Halt the Hunting of Black Bears in Haida Gwaii

In less than thirty years, over 1000 Black bears have been killed on Haida Gwaii (aka Queen Charlotte Islands, Canada). Since the year 2000, over 185 black bears have been killed on the Islands. These bears are an endemic subspecies (Ursus americanus carlottae), found nowhere else in the world. They are also the largest Black bear in North America.

Black bears play a vital role on the Islands, and for thousands of years, the Haida have respected this animal, calling bears Taan. Taangeh is also translated as in control of the rudder (of the boat). Now Taangeh (the Bear), is the SuperNatural being of the Great Bear constellation, and leader of the heavenly host, is the kindler of the starry sparks by night. Often seen as a "big dipper" or Canoe Rudder. The Spirit of Haida Gwaii by Bill Reid, also depicts Bear as leader of the Spirit Canoe.

A just-completed economic study on grizzly bear hunting on the central coast shows that guide/outfitters could make more money viewing bears than they can shooting them. The Guide Outfitters and others are in a good position to move from hunting to viewing.

TAKE ACTION!
You can make a difference!

Get your community involved by asking friends, relatives, co-workers and groups to Halt the Hunt on Haida Gwaii! Tell LODGE OWNERS /MANAGERS that they are in a good position to move from hunting to viewing. [This would be a great group, school or community project!] And Spread the word by posting this petition on websites, and blogs.

As a visitor to Haida Gwaii, you and everyone in BC will share this natural area with bears and other wildlife that depend on it for their survival. Although bears are naturally wary of humans, they are unpredictable.

By increasing your knowledge of bear behaviour, you can help reduce the likelihood of an unpleasant encounter, and at the same time, help protect the black bear population. With your cooperation, bears and people can co-exist. You can help protect Taan, the Black bears.

We ask you to please support the owners of the bear licenses on the Islands in making a transition from recreational hunting to sustainable tourism. Help us stop them. Sign the petition to send a message to BC Premier Gordon Campbell and urge him to halt the hunt.

For more information visit:
http://www.spruceroots.org/BearHunt/BearHunt.html

Bears Haida Gwaii
http://bearshaidagwaii.net/

Parks Canada ~ Visitors and Bears in Gwaii Haanas
http://www.pc.gc.ca

Forum at hackingthemainframe
http://hackingthemainframe.com/

Facebook group: Halt the Hunt
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10736793978

YouTube Video Links
Bear Hunting on Haida Gwaii original
Halt the Hunt on Haida Gwaii
Hip Hop Haida Bear
Halt the Hunt Protest Slideshow

Please Check after signing this petition to see if your signature registers. If you are having trouble, be sure to follow all (4) four steps including step 3: share this petition! after clicking sign or no-thank you continue to Step 4 where you can continue signing other petitions on this site.

Ha'waa!
Todd Gannyaa