Resolution allowing non-Indians to hunt bear is rescinded

By Michael Barrett

Freelance Writer

            Following complaints from some Tribal members against a newly passed Resolution that allowed non-Indians to hunt bear on the Red Lake Indian Reservation, the Resolution was brought to the floor of the Tuesday, September 9, 2003 Regular Tribal Council Meeting, and in the end, rescinded.

            Presented by tribal member Bob Barrett at the August 12, 2003 Regular Tribal Council Meeting, the proposal was to allow the hunting of bear in the area west of the Ditch Road on the reservation by non-members, but only if these non-members utilized Barrett’s guiding service to do so.

            During that meeting issues of bear over-population on the reservation were discussed and the potential dangers of these animals being close to human populated areas in all four reservation districts, in-breeding of the animals, and other ways to control the bear population.

            Barrett also stated that his proposal would be a an opportunity for the tribe to benefit from guiding fees and licenses.

            Little Rock Representative Richard Barrett made the motion, stating he wanted to get the bear population under control, and that he only wanted to see this type of hunting west of the Ditch Road.

            There was no opposition to the proposal at the meeting, and the Tribal Council approved the proposal.

            But at the Sept. 9^th Regular Meeting, after it was discussed once again along with a controversy involving Barrett’s guiding service, the conclusion was to rescind that resolution in its entirety.