The Saulteau and West Moberly First Nations guardians of the Linse-Za caribou herd in northern B.C. have helped to increase the herd’s numbers through the maternity pen initiative.
Text by Nyn Tomkins and David Moskowitz. Photography by David Moskowitz.
HIGH ON A FORESTED MOUNTAIN in northern British Columbia, in the traditional territory of the West Moberly Dunne-za First Nations (WMFN) and Saulteau First Nations (SFN), Starr Gauthier is on patrol with a twelve-gauge shotgun slung over her shoulder and a laptop bag in hand. Starr is a Caribou Guardian charged with tending to the Klinse-za Caribou Maternity Pen built by these First Nations, as part of their effort to protect an animal that is vital to their cultures.
Starr Gauthier, member of the SFN and Caribou Guardian at the maternity pen. “Use us as an example of steps that we need to take as human beings, as guardians of Mother Earth. You know, we’re an animal too. Just like caribou. Just like bear. Just like butterflies and birds, you know what I mean? We all share Mother Earth. We’re all part of this system. This is a steppingstone. And it’s a good reminder to people that we need to t