Many Enraged by Killing of Sacred White Moose
- 11 years ago
Many have been enraged after hunters in Nova Scotia killed a rare white moose that is considered spiritually sacred by the First Nations’ Mi'kmaq community.
Like religion and politics, hunting is a controversial topic. However, tolerance and compassion for different beliefs along with respectful discussion go a long way in diffusing potentially explosive situations.Recently, hunters in Nova Scotia killed a white moose considered sacred by the First Nations’ Mi'kmaq community. While many are enraged, the people involved are resolving it peacefully.
The albino moose is extremely rare; experts believe the moose killed was a partial albino. When explaining the spiritual significance of white animals to their people, Mi'kmaq hunter Danny Paul said, “We are not to harm them in any way, shape, or form because they could be one of our ancestors coming to remind us of something significant that's going to happen within our communities.”
Several hunters, who claim they didn’t know about the significance, posted pictures of themselves with their legal kill on social media – specifically the Facebook page of Hnatiuk’s Hunting & Fishing shop.
Since realizing why people are upset, the shop and hunters have apologized and are handing over the hide immediately for a special ceremony.
A First Nation Chief thanked them for their cooperation and encourages community education so similar events don’t occur in the future.
Like religion and politics, hunting is a controversial topic. However, tolerance and compassion for different beliefs along with respectful discussion go a long way in diffusing potentially explosive situations.Recently, hunters in Nova Scotia killed a white moose considered sacred by the First Nations’ Mi'kmaq community. While many are enraged, the people involved are resolving it peacefully.
The albino moose is extremely rare; experts believe the moose killed was a partial albino. When explaining the spiritual significance of white animals to their people, Mi'kmaq hunter Danny Paul said, “We are not to harm them in any way, shape, or form because they could be one of our ancestors coming to remind us of something significant that's going to happen within our communities.”
Several hunters, who claim they didn’t know about the significance, posted pictures of themselves with their legal kill on social media – specifically the Facebook page of Hnatiuk’s Hunting & Fishing shop.
Since realizing why people are upset, the shop and hunters have apologized and are handing over the hide immediately for a special ceremony.
A First Nation Chief thanked them for their cooperation and encourages community education so similar events don’t occur in the future.