Disrespect for Culture

The Chinese penchant for using animal parts in the formulation of ages-old 'natural' pharmaceuticals has created a huge strain on the enduring existence of elephants, rhinos, snakes, exotic birds, turtles, lizards, anteaters, bears and many other species. Some of which linger on the endangered species lists compiled in various countries around the world. Despite which, they are still illegally hunted to provide parts to the Chinese restaurants and pharmaceutical makers that value them in traditional medicine and cuisine.

The Scaly Anteater, Or Pangolin, Is A Delicacy In China. Many Chinese Also Believe That Their Scales Have Medicinal Properties. Photo:Piekfrosch

The Japanese are well known and disparaged and challenged for sending out their whaling fleets to hunt dolphins and sharks, and endangered whale populations. While they are condemned widely for continuing the hunt despite the scarce numbers of some whale species, the Japanese contend they are doing nothing amiss, simply engaging in hunting for a few specimens to aid in 'scientific research', fooling no one.

And in Canada, another indigenous population that, like the Chinese and the Japanese, consider themselves respectful and admiring and hugely protective of nature, is engaged as well in the illegal killing and trade in endangered species; eagles.  Eagles are common in British Columbia but they have an extended range across the country and into the United States.

"Eagles are poached mainly for the dance costume trade. We do our best to prevent that sort of thing because eagles are listed as a sensitive species. So they're not at risk of extinction but they may require special attention to avoid becoming at risk.
"Eagles typically only produce one or two offspring a year and their mortality rate for chicks can be pretty high."
Brendan Cox, Alberta Justice and Solicitor General's office

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) perched on a branch, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

"There is an ebb and flow and there's been a rush, or exceptional interest in years past with bear gallbladders. More recently, to satisfy the costume trade for traditional dancers, there's been a real rush in eagle feathers. There has been lots of illegal killing of eagles. It's about the money", explained Neil Brad, compliance officer with Alberta's fish and wildlife enforcement branch.

It is estimated by conservation officials that between 500 and 1000 eagles are killed annually on the coast of British Columbia. Most of the poached eagles are sold for use in ceremonial purposes or First Nations' regalia. The feather sale is illegal, but profitable. Feathers sell for thousands of dollars. In B.C. and Alberta programs are in place permitting First Nations people the plumage of birds who die of natural causes.

Replicas are available; turkey feathers dyed grey and resembling eagle feathers.

"It's a symbol of honour. Everything that exists is special but the eagle feathers in particular are a connection to our creator. Eagle flies high in the sky and carries our prayers to the creator.
"When we take anything from mother earth, we always give a gift of tobacco back, which ensures that abundance always flows", explained Yvonne Jobin, a First Nations art consultant.

As far as Ms. Jobin is concerned, the poaching is not done by or for First Nations. "I have to say, the New Age community, who are searching for a more meaningful life and taking from this culture and that culture, there's a lot of them out there and they are always wanting eagle feathers. I know this because I do get requests", she proffered.

After a 15-month investigation in 2006, wildlife officers charged 11 First Nations men with involvement in an extensive eagle-trafficking ring. The discovery of 50 dead birds, shorn of their feathers and talons, tipped investigators off. The charges laid against the men resulted in fury; First Nations leaders insisting the men had been ensnared.

Wildlife officers, they fumed, showed disrespect for their culture.