CARC held its annual general meeting in October 1995 at its new Yellowknife office. The agenda was lengthy and diverse; discussion was enthusiastic and productive. Nigel Bankes, Associate Professor of Law at the University of Calgary, stepped down after three years as chair of CARC. Nigel was warmly thanked by all for his excellent service on many pressing issues. Marina Devine, a twenty year resident of Yellowknife and long-time member of CARC, took over as chair.
Many issues were discussed, including probable diamond, base, and precious metal mines in the Slave Geological Province north of Yellowknife and the research under way through CARC's Northern Minerals Programme. Considerable time was spent on CARC's forthcoming intervention in public hearings into the diamond mine proposed by BHP Diamonds Inc. The project manager and key members of his staff spoke at length to the committee about their plans. Unfortunately, a trip to the proposed mine site was cancelled because of bad weather.
Other issues discussed by the committee included completion, with our partners in Sanikiluaq, of the Hudson Bay Programme and publication later in 1996 of a book detailing the traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) component of the programme. This programme has taken more than a year longer than anticipated to complete, but all members of the committee were pleased with the outcome. We hope to publish the TEK book in time for the World Conservation Congress in Montreal in October 1996.
The committee was pleased with CARC's advocacy efforts in Ottawa and Washington to persuade decision makers to honour the 1987 Porcupine Caribou Agreement between Canada and the United States to protect the caribou herd's calving grounds. (See related article "The ' 1002' Lands.") The committee suggested that this debate now be re-oriented to focus on international designations, perhaps under the World Heritage Convention, to acknowledge the importance of this site.
CARC's finances were discussed in some detail and the 1994-1995 financial statement was approved. The committee struck three sub-committees-25th anniversary chaired by Mary Crnkovich; fund-raising, chaired by Bill Nicholls; and membership, chaired by John Merritt. The Arctic Futures Fund was also reviewed in detail and the committee decided this fund should not be used for CARC's general operations; it should be allowed to grow in perpetuity. Interest generated by the fund may be used for pressing issues. CARC's bequest programme was also discussed and members agreed to sign-up for it.
All in all, the committee looked with some satisfaction at
accomplishments over the last year and with enthusiasm to the
fray ahead.