Restraint on Caribou Harvest in Eeyou Istchee
Nemaska, Eeyou Istchee (December 23, 2025)
Following the fall classification results from the Quebec Government reported to the Hunting Fishing and Trapping Coordinating Committee (HFTCC) on December 8th, 2025, the Cree Nation Government is supporting a nation-wide call for our collective efforts to a restrained caribou harvest in Eeyou Istchee. This call comes as a response to a further decline of the caribou of the Leaf River Herd.
Last December, the Cree Trapper’s Association and the Cree Nation of Chisasibi issued a similar statement, asking Eeyouch to restrict the harvest of caribou to one per household because of the observed decline of the Leaf River Herd. This recent report from Quebec indicates that the decline has unfortunately continued despite our efforts, requiring further restraint. Eeyouch are therefore strongly encouraged not to harvest the Leaf River Caribou Herd.
Cree traditional practices and the principle of conservation call for united action to ensure the health and longevity of caribou in Eeyou Istchee. This call for restraint has not been taken lightly with recognition of the impact it may have on families that rely on Caribou for sustenance. The goal of these conservation efforts is to give the herd every opportunity to gain in strength and numbers and to remain a vital species essential to the Cree way of life for generation to come.
Your support and understanding, as well as that of all other First Nations, in the face of this difficult decision is crucial.