As you continue to hunt, fish, trap, gather plants, prospect, and recreate throughout British Columbia, you, our Métis land users, help us to continue to monitor the health of the land and ensure traditional ways of living are preserved for many generations to come. By completing your survey, we can clearly demonstrate the importance of the land and its resources to Métis in B.C.
Mandatory Reporting – Every MNBC Harvester Card holder is required to complete an annual online harvester survey. The survey gathers information about hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, and other recreational and cultural land uses. The survey is open now and closes June 30th, 2022.
Information Harvesters provide – Any land use including hunting (small game, big game, upland birds and migratory birds), fishing (freshwater, saltwater, and invertebrates), trapping, and gathering (plants, earth materials, and prospecting). Harvesters provide the amount, location (Management Units – MU’s), and season of harvesting for these activities. The survey includes questions about recreational and cultural land use as well. The information shared creates a rich story of not only what you harvest, but also observations regarding species at risk, changes in habitats, and other issues that may require attention. This can help guide us in future initiatives and discussions.
How the information is used – MNBC and BCMANR can use this data to demonstrate the current importance of the land to Métis and to contribute to the management of species in British Columbia. Reporting helps to trigger and guide our consultation processes, monitor wildlife populations and habitats, inform provincial management policies, and fight for harvesting Rights.
As you know, harvesting is a measured and carefully considered practice. By protecting the land, the Métis traditional ways of life; including harvesting, language, and other cultural practices, are maintained for present and future generations. This has the potential to benefit all British Columbians and supports the importance of Métis stewardship of this beautiful land.
If you have any questions at all please reach out to Leona Shaw, lshaw@mnbc.ca