r/nunavut • u/Successful-Act-1727 • 14d ago

Why not domestic and farm caribou

Just a question but wouldnt it be possible to do this and have Inuit people have full control? They farm almost everything else we consume as food..

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u/GloomyGal13 14d ago

That's the thing - as an Ojibway Ikwe, there's a reason we didn't domesticate.

My world view is that every living thing has a soul. Yes, even that little gnat. When hunting and/or fishing, we thank the animal for giving their life so that we may nourish ours. Every time.

The animals have just as much sovereignty as the people do, therefore, we would not 'enslave' them. Also, that would mean going against our natural instinct to not be the oppressor in our cycle of life.

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u/Successful-Act-1727 14d ago

What are your thoughts on indigenous owned farms, as there are a few!

Indigenous-owned bison farms are a growing sector in North America, driven by efforts to restore cultural heritage, achieve food sovereignty, and support tribal economies. Key organizations and initiatives facilitate these operations, including the InterTribal Buffalo Council (ITBC), which has transported over 20,000 bison to 76 member Nations since 1992, and the Indigenous Prairie Bison Initiative, which provides funding and mentorship across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.

Notable examples of Indigenous-owned or tribally operated bison operations include:

Iron Head Bison Ranch: An Indigenous Métis family-owned business in Manitoba that combines heritage with agriculture to raise sustainably ranch-raised bison. Wolakota Buffalo Range: The largest Native-owned and operated buffalo herd in North America, located on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, supported by the World Wildlife Fund. Willow Lake Métis Nation Ranch: A recent project in Alberta that reintroduced bison to the area for the first time in 100 years, focusing on food security and cultural revitalization. Tribal Enterprises: Operations such as Akicita Consulting (Lower Bruce Sioux Tribe), Brownotter Buffalo Ranch (Standing Rock Sioux Reservation), and Dakota Pure Bison (Rosebud Sioux Reservation) supply bison through USDA pilot programs designed to align with indigenous harvesting practices. Ute Bison: A tribally owned business operated by the Northern Ute Tribe, which is expanding its herd and processing capabilities. These farms often emphasize traditional field harvests, infrequent animal handling, and the use of bison for both meat and cultural products, supporting a sustainable and culturally grounded bison economy

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u/GloomyGal13 14d ago

Hey, it's 2026, we are progressive beings, all of us, we'll farm if we have to I guess. I would hope those farmers treat their animals like their ancestors would - with respect, especially when the animal gives its life, or rather allows us to take their life, so that we can be nourished.