It makes me sad that this bear was destroyed.
This is my cousin Allan Sylliboy.
I’ll just read what he wrote:
Today I am posting a Bear Drum surrounded by eight pointed Stars. A bear in Mi’kmaq is Mui’n. The Bear is one of the most intelligent land animals of North America. As a Spirit animal it stands for courage and strength.
The Human foot represents our need to live in close harmony with the Bear. It reminds us to trust our instincts and to be protective of our families and faith.
The Eight Pointed Star has been a symbol of the Mi’kmaq People for centuries. It is a symbol for the sun which is a powerful figure in traditional spiritual life.
I want to let you know about a dispute happening between the BC government and wildlife rescue organizations.
For 30 years, rescue organizations worked closely with conservation officers in the field. But recent changes to government policy have removed the power from conservation officers. Now these organizations have to go through the government to get permits to rescue animals.
Rescue groups say this centralized control creates deadly red tape. Many animals need to be rescued quickly and they can’t wait for bureaucracy. Meanwhile, organizations report the ministry refuses to expand permit limits, despite shelters having empty space and public funds to care for animals in need. Northern Lights is taking legal action to overturn these restrictions.
If the NDP wants my vote next week, they should care about what I care about. I agree with the rescue organizations. The ministry should reverse course and restore emergency rescue authority to officers in the field.
I plan to contact the Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Randene Neill, to let her know my position. If you plan to do the same, please make sure you keep it respectful. The people answering the phones are just doing their jobs.
And if you’re interested in learning more about indigenous history, join our growing Substack community. We are still welcoming new members to our tribe.
