By Dan Wilson
So it appears we’re going to have another Native deer hunt in Short Hills. That will be the second one this year, only this time the park will be closed for all four weekends in November, up from two weekends back in January.
Ontario parks officers and Native representatives face off with opponents of a deer hunt in Sjhort Hills Provincial Park in Niagara, Ontario. Photo by Dan Wilson
The announcement came from the Ministry of Natural Resources on September 19th at White Meadows Farms in Pelham, where the MNR staged an impromptu open house to answer the public’s questions.
A few representatives of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy also attended to clear up any misconceptions people might have about the “harvest” and why we (anyone not Native to Canada) need to respect the Natives’ culture.
Nearly every viewpoint was heard that night. Farmers who want the deer culled because they’re eating the crops, residents who want to protect the deer, local hunters angry that only natives can hunt in the park, people against treaty rights, tree huggers, animal rights activists, NIMBY’s and more.
Now I sympathize with the Haudenosaunee and what the “white man” did to their ancestors, how they were driven off their lands and how they are struggling to keep their traditions alive today.
It was our culture of violence that was responsible for almost wiping them off the map. Our progenitors saw themselves as “superior” to the so-called savages and this arrogance justified the near-annihilation of them. It was a terrible time in our history and I hope it is never repeated.
But the Natives also perpetuate this culture of violence. They see the deer as resources, things to be “harvested”, as if these animals were fruits and vegetables. They see themselves as “superior” to other forms of life, as if all the earth were here for them to do as they please.
Just as we do. We exterminate, slaughter, hunt and “harvest” any and every species that gets in our way, has a pleasing taste or gives a good chase. I can’t look at a Native hunter as the “bad guy” while my own people commit even worse atrocities to other sentient beings.
When asked why the natives have to kill deer that are so habituated to human beings it’s like shooting fish in a barrel (according to the MNR, Short Hills is the first provincial park to allow hunting since the late 1970’s) the Haudenosaunee ambassador replied, “Don’t you eat chickens?”
He makes a good point. With the exception of a few vegetarians and vegans in the audience, everyone there that night eats animals of one kind or another. Why are we so appalled at the killing of a few doe-eyed ungulates but don’t think twice about the animals we eat three times a day?
The cows, pigs, chickens and other animals we breed, raise and butcher for food are just as vulnerable, just as cute and just as worthy of our compassion as those whitetail deer. We chastise one culture of violence but fail to acknowledge our own.
If you really care about animals and want to reduce the amount of suffering and violence in the world, go vegan.
Dan Wilson is a Niagara, Ontario resident and longtime advocate for the humane treatment of animals. He has also been a regular contributor of commentary and photography to Niagara At Large.
Niagara At Large invites all of you who dare to share your first and last name with your views on this post to share them in the comment space below. We welcome your participation to a virtual town hall here on this issue.
Niagara At Large 
quite right Dan …but a man who breaks legs for a living can still say it is wrong to break arms …just that he may have a bit of a time explaining the difference. Irrespective of how native peoples were treated in the past, killing animals does not necessarily have to be part of treaty rights. Culture and tradition are no excuse for killing and violence.
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Thank you Dan for the photograph and your article. I was disappointed that I was not able to get to the MNR thing this past Friday. There are band card carrying members of my family who are against this slaughter. We refer to it as a slaughter because these animals do not have the “flight or fight” instincts, can’t run from the noise of a gunshot and have for decades been around people who have not harmed them. Yes, we feel that this slaughter is akin to shooting critters at a petting zoo. Tradition or no tradition, this is wrong. This is seen by many as lazy, cowardly bullying. All forms of cruelty to any non-human creature is wrong. However, any enlightenment garnered by meat eaters is considered progress. Will there still be a protest this year? If so, how do I find out the times, etc…?
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Doesn’t Six Nations lands have enough deer? It’s simply wrong to slaughter deer in a park dedicated to preserving nature. It’s a tiny provincial park. Leave it be.
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Mr Wilson,
Some of your word choices present arguments that come across as inflammatory:
“The “white man”…saw themselves as “superior” to the so-called savages and this arrogance justified the near-annihilation of them.”
“They (The Haudenosaunee Hunters) see themselves as “superior” to other forms of life, as if all the earth were here for them to do as they please.”
It appears that you are likening the atrocious genocidal practices of the colonial US/English/Canadian governments to the hunt. I hope this is a misinterpretation of your intent.
I commend all the people who come on here and give their opinions, and I have the utmost respect for animal rights, and for the open dialogue. I am, however, firm in my conviction that by enabling the Haudenosaunee Nation to practice their culture it strengthens animal rights. Using the chicken and deer analogy that Mr. Wilson referred to, the traditional Haudenosaunee culture see’s wasting the deer as a sign of deep disrespect for all of creation, but in mass produced consumer driven society that is descendent of racist colonial governments, very little thought is given to the 40% of food produced and wasted in the United States and Canada. Even if you simply discarded 1 cattle for every ten slaughtered it would be difficult to understand why society is obsessed with devouring these enslaved creatures to the tune of about 1 pound per person per week.
Lastly, since the media, including apparently Doug Draper, loves printing articles about this topic, I can say that this kind of attention will be a magnet for racists. By choosing to use the term “white man” in reference to the historical oppressors, and making a reference to progenitors it could appear that this is a race issue to Mr. Wilson. I personally only want to see harmony between the oldest functioning democracy in the world and a government, that despite it’s colonial roots and racist policies, is attempting to work in concert with Canada’s original people. I question the tenacity for which this particular hunt is scrutinized, but I just want to believe that people are good so I raise this unintended consequence to sound the alarm that maybe this should be a building block between cultures and not a rallying cry for rights because this particular cause will attract the wrong kind of attention.
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In response to Karl Dockstader’s remarks, I understand that people may see this as a race issue. Deer hunt opponents faced this charge back in January when the first hunt took place. Believe me, it got ugly. It’s absurd of course, as many opponents of the hunt are First Nations members as well, and many of those opponents are against any hunt in Short Hills park regardless of race. And since I’m “accusing” both parties of the same thing (seeing animals as resources), I don’t think I can be accused of racism. If anyone thinks it’s about race, then they don’t know me (or the issue) very well.
But while I appreciate your “respect” for animal rights, if you think it’s okay to use and hunt and kill animals, no matter how respectfully or efficiently it’s done, you really don’t UNDERSTAND animal rights. What you are talking about is animal welfare, not animal rights. You wrote: “… by enabling the Haudenosaunee Nation to practice their culture it strengthens animal rights.” From an animal rights perspective, this is like saying that by not stopping the Tutsi genocide in Rwanda, the international community, and the Hutus, actually strengthened human rights.
I know this is a touchy subject, and I knew a lot of people would roll their eyes and think my comparisons ridiculous. But that doesn’t make them any less true…
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I was specifically saying that your “article”, where you likened colonial genocide and racism to the deer hunt, was racially inflammatory. I only know what I read and the parallel structure in the two lines I quoted seemed illustrate that point.
You are entitled to your opinion, and I respect your opposition to the hunt, but to liken an infrequent deer hunt to the violent, bloody history of colonialism is a BIG stretch. I understand enough of the issue to know that this hunt has received undue scrutiny and that you have belittled treaty rights, Idle No More, and criticized the police for acting “in fear of being called racists” in your previous opinion pieces.
If I don’t UNDERSTAND your intention maybe it’s because I am tired of the scrutiny around Aboriginal Peoples issues while the main stream government gets a pass. I do understand that one culture sees game as a gift from the world that is to be cherished, and another culture see’s animals as “livestock”. I don’t think that means I am favour genocide in Rwanda, I think it means that I oppose the commodification of food and that respectful First Nations practices where waste is akin to blasphemy are better for animal welfare.
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The Six Nation Great Law of Peace is not a culture of violence and I know of nothing in their culture that separates them from the natural world or asserts their superiority over our fellow creatures. I know they say a prayer for the the animals sacrificed for human welfare. Perhaps one can argue that there is another way to sustain their way of life and culture without the sacrifice of these animals or any of the animals we eat.You would have to speak to their councils. Some people’s like, the Jains in India and Pakistan, have developed such a culture for themselves but even they do not demand that others follow their religious practices.
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@ Ron Walker: When it comes to the animals, it is a culture of violence, just as ours is. And I don’t think it matters to the animals being killed whether or not a prayer was said. And like the Jains, I am demanding nothing. I’m simply suggesting that there are alternatives to bloodshed.
@ Karl Dockstader: I respect your opinion too, and your words. Please understand, I wasn’t comparing the deer hunt to colonialism. I was saying that we all view animals as things to eat, things to hunt, things to kill. I see it all as unnecessary exploitation and violence. I’m not a welfarist, I’m an abolitionist.
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@ Daniel K Wilson, I can accept that you will say or do anything to try to abolish this hunt. Your agenda is very clear. Labelling the First Nations hunters as partaking in a “culture of violence” is a gross oversimplification, even if the comment only pertains to this hunt. If you do not understand how lecturing and belittling another culture’s practices based on your own value system is a continuation of colonialism then I cannot help you undertstand how working with Haudenosaunee culture could actually help your cause.
What do you know about Haudenosaunee culture that had given you the right to make an untrue assertion: (“I sympathize with the Haudenosaunee and what the “white man” did to their ancestors…BUT the Natives also perpetuate this culture of violence”)?
Am I making a leap in logic here? It seems to me that you are hell bent on judging the Haundenosaunee practices, labelling their intentions, opposing their actions, but then any implication that this is either fodder for racism or racially motivated is not your responsibility?
I know that you have valiently championed anti-hunting, anti-gun, numerous anti-marineland peices, extolled in the virtues of nature and veganism, and highlighted the gross slavery that is improperly named agriculture in mainstream society. I am not questioning your character, or thinking that you intend to perpetuate racism, I don’t know you, but what I do know for a fact is that this hunt is not a coninuation of violence, and I will continue to disagree with your thesis in what is now at least your third article on this topic.
Belittling First Nations peoples practices is old hat in the Western world. Allowing this hunt is a path to strengthen a culture that could create the kind of harmony with nature that might yet save society from it’s destructive ways.
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@ Karl Dockstader: While I appreciate your comments you really aren’t saying anything new. You’re basically saying the same thing in all three. So my final response will be the same. When it comes to the animals, we have always lived, and continue to live, a culture of violence. I am not belittling the First Nations people but questioning and criticizing their practices, just as I question and criticize our own society’s practices (Marineland, Ribfest, etc) when it comes to animal exploitation. That isn’t racism my friend. It’s a desire to see a more compassionate and peaceful world. 🙂
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The desire to live in a more compassionate and peaceful world should be the quest of EVERY culture. It certainly is that of the Jain religion. To save society from destruction would rationally suggest that repeated destruction of any species is a giant step backward. It does not matter if you are the first immigrants or the next, slaughtering gentle, frightened creatures IS violent. Continuing to suggest that those who oppose this killing event are racists is hypocritical when many of the protesters are themselves First Nations People! The name calling serves no purpose other than to fill space in a failing argument perpetuated by those delusional enough to even hint that saying a prayer prior to murdering a defenseless prey could create ANY kind of harmony with nature. EVERY culture should do some serious soul searching and work together to begin a global movement that promotes compassion and peace while actively protesting every form of cruelty and aggression. We do not need to live in the past. Traditions are held by every culture and as humanity evolves so should traditions be modified. When you continue to look behind you, it becomes increasingly difficult to see what is in front of you. Join those who fervently pray to their deity for a more compassionate and peaceful world.
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@Ms Naylor: Your first post refers to the hunters as “lazy, cowardly bullying,” but then go on to say that name calling serves no purpose but to fill space in a failing argument…so when you do it it’s okay, but when I do it, it’s because my argument is weak…
Also, I think that there is lot of stuff in the news lately about what happened when some Canadian’s tried to tell Natives about a better religion and how to save themselves…maybe you should ask your panel of band carrying family members about how that went…
…I am not sure how to take your comment about how traditions should be modified, I think there is stuff in the history books of Canada about that one too…for now I think I will pass on joining “those who fervently pray to their deity,” because again, it reminds me of some stuff, that wasn’t so nice, that my Gramma told me about what happened when they forced her to go to that school and “teach the Indian out of her”…
Your point isn’t that if Natives followed your religion and changed their savage/violent ways that they could be enlightened right? That is how your words come across to me, please correct me if you were making an effort to make your point in a respectful way that I just misconstrued.
That isn’t name-calling, it’s just pointing out how patronizing (at best) the whole anti-hunt movement comes across to those of us who work as hard at preserving culture as history has at oppressing it. Sorry for repeating myself.
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Sorry I did not make myself clearly understood. I consider EVERY and ANYONE no matter what their ethnicity is a lazy, cowardly bully who hunts timid creatures who until last year had known and experienced only kindness from humans. Do not flatter yourself that I only include first immigrants in my words you choose to label “name calling”.
If you are aware that I belong to or completely practice any particular religion please inform me as to which one it is. I’d enjoy knowing someone thinks I have made a definitive decision myself , though I do admit to favouring Jains…just wish I could be a good enough soul to qualify! I only mentioned the word “deity” because everyone seems to have a different label for whom they pray to.
I respect everyone’s right to pray to whomever they choose especially when they are praying for a more compassionate and peaceful world. Yes, my opinion on traditions may offend those who want to continue to revere the negative parts of any tradition. Every culture as well as every religion has some negative traditions but they also truly have more great, positive traditions that I believe need more attention. The Irish feel their traditions should not be criticized for wanting to kill the British.
The French no longer get to practice their tradition of beheading the rich. The Jews, Muslims, Hindu, etc…are constantly in serious conflict and the list goes on. My spirituality allows me to appreciate the positives and compassionately peaceful traditions that can be found in every culture, religion and all holy books no matter whose! You are not the first to criticize or misconstrue my feelings and thoughts about appreciating the good and discarding the bad. Of course, your argument will be that I have no right to declare what is the good and the bad. Tough, feel free to continue to have the last word. You and others who just do not understand that compassion and peace do not include slaughtering as an excuse to uphold your culture’s rights as acceptable.
I will remain optimistic that as each generation matures they will continue to proudly practice more compassionate and peaceful ways to improve their world and their culture. Until that time I will protest and mourn the needless cruelty and violence that occurs because some believe it is their cultural or traditional entitlement .
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do you eat chicken, beef, or fish? Not native? … don’t concern yourself with this issue and find some place else to hike for November…
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if you believe every form of life is sacred…attack the meat-farmer first. At least those deer ran free, slept in the grass, roamed through field and stream, mated with whom they pleased, and had the chance the contemplate life under a full moon from a cozy spot in a grassy knoll. WE ALL have to watch out for the hunter.
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@ Lynne: Hello! In case you didn’t read all of my post, I’m vegan. That means I don’t eat animals or anything that comes from the exploitation of animals, and I don’t engage in, support or participate in the exploitation of others. In a word: non-violence. In four: live and let live. But please tell me when I should and when I shouldn’t concern myself with certain issues, especially issues that concern public safety and unnecessary violence?
It is ALL our business when the strong exploits the weak whether the weak have two legs, four legs, wings or gills. And I don’t put one form of exploitation before the other. They’re ALL harmful. I think that ALL unnecessary violence should be addressed, whether it’s the “meat-farmer”, the hunter, the fur trapper or the zookeeper. It’s your right to disagree, but please understand where I’m coming from. 🙂
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Public safety is a community concern. A stray arrow does not distinguish meat eaters from vegetarians. To view a video on this subject, please go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt4TbPxawPg&feature=youtu.be&html5=1
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@ Daniel… ALL life is sacred, and you may be surprised to learn that we BOTH loathe to see the suffering and death of another being for the life and survival of another. This continues to elude and stun me…HOWEVER…it is a fact that in this circle of life, all beings eat other beings, whether or not I can deal with it. Scientifically proven fact: a zebra faints while it is torn apart by a tiger and so does a plant as you contemplate cutting it with scissors. . More than a few well-read (and maybe self conscious too) meat eaters remind me of this fact. Heck, if I’m really in the mood for flying my freak flag, I might even go so far as disclosing that, along with plants and animals, I also have no doubt whatsoever that lakes and oceans and rocks etc. are no less alive than me. Just because they don’t look like me, doesn’t mean they don’t value their life as much as me. I hope the world is evolving where gentle souls lead, but all this said….Treaty Rights are Treaty Rights (real bonafide signed contracts,just like anybody’s deed to own property) and along with taxes, and the inescapable need of beings sharing this planet to consume, these treaties are a fact of life as a Canadian. I am a card carrying member of Canada’s First Nations, and though I don’t have the inclination to hunt, I do stand solidly with my brothers and sisters for that which my Ancestors bargained in good faith and paid dearly. @ Daniel and others…please take this as commentary with no personal attack intended. This forum should be a safe place to expand one another’s mind. Disagreement is just a stage in the process of evolution.
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p.s. a ‘card carrying’
Six Nations, to be more specific re. hunt.
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@ Lynne: Thanks for your words. You’re correct, this forum is a safe place to engage in discussion, even disagreement. I’m glad that we can have exchanges like this without resorting to personal attacks and I appreciate the good job the editor does in screening those comments. That being said, I’m happy to hear you loathe the unnecessary suffering and death of other animals (me too!) and I also hope the world evolves where “gentle” souls lead… that’s exactly why I write about these issues. But make no mistake, as long as we support the unnecessary suffering and slaughter of other animals, that world will never exist. As long as we hang on to our old traditions of violence, we will never have peace.
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Update: The First Nations deer hunt in Short Hills Provincial Park will take place November 21st to the 24th and November 28th to December 1st, instead of all four weekends in November as previously reported.
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Take at look at the pic in the standard online of the deer with an arrow shot thru its face. URL below. We can look forward to more of this “humane” process of killing deer when the Hunt returns to the Short Hills Park for the second time this year Nov21-24 and Nov 28-Dec1. Take a look:
http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2013/11/10/steve-martin-the-deer-has-arrow-removed-from-head
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