MOOSE CREE FIRST NATION - A video showing a moose calf being intentionally struck by a vehicle and beaten to death with the blunt side of an axe has sparked outrage across the James Bay region.
Acting Chief Nathan Beck confirmed to TimminsToday that Moose Cree First Nation has forwarded the video to the Ontario Provincial Police and the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and Forestry for review.
OPP Const. Robert Lewis said the incident happened on April 11 and that the MNR is conducting the investigation.
The video, which Beck said was sent to him by a community member through social media, appears to show an act of deliberate violence against a moose calf along the James Bay Winter Road. He cannot confirm who is in the video.
“A lot of the members have seen the video, and I think are very upset, because this is not the way we were taught by our elders,” he said.
“As members of Moose Cree, we are stewards of the land. And I think that type of behaviour is not becoming, especially if those that were involved are also First Nations peoples.”
In a statement released April 12, Beck called the incident “disrespectful and cruel” and highlighted that it violated traditional Cree harvesting practices.
“This is an opportunity to remind everyone to show respect for all animals and birds during the spring harvest this month,” he said in the statement.
“The moose, the geese, and everything that we harvest are gifts from the Creator and should be treated accordingly.”
While Beck hasn’t yet heard back from law enforcement about next steps, he says Moose Cree First Nation may seek to engage with the individuals involved directly — if their identities can be confirmed — to express how the community was affected by the footage.
“Whether through law or even Moose Cree just trying to approach those individuals to try to at least, not necessarily get justice done, but to address how we feel as a First Nation and how the animals should be treated, especially in our homeland,” said Beck.
He acknowledged that comments online have shown a strong emotional response from members, many of whom were horrified by what they saw.
For Beck, it highlights the importance of upholding traditional values, especially during spring harvest.
“We need to respect the animals,” he said.
“We are Indigenous people. We have been in our homeland for hundreds, if not thousands of years … Today, we have the firearms, we have the rifles, but that doesn’t mean we abandon our principles. We must continue to harvest respectfully and in a civilized manner.”
Beck said he plans to follow up with the authorities.