 4-5% decline per year. The number of adult females on the Beverly calving ground had also decreased from about 88,000 (2011) down to 61,000 (2018)

It was noted that survey results are much more precise than in the past due to the double-observer method now being used, the increased efforts to reduce the size of the confidence interval, and the use of satellite collars.

A discussion regarding overlap of range use by different herds also took place. It was also recognized that while some people on the land observe more animals from year to year others observe less, so the population estimates determined through surveys are the most accurate measure available.

Manitoba Minister’s Visit The Honourable Rochelle Squires, Manitoba Minister of Sustainable Development, brought greetings to the meeting. She was welcomed by the Dene Drummers from Lac Brochet First Nation, Manitoba, who were introduced by E. Bussidor. The Minister presented a cheque to Chair Evans, representing the balance owed of 2018/19 funding commitments. She also committed to be a full funding partner with the BQCMB going forward. She stressed that the Govt. of MB really values the work done by the Board and staff, that they are hoping to learn from the BQCMB and move toward an era of shared management for caribou and other wildlife species in MB.

GNWT-ENR Caribou Monitoring Results and Plans

J. Adamczewski, GNWT-ENR, made a presentation on Beverly Caribou collars and recent range use to 2018.

E. Evans raised the issue of the impacts of winter roads on caribou. He invited J. Jonasson to describe some results of a monitoring program conducted b LKDFN near the ice road to the Gahcho Kue mine northwest of Lutsel K’e, NWT. Observations included seeing 300-500 caribou daily, staying in one area because of the ice road berm. Also observed were several hunters with huge trailers that can haul many caribou, and wastage of caribou.

BQCMB Communication Projects The Board heard about two new products created with additional CIRNAC funding in the 2018/19 BQCMB budget – an updated BQCMB website and a new video. The website has undergone significant updates and enhancements, while the video will be a valuable tool leading up to negotiation of the next BQCMB 10-year agreement.

9 Education Projects Plans for upcoming fall 2019 poster and prose contests were presented. These will be held in NWT BQ range schools (with funding from NWT-SAR) and in Saskatchewan BQ range schools (with funding from the Saskatchewan Fish and Wildlife Development Fund).

Promotions Board members received a supply of new BQ hats purchased with part of the additional CIRNAC funds. Board members were asked to use these hats as a promotional tool.

On the Land Program ADNLC presented an overview of an elder and youth caribou culture camp at Fraser Lake NWT. A story about this camp will be included in the Spring/Summer 2019 issue of ‘Caribou News in Brief’.

Species at Risk Status for Barren-ground caribou - Proposed Federal Threatened Listing

Athabasca Denesuline Regional Caribou Workshop T. Giroux provided an overview of a workshop that occurred thanks in part to funding provided by ECCC due to the proposed federal SAR listing. This was in response to a consistent message heard by ECCC that there was a need for a workshop to discuss this amongst Denesuline people. Over 180 delegates came from Fond du Lac, Black Lake, Hatchet Lake, Northlands, and Sayisi Dene First Nations, as well as Prince Albert Grand Council and Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations leadership.

Discussions included the following issues:

Impacts to Denesuline: • How are we to survive if we don’t have caribou to hunt? • Barrenground caribou are important to the Denesuline • If there is no caribou, there will be no Denesuline. • We will not survive. • Cultural genocide.

Impacts to caribou: • Mining & exploration • Roads/barriers • Forest fires/habitat • Sport hunting/commercial • Climate change • Protection of water • Traditional hunting practices • Government

What can we do? 1. It needs to come from the people. We must come together and speak the truth. We must include everyone, especially the Elders, and the young generation. 2. We must develop protocols and follow them 3. Habitat protection

10 4. Gather as much information as possible, consultations 5. Review of “let it burn” policy 6. Denesuline need to drum, it is part of healing/wisdom 7. Need a resolution to work on this.

A resolution was carried at the meeting:

Therefore be it resolved that the Denesuline Ne Ne Land Corporation identify funding and work with the communities to develop an Athabasca Denesuline specific barrenground caribou management plan framework to address the decline of the populations and to provide traditional and modern solutions in moving forward.

The Athabasca Denesuline were undecided about the current listing proposal. The general consensus was that a SAR listing of barren-ground caribou won’t work unless the recommendation comes from the Denesuline.

ECCC’s W. Eskowich presented the federal government’s perspective on the meeting and noted they heard virtually the same things. Much of the information received was similar from other jurisdiction and groups they met with. ECCC and the communities have a common goal: to ensure that caribou continue to exist.

She also noted that SAR listings take the whole country into consideration, even if herds are stable in some parts of Canada. This prompted questions about harvest restrictions.

ECCC S. Dar stated that the federal government does not manage harvest, so if the listing goes ahead harvest regulation will remain the same and harvest management will still be carried out by management authorities that currently are responsible for that.

The Federal Species at Risk (SAR) Process

S. Dar gave a presentation on the federal SAR process:

COSEWIC has recommended a “Threatened” listing under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) due to: • 56% decline over last 3 caribou generations • Current population is 800,000 compared to over 2 million in the 1990s • Unclear whether natural population cycles (highs and lows) would happened the same way in the future, given new factors affecting caribou It was noted that most herds have declined significantly, but two herds – Porcupine and Southampton Island – are increasing

If Caribou are added to SARA: • S35 harvest rights are not affected (the Canadian Constitution has priority over the Species at Risk Act) • Existing wildlife management bodies & processes remain in place – SARA does not change this. o Harvest management still follows the current process o WMBs, HTOs, provincial/territorial governments would see their current roles continue

New automatic prohibitions on killing/possession • S35 harvest rights are not affected • North of 60: o Apply only in National Parks, National Wildlife Areas & Migratory Bird Sanctuaries

11 • South of 60 o Apply on all federal lands • Everywhere else o Do not apply unless Cabinet makes an “order”

S. Dar emphasized prohibitions put in place immediately upon listing on federal lands would not supersede harvest rights.

T. Trottier referred to the example of boreal caribou, which have been SAR designated for years (listed in 2002, recovery strategy completed in 2012). BQCMB members pointed out people in Manitoba don’t typically hunt boreal caribou.

There was also a short discussion about the benefits of a “Threatened” listing. These were highlighted during ECCC’s presentation during the Board meeting of May 2018. They were not the focus of this presentation as ECCC had been asked to attend to respond to the BQCMB’s written questions.

S. Dar then verbally reviewed answers to the BQCMB’s questions that were provided to ECCC-CWS in January 2019 based on questions that arose during spring and fall 2018 BQCMB meetings.

To the BQCMB’s question “which lands are considered to be ‘federal lands’ under the federal SARA in each jurisdiction of the historic Beverly and Qamanirjuaq ranges”, S.Dar clarified even though First Nation reserves are considered federal lands, S35 harvest rights would not be affected by new automatic prohibitions applied to federal lands. However, this is not specified in the Act.

What would change if Caribou were added to SARA?

National Recovery Strategy would be required

• Coordinated Approach across Canada o Needs of each herd can be treated separately o Existing plans can be incorporated • Developed cooperatively with all key partners o First Nations, Inuit o WMBs, HTOs, etc. o Provincial/Territorial governments o Others • Critical Habitat will need to be identified and protected • Federal funding for species at risk

S.Dar confirmed that if caribou numbers continued to drop dramatically, and provincial/territorial governments did not take action, prohibitions under SARA could be applied and override Section 35 harvest rights. However, there is a requirement under SARA to consult with directly-affected parties, and wildlife management boards and Indigenous organizations would play a ‘very close role’ in any decision-making processes.

Action: L. Bereza will ask ECCC to submit content for an article around the benefits of SARA listing for the Spring/Summer 2019 issue of ‘Caribou News in Brief.”

12 BQCMB Open Meeting – May 2, 2019

Species at Risk Status for Barren-ground Caribou (continued)

L. Wakelyn summarized the previous day’s discussion as follows: The current status of the BQCMB’s understanding is that if barren-ground caribou is listed under federal legislation as a SAR, Section 35 harvesting rights would not be affected by any automatic prohibition that would be put into place. Provincial/territorial jurisdictional plans and responsibility for harvest management would also still apply. However, there is still much uncertainty and anxiety due to history, and what may be reasonable to BQCMB members isn’t necessarily what will happen. People are still anxious about this.

L.Wakelyn noted until the BQCMB gets something in writing, from the federal government, making clear statements, these anxieties will remain.

From the previous day’s discussion it was understood that while any automatic prohibitions would not affect Section 35 rights, there is also a ‘safety net’ process. If the federal government decides that one or more of the jurisdictions isn’t doing what they should to put in place processes to conserve a threatened species, they CAN come in later to create and enforce rules. This creates another question mark.

For example: What happens if the federal government thinks the government of Manitoba is not doing what it needs to do to conserve barren-ground caribou? Will the federal government come in and say you must shut down licensed harvest or outfitting harvest? That is another uncertainty.

S. Dar asked to receive outstanding points that the Board still wanted to receive an answer in writing about.

Action: BQCMB to notify ECCC-SAR regarding which of the questions asked in the board’s January 2019 letter still require a response in writing.

NWT Conference of Management Authorities (CMA) and NWT Recovery Planning. L. Wakelyn briefly explained the differences between the NWT SAR process, which is being run by the Conference of Management Authorities and the federal process. She stressed that the NWT-SAR process has been very collaborative and the Board has had opportunity to comment and participate during and between various CMA meetings, even though it is not a voting member of the CMA.

Action: BQCMB members are to send L. Wakelyn comments on draft NWT/SAR recovery plan for barren- ground caribou by May 13th.

Land Use Projects and Proposals

E. Bussidor made a presentation on the Seal River Watershed Protected Area Initiative, which is applying for federal funding for work on a proposed protected area, and has asked for BQCMB support.

R. Thiessen noted CPAWS has a commitment with the Manitoba government to dialogue about this opportunity, but had not yet done so. He added that there is potential for eco-tourism and this is a way to protect the land and natural resources, as well as derive an economy from that. He said this could be a sister destination to Churchill, for example. Another economic opportunity is the federal government’s Indigenous Guardianship Program.

13

The Board discussed passing a resolution to lend support to the Seal River Watershed Protected Area Initiative. However, it was noted that a similar proposal for protected areas in northern Saskatchewan, southern NWT and Nunavut has been made by the Athabasca Denesuline, who are also competing for ECCC funding, and the Board’s support of one application may create an unfair advantage over another.

Regarding a resolution/motion/letter of support, the Board decided it didn’t have enough information to officially support either project and requested that the Sayisi Dene/CPAWS-MB and ADNLC submit more information.

Action: Both the Sayisi Dene/CPAWS and ADNLC will forward more detailed information about their applications for ECCC funding for protected area establishment. The Board will review and if approved, staff will draft a letter of support for each project for review by the BQCMB Executive Committee.

J. Dantouze stated that the Northlands Denesuline First Nation fully supports the Seal River Watershed Initiative.

Land Use Planning

L. Wakelyn provided an update on the Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan. She also notified members about the ongoing NWT Land Use Forum and showed a map of the proposed all-weather road from Yellowknife north to the mines in the Slave Geological Province of the NWT, and the proposed Gray’s Bay Road continuing to the arctic coast through Nunavut. These are active proposals supported by the GNWT and GN, respectively, that would bring access to the area, including the Bathurst calving and post-calving areas, to commercial traffic and hunters.

Kivalliq Meat Sales Update B. Dean provided a general update. Without a quota or conservation concern there is little that can be done. However, processes already being worked on like the Kivalliq Harvest Reporting Project, community monitoring, etc. can help. One of the comments that come up is that while meat shouldn’t be sold, there are people on Baffin Island who no longer have caribou. These are difficult issues and the only way to deal with it is to work with the communities and support however they want to deal with it. Actual numbers of how much meat is being sold are not available.He was unaware if Calm Air is still providing subsidized freight in the region.

E. Evans noted it is an Indigenous right to trade caribou amongst each other and that is what people want to eat. He also pointed out there aren’t enough jobs and expenses are high, however a balance is needed.

NWT Ice Road

E. Evans presented his observations in travelling the NWT ice road. When travelling by skidoo he has witnessed wounded and dead caribou. Last year the caribou were trapped by the ice road and wouldn’t cross it. This was confirmed by the monitoring report out of Lutsel K’e.

Harvest

L. Wakelyn reported on the status of the BQCMB Harvest Reporting Project with Kivalliq HTOs and plans for

14 2019/20. She gave some background for new members also. The project has been funded for several years by the Nunavut General Monitoring Plan (NGMP) and WWF-Canada’s Iqaluit office. WWF funding will be used to create a new caribou harvest calendar for 2019-20 and by the Arviat HTO to conduct interviews with caribou harvesters in their community. NGMP funding has been approved for 2019-20 for work with up to three other Kivalliq HTOs that harvest Qamanirjuaq caribou. R. Thompson needs to submit a financial statement on 2018-19 project spending by the end of June in order for this funding to be made available for this work.

Manitoba members were asked for input regarding harvest data collection from Manitoba BQ range communities. There may be funding available to assist with community based harvest data collection programs.

Action: D. Hedman and V. Trim will look into available funding for community-based harvest data collection in Manitoba.

Information Sharing

Board members from BQCMB communities reported their observations from the land.

Disease

The Board received fact sheets on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) from the governments of NWT and Saskatchewan. The GNWT fact sheet is posted on their website.

Unfinished Business

November 2019 Meeting

The Board revisited the potential for holding a board meeting in Arviat to coincide with a caribou workshop being organized by contaminants researcher Mary Gamberg and GN-DOE staff with the Arviat HTO and other community groups . It was decided to tentatively book the meeting between November 4-10 to overlap with the caribou workshop. Once a date is confirmed the Board will be notified.

Action: D. Hedman will coordinate a charter from either Thompson or Churchill to Arviat for board members and staff coming from SK and MB.

Nutrition North

E. Allain notified the board that the Nutrition North Program is being reviewed and is currently in the consultation stage.

Predators E. Evans described an incentive program for wolves introduced by GNWT. It is within a hunting zone and causing some controversy.

Further predator discussion was tabled for next meeting.

15 Resolutions, Actions

Closing Prayer: J. Jonasson

Meeting was adjourned at 15:45

16 17 April 2019

BQCMB Meeting #87: 30 April-May 2, 2019 Canad Inn Polo Park, 1405 St. Matthews Ave., Winnipeg MB, 204-775-8791; 1-888-332-2632

Draft Agenda TUESDAY April 30 (8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) IN-CAMERA: BQCMB ONLY Item Action Led by Expected outcomes Pages 08:30 - Board Administration Introductions Round table Earl Evans Information Agenda Review draft agenda Ross Thompson Decision to approve Minutes from Last Review draft Nov/18 meeting Ross Thompson Decision to 8-22 Meeting minutes; identify errors, omissions approve Business and Actions Review action items not covered by Lynne Bereza Information, ID 23-24 Arising from Minutes agenda items outstanding items Board Appointments Confirm appointments for MB, SK, NU Jurisdictions ID actions needed New Members Provide orientation manual,other info Lynne Bereza Information Budget Review 2018-19 budget status, Ross Thompson Information; supplemental federal funding; Decision to preliminary 2019-20 budget approve Correspondence Notify Board about major Ross Thompson Information 25-42 correspondence and staff reports Meeting with SK Describe results of March conference Earl Evans, Ross Information 43-46 Environment DM call Thompson 10:00 BREAK Future Meetings Discuss proposal for Fall 2019 Ross Thompson, Decisions about 47-48 meeting in Arviat in conjunction with Leslie Wakelyn, next steps and proposed Caribou Workshop Mitch Campbell roles, meeting dates and locations 2022-2032 Committee assignment to prepare Ross Thompson, Board discussion; Agreement strategy, identify next steps, potential Board members Committee report partners to next meeting BQCMB Operating Review proposed changes, identify Ross Thompson Board discussion, 49-64 Procedures additional changes needed Decision Community Member Discuss if and when meetings should Community Decision Meeting occur members 12:00 LUNCH BREAK New Information on Describe key recent monitoring Mitch Campbell; Information the Beverly and information that is sensitive or Jan Qamanirjuaq Herds confidential (for Board only) Adamczewski (GNWT-ENR) BQ Management Review actions identified in Plan and Leslie Wakelyn, Discussion, 65-68 Plan Implementation select next priorities Board members Decision on next steps Resolutions, Actions Review and revision of Day 1 draft Lynne Bereza Agreement resolutions, actions Scholarship Meeting Scholarship Committee Executive Meeting Executive Members 17 April 2019

WEDNESDAY MAY 1 (8:30 a.m – 5:00 p.m.) Public Meeting: BQCMB Board members and staff, observers, public

Time Item Action Led by Expected outcomes Pages 8:30 GN-DOE Caribou Describe: results of June 2018 Mitch Campbell Presentation, Monitoring Beverly calving ground survey discussion Results and Plans and analyses; Qamanirjuaq caribou range use based on 2018-19 caribou telemetry; 2019-20 monitoring plans 9:15 GNWT-ENR Describe: Beverly range use Jan Presentation, Caribou based on 2018-19 caribou Adamczewski, discussion Monitoring telemetry; Beverly 2019-20 GNWT-ENR Results and Plans caribou monitoring plans 10:00 BREAK 10:30 Manitoba Greetings: Minister of Earl Evans Board engagement Minister’s Visit Sustainable Development 11:00 BQCMB Present NEW Video & Website; Lynne Bereza Presentation; Communications Provide updates on Social Media Board engagement Products activity, Spring 2019 Newsletter, 2018/19Annual Report Video: Value and Role of the BQCMB 11:30 Education Describe plans for Fall/19 Poster Lynne Bereza Board engagement Projects & Prose contests (SK, NWT) Promotions NEW BQCMB hats! 11:45 On-the-Land Report on activities funded by Ross Thompson Information 69-71 Program BQCMB in 2018-19 in NU, MB, SK (Arviat), MB members, Tina Giroux (ADNLC) 12:00 LUNCH BREAK 1:30 Species at Risk NWT: Report on Feb/19 meeting Earl Evans, Information, 72 Status for Barren- and status of recovery planning Leslie Wakelyn Discussion 1:45 ground Caribou Proposed Federal Threatened Saleem Dar, Presentation, Initial 73-80 Listing: Response to BQCMB Wendy discussion (to be questions and update on Eskowich, ECCC continued Thursday community consultations AM) 2:30 Athabasca Report on workshop proceedings Tina Giroux, Presentation, 81-83 Denesuline and results regarding federal SAR ADNLC Discussion Regional Caribou proposal and other issues Workshop 3:00 BREAK 3:30 Information- Community observations, issues Round table Information, sharing about and concerns Discussion 4:15 Caribou and Updates from government reps Round table Information, Habitat on issues relevant to the BQCMB Discussion 4:45 Resolutions, Review and revision of Day 2 Lynne Bereza Agreement Actions draft resolutions, actions 5:00 Meeting Adjourns for Day 17 April 2019

THURSDAY MAY 2 (8:30 a.m – 4:30 p.m)

Public Meeting: BQCMB Board members and staff, observers, public

Time Item Action Led by Expected outcomes Pages 8:30 Species at Risk Proposed Federal “Threatened” Board members Discussion Status for Species Designation - Opportunity (continued from Barren-ground for additional questions and input Wed.) Caribou for ECCC staff 9:15 Land Use Briefly describe mineral Board members Information, Projects and exploration and other for each region Discussion, ID Proposals developments with potential (NU, NWT, SK, action needed impacts on Beverly and MB, Canada) Qamanirjuaq caribou; identify actions required for caribou conservation Seal River Watershed Indigenous Ernie Bussidor BQCMB action Protected Area 10:00 BREAK 10:30 Harvest Report on status of BQCMB Leslie Wakelyn Presentation, Harvest Reporting Project with Discussion Kivalliq HTOs and plans for 2019/20 10:45 Describe status and plans for Daryll Hedman, Information; ID harvest reporting in MB, SK, NWT; Tina Giroux, Jan BQCMB action identify action needed Adamczewski 11:15 Kivalliq Meat Sales – Provide Mitch Campbell, Information; ID update and identify action needed Rob Harmer BQCMB action 11:30 NWT Ice Road – Report Earl Evans Information, observations and harvest issues Discussion 12:00 LUNCH BREAK 1:30 Disease Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) - Iga Stasiak, SK Presentation, 84-94 Describe risk to bg caribou and Environment Discussion management action taken (SK, NWT) 2:15 Predators Discuss impact of predators on Daryll Hedman, Board discussion 95 caribou herds and possible actions Board members 3:00 BREAK 3:30 Unfinished Discuss any remaining issues Chair Board direction Business requiring action, decisions 4:00 Resolutions, Review and revision of Day 3 draft Lynne Bereza Agreement Actions resolutions, actions 4:30 Meeting Adjourns

ADNLC - Athabasca Denesuline Né Né Land Corporation ECCC - Environment and Climate Change Canada GN-DOE - Government of Nunavut – Dept. of Environment GNWT-ENR - Government of the Northwest Territories – Environment and Natural Resources SAR - Species at Risk Appendix 2: Motions and Action Items – Meeting #87, April 1 – May 2, 2019

Motions

Motion: that the agenda be adopted as amended Moved: D. Hedman Seconded: E. Bussidor Carried

Motion: that the November 2018 minutes be adopted. Moved: J. Laban Seconded: T. Trottier Carried.

Motion: To accept the proposed 2019/20 budget Moved: J.Laban Seconded: E. Bussidor CARRIED

Motion: That the Board send a letter, before the fall 2019 BQCMB meeting, to the five signatories seeking their agreement in principle to proceed on developing a new 10-year Agreement. Moved: J. Laban Seconded: E. Evans Carried Unanimous

Action Items

Action: E. Allain will look into Board appointments for CIRNAC. Action: N. Deneschezhe will follow-up with Pierre Bernier re: culture camp Action: R. Thompson will follow-up with GN and GNWT concerning alternate appointments. Action: L. Bereza to send digital Board Member Orientation Guide to J. Adamczewski or other GNWT alternate appointee. Action: R. Thompson to respond in writing to ACFN letter requesting board membership Action: R. Thompson to send a letter to David Mech asking if he can help the BQCMB out regarding a presentation and discussion on the relationship of wolves and caribou at a future meeting. Action: R. Thompson to send a letter to MB Minister thanking her for attending the spring 2019 meeting Action: Leslie will talk to M. Gamberg and M. Campbell re: meeting locations in Arviat and board suggested dates of October 29-31 or November 5-7. The Board will revisit Thursday morning. Action: L. Bereza will draft a letter listing some of the Board’s major accomplishments and highlighting its uniqueness and value, for Board review and submission to government parties with a request for agreement in principle. Action: The BQCMB will revisit the idea of a BQCMB caribou workshop – possibly fall 2020 in Thompson or Winnipeg. Action: That L. Wakelyn discuss with M. Campbell the possibility of the Board passing a Motion calling for the next Qamanirjuaq herd survey to take place in 2020 and a Beverly survey in 2021. Action: L. Bereza will ask ECCC to submit content for an article around the benefits of SARA listing for the Spring/Summer 2019 issue of ‘Caribou News in Brief.” Action: BQCMB to notify ECCC-SAR regarding which of the questions asked in the board’s January 2019 letter still require a response in writing Action: BQCMB members will send L. Wakelyn comments on draft NWT-SAR barren-ground caribou recovery plan by May 13th. Action: Both the Sayisi Dene/CPAWS and ADNLC will forward more detailed information about their applications for ECCC funding for protected area establishment. The Board will review and if approved, staff will write a letter of support for each project for review by the BQCMB Executive Committee. Action: D. Hedman and V. Trim will look into available funding for community-based harvest data collection in Manitoba. Action: D. Hedman will coordinate a charter from either Thompson or Churchill to Arviat for board members and staff coming from SK and MB. Appendix 3: Budget Update – Meeting #87 BQCMB 2018 / 2019 ‐ SUBJECT TO AUDIT 2018/2019 2018/2019 2019/2020 INCOME Budget YTD Proposed CORE FUNDING AANDC 25,000 25,000 25,000 Manitoba 35,000 25,000 25,000 Saskatchewan 25,000 25,000 25,000 Northwest Territories 25,000 25,000 25,000 Nunavut 25,000 25,000 25,000 135,000 125,000 125,000

AGREEMENTS WWF 14,157 19,000 INAC Supplementary 50,000 ‐ FWEF ‐ 3,000 Manitoba ‐ meeting support 5,000 ‐ North American Caribou Workshop 4,764 ‐ NGMP harvest reporting 46,000 25,094 41,250 Tides Canada ‐ 3,433 ‐ GNWT SAR workshop 6,250 5,403 6,250 GNWT SAR poster / prose 2,792 2,632 ‐ 55,042 110,483 69,500

TOTAL INCOME 190,042 235,483 194,500

EXPENSES SECRETARIAT Exec director fees 17,000 16,771 18,000 Contract biologist 41,000 39,892 45,000 Travel 5,000 5,667 7,500 Photocopies/Fax/Internet 750 ‐ 750 Mail 100 ‐ 100 Telephone 100 285 100 Stationery/Miscellaneous 300 423 500 Board Meeting Expenses 6,000 4,413 10,000 Audit Fees 6,000 5,935 6,500 Bank Charges 150 208 200 76,400 73,594 88,650

WEBSITE/CARIBOU NEWS Website admin fees 500 360 500 Website/board writing 17,000 16,893 17,000 Caribou News 10,000 9,862 10,000 27,500 27,115 27,500

INFORMATION/COMMUNICATIONS/PR INAC ‐ Supplemental ‐ 50,777 ‐ NACW Conference ‐ 7,273 ‐ Carma / Workshops ‐ ‐ ‐ Community OTL 10,000 4,500 20,000 Reports 3,000 ‐ 3,000 Nunavut LUP 5,000 ‐ 5,000 Tides Canada project 3,433 3,433 ‐ GNWT SAR ‐ workshops 6,250 5,376 6,250 GNWT SAR ‐ poster / prose 3,000 2,661 3,000 NGMP harvest reporting ‐ 25,094 41,250 WWF harvest reporting ‐ 14,157 19,000 NWMB ‐ 50 ‐ FWEF 4,000 2,197 3,000 CMA Repayment for 2017/18 year ‐ 452 ‐ 34,683 115,970 100,500

OTHER BOARD SUPPORT Chairperson stipend 6,000 6,000 8,000 Contract support 6,000 ‐ 10,000 12,000 6,000 18,000

TOTAL EXPENDITURES 150,583 222,679 234,650

EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUE OVER EXPENSES 39,459 12,804 (40,150) BQC MANAGEMENT BOARD ‐ 2019/20 FORECAST CASH FLOW

Bank balance, April 23, 2019 49,856

Manitoba funding to be deposited 10,000 Poetry / Prose additional funding requested 632 2018/19 GST to be recovered 2,199

Pay Baker Lake HTO (400) Pay NGMP (19,006)

2019/20 Fiscal Year Projected Net Loss (40,150)

Projected bank balance 3,131 Appendix 4: Scholarship Committee Meeting – Meeting #87

On April 30, 2019, the Scholarship Committee met to review the 2019 Gunther Abrahamson Caribou Research and Management Award applications, and determined there were no suitable applicants for this year's Scholarship.