As of November 30, 2017, the government of British Columbia will officially end the cruel and unnecessary hunt of grizzly bears. After much campaigning by those in the province and a stirring documentary produced by Lush Cosmetics, the government was left without any real reason to resist. The government of B.C. and hunters have actively ignored the Coastal First Nations Tribal Law against grizzly hunting since it was established in 2013, but it seems that they finally agree there is a need to protect the Great Bear Rainforest and its inhabitants.
Now, thanks to endless campaigning, bears in B.C. are going to be protected. Campaigner Carleen Pickard told media, “The ban on trophy hunting of grizzly bears is a huge victory for bears, all those working to protect them and for a new era in B.C.’s image to the world.” In times like these, it is a huge relief to see wildlife being looked after as this change represents a victory for those who wish to see the environmental world thrive again. With over 90 per cent of British Columbians opposing the cruelty of trophy hunting, it’s a wonder it took this long before the government sat up and listened.
Environmental-loving brand Lush played a large part in this monumental accomplishment. In 2016 they dedicated themselves to the end of grizzly hunting with a 9-day campaign demanding an end to the disgraceful act. They were able to raise over $200,000 for organizations who also opposed grizzly bear hunting. With this, their hugely successful petition and the documentary Trophy, it’s no wonder that the B.C. government could no longer ignore the cries to end this terrible ‘sport’.
Throughout Fall 2017 the government will consult with First Nations and stakeholder groups in order to determine next steps and establish goals. This step represents a real step forward in the respect of First Nations laws and the environment in not only B.C. but all of Canada. This shows the world that senseless cruelty has no place in modern society. Let this be a lesson to us all – signing petitions, making documentaries and campaigning all have a purpose and an impact. If people come together for a common cause they can change the world for the better, even if it seems impossible at first.
