Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples: Presentation by Robert Alexis, Vice Chief for Trapping

File contains a presentation by Robert Alexis, Vice Chief for Trapping. Alexis is Vice Chief of Trapping for the Gwich'in people of Fort McPherson and discusses the problems and concerns of trappers in his presentation. The most important issue facing trappers he states is the switiching of traps from traditional leg holds to conibear traps. He contrasts trapping with office work and professes his love for the lifestyle of the trap line. He discusses how the conibear is a bad substitute for the traditional leg hold traps. Alexis discusses the importance of the trapping way of life to his people, and his frustration with the government for not consulting trappers before instituting changes. He also gives his opinion that next to education, trapping is the most important concern for his people. Following the presentation Commissioners Allan Blakeney and Rene Dussault question Alexis on the implementation of conibear traps, and the rationale behind doing so.