Losing the Game: Wildlife Conservation and the Regulation of First Nations Hunting in Alberta, 1880-1930
Name
Brian Louis Calliou
Type of Resource
text
Genre
Thesis
Abstract
--Description taken from "Losing the Game"--
This thesis examines the historical dynamics around how First Nations hunters came to be regulated in Alberta in the period around the turn of the century. Alberta, before it gained provincial status, was part of the North West Territories, which passed their own game regulations. After 1905, Alberta passed its own game laws. During this whole period, local sportsmen lobbied for local game laws to apply to First Nations. Was conservation of game the only impetus for the creation of game laws in Alberta? Or, were their other values being supported by game laws and their enforcement?
The importance of hunting to two different cultures resulted in a conflict over scarce wildlife resources. Sportsmen's values won out over the values placed on wildlife by First Nations. The law and policy with respect to hunting reflected the sportsmen's values and eventually saw First Nations hunters come under, first territorial, and later provincial, game laws notwithstanding the fact that First Nations fell under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Dominion Government and the fact that First Nations had entered into treaties under which they were assured that their traditional livelihoods would be protected.