Shuswap Nation offers $3,000 reward offered for conviction in severed bear paw case

Secwepemc chiefs have condemned the acts of those who the dumped dozens of severed bear paws near Anglemont on the north side of Shuswap Lake that were discovered by a hunter earlier this week.

The bear is a sacred animal and caretaker of the land to the Shuswap Nation, leading Secwepemc chiefs to condemn the acts of those who severed and dumped bear paws near Anglemont this week.

The Neskonlith, Adams Lake, Little Shuswap Lake and Splatsin First Nations are offering a $3,000 reward for information that leads to the conviction of those responsible for the "abhorrent" act, calling the bear a sacred animal and caretaker of the land. 

On May 23, a Shuswap hunter and her family found dozens of severed, declawed bear paws on a forest service road.

READ MORE: Dozens of severed bear paws found discarded in Shuswap: conservation service

The ghastly finding was likely that of black bears, called "skwleqs" in Secwepemctsin, according to a joint media statement from the Shuswap Nation.

“Our traditional stories teach us that the bear is a sacred animal forming the foundation of our creation law, the chief of the four-legged and deserves the utmost respect and dignity,” Kukpi7 Wayne Christian, of Splatsin Band, said in separate a release from his band office.

“Many of our oral histories give us insight into the pivotal role that bear plays on our lands in the animal world and as part of our family."

READ MORE: Dumping of severed bear paws in Shuswap denounced by Indigenous leaders, hunters

There are plans to hold a ceremony to honour the carelessly discarded bears.

Information that can help the investigation may be forwarded to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277, or to Dave Nordquist of the Adams Lake Indian Band by email at dnordquist@alib.ca.

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