First Nations not properly consulted on proposed night-hunting ban, says Southern Chiefs' Organization

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister's unpromptedannouncement of legislation to ban night hunting, or "spotlighting," is facing some swift and negative reaction from at least one Indigenous organization.

Pallisterpromised the ban Thursday at the Progressive Conservative party's spring fundraising gala.

Legislation for the ban is expected to be introduced next Wednesday.

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Grand Chief Jerry Daniels of the Southern Chiefs' Organization says such legislation wouldcomewithout proper consultation with Indigenous people about the issue a constitutional obligation.

"I don't think they've achieved that at all. I think if you go into the First Nations, I think every single one of them is going to say 'we disagree,' and they weren't informed properly ofwhat the time frame was going to be," Danielstold CBC News.

Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires disagrees with the SCOand Grand Chief Daniels. She says there have been extensive consultations with multiple stakeholders.

"I have had Grand Chief Jerry Daniels in my office on numerous occasions and I respectfully disagree with him when he states that we have not conducted broad consultations. We understand our constitutional responsibility and we take that responsibility very seriously," Squires said in an interview Friday.

Squires also disputes Daniels'sassertion the government has not reached out toleaders in individual First Nations.

"We took a very, very extensive consultative phase with Grand Chief JerryDanielsand many of the bands that he represents," Squires says.

Controversial practice

Night hunting is a controversial practice in rural communities. At least two people have been killed in recent years by stray bullets fired at night and there have been reports of damage to farm equipment and injuries to livestock shot by night hunters.

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Indigenous people have a right protected by the Constitution Act of 1982 to hunt for food at night, provided it is done safely and meets certain conditions, including that the hunting is done on reserves, unoccupied Crown land or private land with permission.

Manitoba MetisFederation membersvoted last year to ban spotlighting.

Danielssays the province has not produced any studies to show night hunting is an unsafe practice and cannot prove there is widespread consensus against it among Indigenous people or their leadership.

The SCOgrand chief says leadership on the issue has to start with Premier Brian Pallister.

"What has anybody heard from the premier's office, and when he is going to start reaching out and start talking to us directly about solutions? People can say what they want, but we need agreements in place," Daniels said.

"People want to make this a race issue. Let's get past that and focus on solutions."

Wildlife Federation wants ban

The Manitoba Wildlife Federation has been working toward a ban on night hunting for at leasttwo years. It has promoted a campaign called "Nightwatch" and has lobbied the province to ban the practice of spotlighting.

Federation managing directorBrian Kotak says safety, economic losses on agricultural land and slowingthe decrease in some animalpopulations prompted his organization to get involved.

From his perspective, the government has been trying to build a consensus to ban the activity.

"[Sustainable Development and Wildlife Branch staff]have been going out, starting this past January, meeting with First Nations communities, with elders, and even with young hunters and chiefs and councils to consult on this whole issue of night hunting and spotlighting, so the province has made a significant and real effort," Kotaksaid.

He says a night-hunting ban is important but the provincial government should also increase funds to hire additional conservation officers and deploy them to regions where the problem is the most acute.

Squires says the government is in the midst of reviewing the operations of its conservation staff, but would not say if that would mean an increase in funding.

She also said she has invited stakeholders to a briefing after the legislation is introduced on Wednesday.