The sh铆sh谩lh Nation has expressed sorrow over the death of a grizzly bear, known as 鈥渕ayukw,鈥� recently found on spil岣祍en (Texada Island).
In a statement released last week, the Sunshine Coast-based Nation emphasized the importance of respectful and coordinated approaches to human鈥搘ildlife interactions.
Over the past several weeks, the Nation had been in discussions with the province and other partners about the possibility of relocating the bear to Xw茅malhkwu (Homalco territory near Bute Inlet), the statement explained.
鈥淭hough the outcome is not what we had hoped for, we remain committed to respectful, coordinated approaches to human鈥搘ildlife interactions.鈥�
The Nation emphasized its connection to the land and its role in protecting the natural world.
鈥淎s stewards of these lands and waters, sh铆sh谩lh Nation holds a deep responsibility to care for all beings that live here.鈥�
The statement also highlighted the broader lessons this incident offers about how communities and governments respond to wildlife encounters.
鈥淭his incident is a stark reminder of the need for early planning, open communication, and shared responsibility when wildlife moves through or settles in populated areas.鈥�
Looking forward, the Nation said it remains committed to improving how future wildlife situations are handled.
鈥淲e will continue working alongside other First Nations, government agencies and local communities to improve how these situations are handled, centring safety, respect for wildlife, and the shared values that connect us to the lands we call home.鈥�
