Mi’kmaq people outraged after hunters kill albino ‘Spirit Moose’

Guns.com ^ | Oct 9, 2013 | Brent McCluskey

[Kip Russell]

Hunters who killed an albino moose later admitted to making a mistake after being chastised by local aboriginal communities.

The rare creature is considered to be a sacred symbol to the Mi’kmaq people, who call it a Spirit Moose, but according to Jim Hnatiuks, the owner of a hunting and taxidermy store in Lantz, Nova Scotia, the hunters had no idea.

“The hunters are saying, ‘We wouldn’t have shot the moose if we had known it meant that much,’” Hnatiuks told CTV News.

After taking down the moose on their hunting trip in the Cape Breton Highlands, the hunters brought the animal to Hnatiuks’ store to be stuffed and mounted, having no knowledge they had killed a Spirit Moose.

“They thought they had a successful moose hunt,” Hnatiuks said. “It was odd that they shot a white moose, but to find out, wow, there’s a lot more behind it”

When First Nations communities discovered photos of the hunters posing with the wild beast on social media, a public outcry quickly ensued.

While there is no government law that prohibits the hunting of an albino moose during hunting season and with the appropriate licensing, the Mi’kmaq say the hunters broke a lex unscripta, or an unwritten law that reflects their generations old cultural belief system.

According to Hnatiuks, the hunters are going above and beyond to show their respect towards the Mi’kmaq and their beliefs, going so far as to return the animal’s hide to the Mi’kmaq so they can perform a sacred ceremony.

Chief Bob Gloade of the Millbrook First Nation recognizes the efforts the hunters have gone through, saying, “We’ve received full cooperation from the hunters and from Hnatiuks as well, and during the ceremonies next week, they’re actually willing to participate.”

“It shows a willingness to cooperate and an ability to show respect to not only the Mi’kmaq people, but also to culture and history,” he added.

Gloade went on to say he hoped that one day the Spirit Moose would be protected under the umbrella of hunting laws, not just tradition.

The hunters, though they killed an animal sacred to the Mi’kmaq, worked towards healing the strained relationship between aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities.

[Kip Russell]

It seems to me that this is similar to Native Americans who object to rock climbers that scale Devil's Tower. Unless the hunk of rock (or, as in the above story, albino moose) is your property, it doesn't make any difference just how sacred something is to you when it's a public resource.

That the hunters were able to come to an accommodation with the tribe out of the goodness of their hearts certainly speaks well for their character, but they were under no obligation whatsoever to do so simply because they killed a genetically defective animal.

[hinckley buzzard]

I have no problem at all with hunting. Although I don't happen to hunt, I like venison and other wild game. One would think that to see a white Moose would cause even this buffoonish jerkwater to pause and reflect before blowing it away.

[CopperTop]

If it was all that important why didn't the guide service say anything beforehand?
Seems there's no one really to blame here and everyone is acting like civilized adults.

A welcome relief after the last coupla weeks news. d:^)

[mrsmith]

At last my sister has been avenged!

[Ezekiel]

If it was all that important why didn't the guide service say anything beforehand?

Maybe some folks were hoping to score a few cases of "fire water" as payment for the spirits moose.

The poor albino moose reminds me of a Far Side caption:

"Bummer of a birthmark, Hal."

[Repeat Offender]

At least they got the moose that bit her.......now if only they could find get whoever stuned her beeber.

That would be hugh and series.

[Daffynition]

Dejas2

[righttackle44]

Let’s see—Obama and Holder exempt African Americans from many things. And you’re exempting white people from certain things. Oh, I see . . . .

[CopperTop]

The poor albino moose reminds me of a Far Side caption:
"Bummer of a birthmark, Hal."

I remember that one. Target on the belly. Hehehe. d;^)

[BenLurkin]

Send "Worm" next time...

[BenLurkin]

That’ll make a great looking rug.

[Lazamataz]

Do not anger the Mi'kmaq.

They can make your pet cat rise from the dead.