Creating awareness of a negative issue that is happening is a must in order to reach a positive outcome but what if that ‘negative’ issue is shrouded in lies for political gains? Canada’s government is currently involved in two issues that stir controversy and have no benefit to most Canadians but much benefit for members of parliament or the lobbyists acting on behalf of big corporation: The Alberta tar sands and the annual seal hunt.
Today, I would like to write about the annual seal hunt and ask the question – Is it really a necessity? Many argue (especially Canada’s indigenous people) that the seal hunt is essential for the survival of some native communities as they depend on the seals for food and their pelts to protect them from the elements. I mean no disrespect to these communities but is there no other means for food and clothing in these remote locations? Our government isn’t too inclined to assist these communities to ensure they have access to proper food, clothing and shelter but rather allow the seal hunt to continue in order to secure votes in these communities.
Here is a timeline since the seal hunt began – please note, this information was supplied via IFAW (International Fund For Animal Welfare) in a ‘mock’ campaign to create awareness about the seal hunt.
***for more about this ‘mock’ campaign, please visit the following link***
http://hypenotic.com/work/international-fund-for-animal-welfare/
Recently – Ellen Degeneres spoke out against the seal hunt and called it an inhumane practice. This caused a small backlash against Ellen as many supporters (mostly by the Inuit) started a ‘selfies’ campaign urging others in the Inuit community to take ‘selfies’ with their seal pelts to send to Ellen. An Inuk seamstress Sandi Vincent challenged Ellen’s claim regarding that the seal hunt is “inhumane”. (Clubbing seals to a bloody death doesn’t seem to be an inhumane practice). I understand that people can be appreciative, grateful and respectful in giving thanks to how they have obtained their food but, in my opinion, there is nothing humane in the slaughter of thousands of helpless seals.
Most countries have banned seal pelts/products – this annual slaughter is a dying tradition. If these seals are a ‘staple’ food for the Inuit community, is it not possible to find an alternative method of obtaining the seals rather than bludgeoning them to their deaths?
We have achieved so much with modern technology – man has invented the car, boat and airplane, we have had men, women and animals in space. How is it so difficult to find a solution that will appease those in Canada who rely on the seals for food without such a violent end for those seals?
COALITION OF POSITIVE ENERGY 