A dumpsite of severed bear paws found in B.C.’s Southern Interior last week was shocking, but not completely surprising to one First Nation Grand Chief.
of Penticton says seeing that many animal parts in one dumpsite “is a complete disrespect for wildlife, which is a consequence of the disconnection between non-Indigenous people and the land.”Phillip said Indigenous culture teaches that land, water and all living things — especially bears, which are seen as protectors — are sacred.“We have a very sacred responsibility to offer stewardship, conservation and protection to the land the wildlife contained therein,” said Phillip.
A former chief of the Penticton Indian Band for 16 years and now president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, Phillip said the dumpsite underscores the failings of conservation efforts in B.C.“It’s an indication that the conservation capacity of the Province of British Columbia is severely lacking,” he said. “There needs to be more boots on the ground in that regard.