Inuvialuit Bowhead Harvest

After years of negotiation, planning and preparations between the Inuvialuit, the Fisheries Joint Management Committee (a Co-management Committee set up under their land Claims) and the Government of Canada (as represented by the Department of Fisheries & Oceans - DFO) license to harvest on bowhead whale was issued by DFO on August 22, 1992.

On September 4, 1991, the Inuvialuit successfully landed a 37 foot male bowhead at Shingle Point, off the coast of the Eastern Beufort Sea, hereby reviving this age old tradition and cultural activity. It was successful harvest with only one whale struck and landed.

The muktuk and meat of the whale was distributed to all six Inuvialuit communities in the Settlement Region.

It is the intent of the Inuvialuit to continue to pursue their right to harvest the bowhead whale. Such harvesting will always be within conservation limits and according to Government approved hunt plan.