Canada’s Test Reindeer Herd

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 27, 3 February 1939, Page 11

Canada’s Test Reindeer Herd

OTTAWA— Canada’s newest industry, reindeer ranching, is thriving a 0 vigorously that the Dominion Goveminent is now preparing to loan a herd c the Eskimos. Th© purchasing of some 3,000 head from Alaska owners in 1929, the five years’ trek of the herd to the Mackenzie River Delta on the Arctic Ocean and its final delivery, 2,370 strong, to a representative of the Government, constitutes an epic in game migration that has been discussed around the world. Now faith in the project appears vindicated by the reindeer to thrive and breed in their new environments. Latest reports from Kittigazuit Reindeer Reserve, which covers about 6,000 square miles and may support indefinitely a total of 25,000 reindeer, show that the 2,3700 animals had increased (despite thinning out for improvement of stock and food) to a well-balanced herd of more than 4,000 at the round-up in July, 1937 and that last April and May another 2,000 fawns had been born, and that already, within three years of arrival, the deer can begin to be used for the purpose intended, namely the welfare of the natives. The supplying of dressed meat to the natives in times of scarcity was a minor consideration. Moro permanent benefits would result if the natives could be taught to manage their own herds, decided the Government, and, with this end in view’, several Eskimos have been in training with the Government herd. It is now proposed to establish a native herd and to increase the opportunities for the young* er natives to learn reindeer husbandry. The plan being considered is tc separate 800 or 900 doer from the Government herd and place them ia charge of two native families unde? the supervision of a Government officer. These deer would then bo regarded ai a native herd distinct from the main herd, and would be moved gradually eastward in the general direction of the Coppermine River —their ultimate destination to be determined later. It has been suggested that they spend the first year at least in the vicinity of Anderson River, about 100 miles east of the Reindeer reservation, where a preliminary investigation has indicated that conditions generally are suitable for the hording of the animals.

Mother: “Mabel’s young man haf taken offence at something. Have yon said anything to him!” Father: “Not a word. I haven’t seen him since I posted him last quarto er’s gas account.’’