Indigenous leaders in northern Quebec are facing a challenging decision regarding the declining Leaf River caribou population. The leaders from Cree, Naskapi, and Inuit communities gathered in Montreal for a three-day conference to discuss hunting restrictions, habitat conservation, and other strategies to address the caribou decline while respecting Indigenous rights and customs.
Linden Spencer, the Deputy Grand Chief of Eeyou Istchee, emphasized the importance of finding a balance between preserving hunting traditions and safeguarding the dwindling caribou population. The Leaf River caribou, a species vital to the northern Quebec Cree’s cultural heritage, has experienced significant declines, prompting calls for a temporary halt to hunting activities in the region.
The Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping Coordinating Committee, comprising Cree, Inuit, and Naskapi representatives, recently passed a resolution advocating for a moratorium on caribou hunting below the 55th parallel in Eeyou Istchee. Spencer stressed the need for collective efforts to protect the caribou for future generations by adopting sustainable hunting practices.
The Leaf River caribou herd, which numbered around 136,000 in 2025, has seen a sharp decline of 12% from the previous year. The population has plummeted by over 75% since the early 2000s, raising concerns about the long-term survival of the species. Indigenous communities recognize their role as stewards of the land and are exploring ways to ensure the caribou population’s recovery.
While some attendees at the conference support a hunting moratorium as a conservation measure, others underscore the cultural significance of hunting for sustenance and family traditions. Adamie Delisle Alaku, a representative of the Makivvik Corporation, highlighted the importance of a balanced approach to ensure food security while safeguarding the caribou herds from further decline.
Matthew Rabbitskin, a Cree tallyman, shared his decision to cease caribou hunting to allow the population to rebound, drawing parallels to past conservation efforts with the beaver population. He emphasized the need to prioritize habitat restoration and protection, limiting industrial activities like mining and logging to preserve the caribou’s natural environment.
As deliberations continue on implementing a potential hunting moratorium, the Quebec government is reviewing the recommendations put forth by the Indigenous leaders. The collaborative efforts between Indigenous communities and government authorities aim to strike a delicate balance between conservation efforts and cultural practices in safeguarding the Leaf River caribou population.