The following information is provided:

• The data are from aerial surveys of the two herds during calving in early June, 2016.

• Breeding tsı́da (females) of the Bluenose-East ɂekwę́ were grouped in a more compact area on the calving grounds than in 2015. Bedzıo (bulls) were spread out south of Kugluktuk.

• The surveys are taken from airplanes flying routes, or transects, over the herds but are NOT photographic surveys which are more accurate and take more time to analyse. The next photographic survey is scheduled for 2018.

• The tight grouping of the adult ɂekwę́ on the BNE calving grounds makes accurate counting more difficult using this type of survey.

• There were 36 radio-collared tsı́da in the area surveyed, all of which were located (i.e., it is unlikely that any major groups of tsı́da were missed in the survey).

• ENR estimated that there were 18,500 adult (over 1 y old) ɂekwę́ in the BNE at ɂekwę́ nę́go lek’e (the calving grounds). There is no estimate of the number of calves present. Bedzıo were not counted.

• ENR concludes that the BNE is continuing to decline, although not as quickly as in the last 5 years. The Bathurst may have increased by a small amount since the last survey.

• The conclusions from the survey are very tentative, and are only used for rough estimates.

The KHTO submission proposes development of a Community Caribou Management Plan (ICCMP) developed in consultation with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association as a KHTO-controlled alternative to the Total Allowable Harvest (TAH) proposed by the Government of Nunavut (GN), stating that "the KHTO does not believe that a TAH is necessary and should only be used as a last resort." The following tools in the ICCMP are identified, as follows:

1. Setting a limit on KHTO member harvest which is controlled by the KHTO;
2. Mandatory BNECH harvest reporting to the KHTO by members;
3. Establishing a ‘No Caribou Hunting Zone’ to reduce BNECH harvest in an area that has easy access by trails and all-terrain vehicles;
4. The establishment of an KHTO controlled enforcement system regarding BNECH harvest rates and zones, mandatory reporting, and harvest practices;
5. Creation of a program and looking for partners to create a predator management program to reduce predation pressure on the BNECH;
6. Continuing and improving education of KHTO members about caribou, respectful harvest practices, and alternate species to harvest; and
7. Increased effort to increase the fair quota to the KHTO regarding muskox in the Kugluktuk harvest area to relieve harvest pressure on the BNECH.

The submission outlines the basis for the KHTO's view that the GN Department of Environment did not adequately consult with them about their proposal for a TAH. Appended is a signed May 9, 2016 resolution opposing the GN's proposal for a TAH.

• The status of the BNE herd
• The use of collars
• Bull-only harvest or selective harvest
• Predator control
• Cumulative effects
• Climate change

• Caribou are like relatives to the Sahtù Dene
• Numbers of ɂekwę́ have been decreasıng since 2010

The document addresses the following topics:

• Stories and knowledge
• Stewardship and Management
• Benefits of Délı̨nę Plan

Minor copy edits to this document were provided by the author on February 29, 2016.

Issues addressed include:

• Caribou monitoring approaches and options
• Habitat concerns
• Harvest management
• Predator control
• Effect of development
• Cumulative effects
• Disease and parasites

Demographic modelling that used composition, collared caribou, and survey data estimated that cow survival rate was low (0.71, CI=0.69-0.72) and calf recruitment has declined. These factors along with harvest pressure have led to the ongoing decline of the herd.  The authors suggest that continued monitoring and proactive management of harvest with a shift from mostly cows to mostly bulls is recommended. In addition, continued monitoring of calving ground distribution and spring productivity should be conducted to allow ongoing monitoring of herd status.

1. The Sahtú Renewable Resources Board (SRRB) adopt traditional knowledge and Dene law as the leading edge of caribou and harvesting knowledge and law that will guide all efforts to protect the animals.
2. The SRRB and RRCs should jointly support caribou traditional knowledge and harvesting research as well as appropriate scientific research that does not disrespect the animals or harm them in any way, benefits both the caribou and the communities, and helps to maintain and strengthen our relationships with caribou.
3. The SRRB, ENR and RRCs develop a joint memorandum of understanding about our collaborative role in designing (including development of funding proposals), implementing and interpreting caribou and harvesting research.
4. Caribou and harvesting research activities must involve youth to ensure that they are able to use knowledge well as our future providers, caribou stewards and leaders.

The meeting resulted in consensus resolutions on the following topics:

1. Governance
2. Ɂehdzo Got’įnę fundıng
3. Caribou tags
4. Caribou collaring
5. Proposed Tundra Copper Exploration (in Nunavut)

The meeting included representatives from the five Sahtú communities, including Renewable Resources Councils, Sahtú Youth Network, and Délı̨nęgot’ı̨nę community; representatives from other jurisdictions included the NWT Wildlife Management Advisory Council, the Inuvialuit Game Council, Kugluktuk Angoniatit Association, Tłı̨chǫ Nation, and Parks Canada. At that meeting, Assistant Deputy Minister Bird provided an overview of the request for feedback on the issues to be considered regarding harvest allocations for the Bluenose East caribou. The following consensus points were presented to Mr. Bird:

1. Decisions are needed about how to share the caribou.
2. ENR has invited Aboriginal leaders and wildlife management authorities to a teleconference to discuss Bluenose East caribou harvesting allocations on Monday, February 2; there was strong direction that such important matters require an in-person meeting of the parties.
3. Timelines for discussions and decisions should not be imposed by the Minister; rather, they need to be agreed upon by the parties. Allocations should be arrived at and implemented for the 2015-2016 harvesting season; it is not feasible to accomplish this for the current harvesting season.
4. According to the best available information, the current status of the Bluenose East caribou does not constitute an emergency.
5. The health of the caribou depends on the health of the aboriginal peoples, their ability to “Be Dene” (Dene Ts’ı̨lı̨).
6. The full range of actions, as presented by the Aboriginal Caucus at the November 28 meeting with the Minister, and as outlined in the Bluenose Caribou Management Plan, is needed to address declining trends.
7. Education is needed in the communities to prepare the ground for any decisions that will be made.

1. “We have to protect the caribou our way”
2. “It’s time to make some tough decisions"
3. Traditional laws

The Gathering reflected advances in people’s confidence to assert their perspectives and develop concrete recommendations for moving forward. A lot has been learned through the six years of debate since the 2007 Caribou Summit held in Inuvik about approaches in management. All parties have come to recognize the value of working together. The value of the grassroots approach was reaffirmed, and participants repeatedly mentioned their interest in sharing knowledge at similar forums in the future.

Information from the Gathering was collected through audio recording of the proceedings, key messages posted on flip charts, and notes which were taken as close to verbatim as possible. Through consensus the Gathering participants put forward recommendations on six themes:

1. Traditional Monitoring and Management Systems
2. Traditional Aboriginal Laws about Caribou
3. Research Questions
4. Research Planning and Follow-Up
5. Grassroots Approach
6. Next steps

• traditional names, ways of classifying and describing caribou
• traditional knowlege of their range, distribution and population
• traditional knowledge of their biology and behaviour, esp reproductive
• observations about caribou habitat and ecosystem
• threats to caribou
• positive influences on caribou
• observiations about the importance of hunting as a way of maintaining the conservation relationsip with caribou.