REPORT OF THE ROYAL COMMISSION 



RECOMMENDATIONS 



In conclusion, your commissioners would respectfully recommend: — 



(1) That steps be taken, either by the use of aeroplanes or otherwise, 

 to ascertain at the earliest possible date the approximate numbers of 

 MUSK-OX still in existence in Northern Canada, and the localities in 

 which they are to be found. 



(2) That the policy of preventing any further slaughter of these animals, 

 either by natives or by white men, except in case of dire necessity, be 

 rigidly enforced. 



(3) That a station be established in one of the northern islands, where 

 musk-ox now exist and where young animals may be readily obtained 

 for purposes of domestication, with a view to later bringing considerable 

 numbers to some point further south and more readily accessible, at 

 which their development from a national economic standpoint may be 

 carried on and extended. 



Needless to say, the success of this undertaking will, from its in- 

 ception, depend entirely on the personal and technical qualifications of 

 those who may be entrusted with its management. 



(4) That small experimental REINDEER herds be established in a 

 number of such localities as may, after searching Departmental investi- 

 gation, be found most desirable in points of vegetation and otherwise. 



(5) That in the selection of the localities for these stations, the needs 

 of the natives, in the matter of food supply, be given the most careful 

 consideration. 



(6) That where suitable arrangements can be made, the various mission- 

 ary bodies be requested to co-operate in an earnest effort to ensure the 

 success of the undertaking, not only by influencing the natives to protect 

 the animals, but also by encouraging them to learn how to handle and 

 care for them, so that, as in Alaska, they may become herders and 

 eventually owners of herds. 



This will involve the gradual working out of a system similar to 

 that so successfully followed by the United States Government in 

 Alaska, whereby small numbers of reindeer are given to the natives in 

 recognition of the interest and industry which they show in the work. 



(7) That at least one experienced Lapp deer-man should be detailed 

 to each herd, this being necessary, not only to avoid mistakes in handling 

 the deer, but to ensure that the instruction given to the natives is of a 

 sound and practical character. 



(8) That in view of the information furnished by Dr. Grenfell and Mr. 

 W. J. Kjellman, as set forth in Appendix No. XI, and referred to else- 

 where in this report, to the effect that a number of Lapp deer-men might 

 be induced to come to Canada and bring their herds with them, steps be 

 taken at once to ascertain the exact conditions in that regard. 



(9) That if these conditions are found to be as represented, negotiations 

 be entered into immediately with the view of securing as many of these 

 desirable people as possible, in order that their services may be utilized 

 in the development of the reindeer industr}- in such areas as may be 

 approved for that purpose. 



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