September is synonymous with the start of the hunting season. To learn more about the importance of hunting among First Nations, Médérik Sioui, who is a historian, hunting enthusiast and Communications Manager at the FNQLHSSC, has answered some of our questions.
What is the cultural and spiritual importance of hunting for First Nations in Quebec?
“Beyond hunting, the relationship with the land is very important for First Nations peoples in Quebec. The teachings come from nature, wildlife, and flora. The primary purpose of hunting is to seek traditional food (meat), of course, but several other aspects are part of the hunting and fishing practice. Hunting is also essential for making crafts, clothing, tools and even medicine among some nations. There is a deeply rooted relationship between the animal and the hunter and this fits into a certain wheel. The animal gives us what we need, and, in return, we thank it by making the best possible use of what it gives us. A form of respect for the animal is created and we make sure to treat it in the best way possible.”
What roles do elders and knowledge passed down from generation to generation play in the practice of Indigenous hunting?
“Due to the relationship between nature, wildlife and First Nations, elders are the keepers of knowledge and medicine. They help and guide hunters in learning and teaching the importance of the relationship with animals. Elders play an important role in the transmission of knowledge, through oral traditions and stories related to the land. It is worth noting that, depending on the nation, elder or land, the teachings can vary from one place to another.”
How do national laws and treaties recognize First Nations hunting rights and what are the modern implications of these rights?
“As part of the colonization history in Canada and Quebec, there has been a transformation of the relationship between First Nations and colonial authorities (governments). At the end of the 19th century, the creation of hunting and fishing clubs spread across the territory, which generated a certain monetary valuation of the practice. The government encouraged this movement by reserving land for these clubs, which resulted in the privatization of the forest. This limitation of access to forests and land in a universal way therefore affected First Nations since they lived off the land.
The 20th century was a time when First Nations rights were not recognized, which led to many battles during the 1970s and 1980s. In 1982, the government recognized the existence of these Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations in Canada, following section 35 of the Constitution Act. From that moment and following many cases, we achieved a greater recognition of our hunting, fishing and trapping rights. First Nations must have primary access to the land and must be the last to be deprived of this right for any conservation issue.”
How do our hunting practices differ from modern sport hunting in terms of ethics and respect for wildlife?
“In Quebec society, hunting and fishing are highly associated with sportsmanship. Compliance with hunting rules is important: everyone must have the same hunting parameters. Sport hunting can be described as a kind of competition, the goal being to catch as much prey as possible while obtaining some recognition and honour from fellow hunters.
Among First Nations, hunting and fishing are not considered sports. The primary goal is to acquire raw resources and tools (food, clothes, crafts, etc.). We can see it figuratively as a kind of harvesting, as in we go out and harvest the animals. Knowledge of the land, wildlife and flora is generally deeply rooted in First Nations culture: abusing resources is therefore avoided, and hunting is perceived differently than it is by other cultures. Animal conservation and preservation are important among First Nations.”
What animals are traditionally hunted by First Nations peoples in Quebec and how is this hunting integrated into their way of life?
“First Nations peoples hunt many different animals across Quebec throughout the year. The prey they hunt depends mainly on the season and its usefulness to a people’s way of life.
Here are some of the animals that are traditionally hunted by First Nations in Quebec:
Goose
This bird is the most commonly hunted animal, mainly because it is found throughout Quebec. The hunting of this animal also allows for obtaining several by-products: meat, fat, feathers and down for making coats, etc.
Wild turkey
During colonization, the wild turkey was exterminated and therefore disappeared from traditional practices. It was only in the 1990s that it was reintroduced into our environment.
Moose, deer and caribou
These three mammals are traditionally hunted by our peoples since time immemorial. Few people know it, but deer have been on the verge of extinction for many years due to the high participation in sport hunting throughout the territory. There was a resurgence in the deer population in the 1990s and they can be found pretty much everywhere in Quebec.
Bear
This animal is traditionally hunted pretty much everywhere. However, it is treated differently depending on the nation. The bear is considered a symbol of medicine and a very spiritual animal for many nations.
Beaver, hare and rodents
These animals are heavily hunted throughout the territory. Among First Nations, the beaver is hunted for its fur, but also for its meat, which is highly sought after. For some nations, the beaver symbolizes medicine, just like the bear.
Fish
Different species are fished depending on the territory. The most popular types of fish are salmon, trout, walleye, pike, and sturgeon. There are other types of fish that can be caught, but these are the most common.”