Stanley Mission Ready To Host River Gathering

Stanley Mission Ready To Host River Gathering

Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at 13:29

Stanley Mission is starting to see visitors arrive for this week’s Churchill River Gathering.

The four-day event officially kicks off tomorrow morning with speeches from several dignitaries.

Organizers promise that key industry and government officials will be on hand to answer questions on issues related to reviving the trapping livelihood.

Those issues include land use planning, outfitting, commercial fishing, forestry, mining and exploration, tourism and Aboriginal rights.

N-9 Fur Block Council chair Adam O. Charles says trapping is on the decline — not just because of competing interests, but also because of the high cost of transportation.

Charles hopes northern leaders will be able to use the feedback they get at this gathering to press for meaningful change.

In addition to the discussion about how to get people back on the land, the event will feature traditional games, activities and food.