Big Heart Rescue has been active in working with a First Nations community for approximately three years. During this time we have conducted a vaccination and health check clinic, assisted in spaying and neutering adult dogs, provided placement for cats, kittens, dogs and puppies and provided food for animals in need.

Our small organization has been able to implement these initiatives because we cared enough to work with the band and council, with teachers, medical staff and with community members who recognized the urgent situation and the desperation for many companion animals in Bella Bella, BC.

The Community Consultation Report recommends that the BC SPCA “Develop liaisons with elders/chiefs in First Nations bands to assist in issues of animal investigations and enforcements”. The current method of animal enforcement in Bella Bella is a shot gun, sometimes lethal on the first shot, sometimes not. Many companion animals are chained, starved, abused and neglected in this small community yet the BC SPCA continues to ignore the very real need for interventions by neglecting to consult and communicate with the Elders/Chiefs of this and many other First Nations reserves. Big Heart Rescue stated to Mr. Daniell during a meeting in April 2004 that our organization would gladly assist the SPCA in working with Bella Bella and there has been no response to this offer.

The next recommendation in the Community Consultation Report is that the “BC SPCA 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”. Ms Locke, a First Nations lawyer was hired with a $23,000.00 grant supplied by the Summerlee Foundation to research ALL issues involving companion animals who reside on First Nations lands. To date, this report has not been released to Big Heart Rescue, though in April 2004, Mr. Daniell stated to three board members of BHR that he would supply the organization with a copy. This report may very well be the guiding answer to many of the challenges faced by the BC SPCA and First Nations companions but we have yet to see what this report has recommended or if any of the recommendations have been implemented.

Additionally, in speaking with residents in Bella Bella it was noted that the BC SPCA has not been in attendance for approximately six years. Residents of Bella Bella have requested that the BC SPCA support this community with a sterilization/medical clinic (the nearest vet is in Port Hardy, a boat trip or flight is needed to attend) that would save 100”s of lives, those born and those lives who are prevented from being born, yet even with this open invitation the BC SPCA has not responded.

If Big Heart Rescue can make a difference in the lives of First Nations pet companions I feel that the BC SPCA can also make a difference…..if they cared enough to do so.

Gail Moerkerken