Message from KRG: don’t drink and hunt

This new safety poster hung at Kuujjuaq’s municipal office promotes a zero-tolerance for hunting under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The text underneath says “It’s not right!” (PHOTO BY SARAH ROGERS)

KUUJJUAQ — The Kativik Regional Government and its regional partners have launched a safety campaign aimed at Nunavik hunters, which promotes the safe use of snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and boats.

And the campaign’s loudest message is one promoting zero tolerance for hunting under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

As part of the campaign, large posters, showing empty beer bottles scattered around a qamutik, hang in public buildings across the region.

The text underneath the image reads “It’s not right!” in Inuttitut.

“We’re asking people not to drink while they’re hunting and to practice safety,” Putulik Papigatuk, the Salluit-based coordinator for the Uumajuit wildlife service told a meeting of KRG regional councillors Mar. 1.

“Lives can be lost and property can be damaged.”

A proud way of Inuit life is threatened when hunters use alcohol and drugs, he said, adding that it also puts others at risk, too.

Quaqtaq councillor Tommy Agnatuk said that it’s common knowledge that people are drinking out on the land, especially hunters waiting for their catch.

“Maybe we need to check hunters before they go out on the land,” he suggested.

Next January, Nunavik plans to participate in National Snowmobile Safety, said Kativik Regional Police Chief Aileen MacKinnon.

MacKinnon said safety awareness is a must considering the rising number of snowmobile-related injuries and deaths in the region, as well as the increasing number of search and rescue calls.

Safety should be practiced on the water at all times as well, Transport Canada’s James Greig told the KRG councillors.

As a message to boat operators, Greig said 90 per cent of drowning victims are found without life jackets.

On top of that, cold water increases the risk of drowning by 500 per cent, he said.

Speaking at the KRG council meeting, Daniellie Qinuajuak, the regional councillor from Akulivik, asked for more life jackets to be made available to the communities to help prevent drowning.

“I have grandchildren and every time we go out (on the boat), they want to come,” Qinuajuak said. “Sometimes, there are more than ten kids in my boat and these lifejackets are very expensive.”

Discounts are available under the local hunters’ support program, said Sandy Gordon, director of the renewable resources, environment and land use department.

“As Inuit….we have to teach our children how to be safe,” Gordon told regional councillors. “We are the examples of today.”