First Nations
The Issue
British Columbia has a large population of First Nations peoples, whose traditional relationships with animals take many forms - subsistence, trade, totemic relationships, and others. Profound reverence and understanding of humanity's interdependence with the animal realm are woven into traditional native culture.
Today, while some First Nations continue to honour animals in the old ways, others have adopted a modern viewpoint, which sometimes sees animals as commodities rather than as valued individuals.
Many BC SPCA branches maintain good relationships with local bands, while others struggle to establish a presence. Animal welfare problems on Reservations include a high incidence of strays, dog bites, over-breeding, roving dog packs and euthanasia by shooting. Traditional native whaling and trapping of wild animals are other contentious issues.
Several First Nations people have been or are valued members of BC SPCA boards and staff, but overall, they are under-represented within the Society. As British Columbians in all walks of life work to redefine and improve our relationships with First Nations peoples, new partnerships and new understanding between the BC SPCA and native peoples become possible.
The BC SPCA recognizes First Nations communities are for the most part beyond the reach of BC SPCA services and programs. In seeking public feedback the BC SPCA asked for input on how best to approach this.
Public Feedback
Most submissions recommend the BC SPCA find ways to more effectively intervene with First Nations communities to improve the conditions of animals on reservations. Some suggest tougher legislation at the federal level that would give the BC SPCA the authority to intervene and take appropriate action when there is concern about neglect or abuse, just as they would in communities other than First Nations.
All submissions point out that animal abuse on Reservations is a major problem. However, some recognize that the BC SPCA has and will continue to meet with resistance when attempting to intervene into native community affairs. Some suggest that the best approach may be to provide humane education programs to children in these communities in an effort to improve their knowledge of animal welfare issues. Other suggestions include developing liaisons with First Nations peoples who are open to the message of humane education, and who can communicate it in a way that would reflect the culture and beliefs of these communities. Another submission recommends attracting First Nations peoples to become BC SPCA Constables as a way of educating and enforcing humane practices on reservations.
The municipality of Duncan is seen to have a very large problem in this regard. BC SPCA Cowichan and District Branch management note that access to Bands in this area is a continuing struggle.

Recommendations
Because First Nations people are self-governed, it is our view that the BC SPCA will continue to face challenges in gaining access to them. In saying this, the independent panel believes that the BC SPCA needs to attempt/continue to develop liaisons with Band officials, chiefs and counsel members in assisting the BC SPCA with issues of cruelty and neglect. Starting with the elders in the community is viewed as essential, since they define and sustain the culture of their peoples, which has historically included a spiritual reverence and respect for animals and nature.
Providing humane education to the children in these communities may be the best strategy to promote awareness of animal welfare and to prevent cruelty and abuse. However, we believe that the messages must delivered by First Nations peoples themselves in a format that is acceptable to their communities.
Our specific recommendations call on the BC SPCA to:
Long-term
• Develop liaisons with elders/chiefs in First Nations bands to assist in issues of animal investigations and enforcements.

• Conduct research regarding models in health and service groups that may work well for the BC SPCA in delivering humane education messages to First Nations peoples.

• Develop liaisons with elders/chiefs in First Nations Bands to assist in delivering humane education programs to their peoples.

• Include First Nations representatives on BC SPCA Branch Community Advisory Committees where possible.