Bear paws found near Shuswap Lake. (Photo credit: BC Conservation Officer Service/Twitter)

By Pete McIntyre

'slaughter of sacred animal'

Reward offered for info on suspected bear poachers

May 28, 2021 | 2:51 PM

ENDERBY, B.C. – Some Interior First Nations are offering a $3,000 reward for information on those responsible for dozens of severed bear paws discovered near Shuswap Lake.

The Indigenous bands of the Pespesellkwe te Secwepemc (Adams Lake, Little Shuswap Lake, Splatsin, and Neskonlith Band) have expressed their condemnation towards what they call a “slaughter and associated disrespectful actions.”

The bands are asking anyone with information that might be helpful to the investigation to contact Dave Nordquist, Adams Lake Indian Band at dnordquist@alib.ca.

People can also contact the B.C. Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.

On Sunday May 23, 2021 a woman came across upwards of 100 skinned and clawless bear paws, including some from bear cubs, dumped in a ditch and further scattered by wildlife, next to a culvert on Angle Mountain near the community of Anglemont.

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“These could represent the slaughter of over 25 individuals, likely black bear (a.k.a. “skwleqs” in Secwepemctsin), which are considered sacred,” a release from the bands stated.

RCMP and the Conservation Officer Service are investigating.

The Union of BC Indian Chiefs suggested the scene was likely the result of trophy hunting or poaching.

The Shuswap Nation Tribal Council (SNTC) Council of Chiefs is abhorred by the discovery of the bear claws in the traditional territory of Secwépemc people.

“Our traditional stories teach us that the bear is a sacred animal forming the foundation of our creation law, the chief of the four-legged and deserves the utmost respect and dignity,” Splatsin Chief Wayne Christian said. “Many of our oral histories give us insight into the pivotal role that the bear plays on our lands in the animal world and as part of our family.”

Christian said a ceremony will be held to honour the slain bears to ensure they are given the respect they deserve.

“This act of desecration has not gone unnoticed by our Nation’s communities and can be felt through the spirits of our people. As caretakers of the land, we condemn the dishonour of this sacred animal which is integral to our health and wellbeing,” Christian said.