Beverly and Qaminirjuaq
See resources from the management board for these herds.
- Beverly herd size (2023): 152,000
- Qamanirjuaq herd size (2022): 252,900
The two herds are treated together here as they are covered by a single management board.
The Beverly herd is shared by Nunavut, the NWT, and Saskatchewan. The herd’s range overlaps with the Bathurst caribou herd on the west, and Qamanirjuaq and Ahiak caribou herds on the east. The herd calves in both the Western Queen Maud Gulf area and the traditional calving grounds near Beverly Lake in Nunavut. There are differing opinions on what is happening with the Beverly herd. A 2015 academic paper suggests that the herd may have ceased to exist as a separate entity, and may have been absorbed into the Ahiak herd.
The range of the Qamanirjuaq herd overlaps with Beverly and Ahiak herds to the west, and is mostly in Manitoba and Nunavut, with portions in the southeast NWT and northeast Saskatchewan. The herd calves in the vicinity of Qamanirjuaq Lake in Nunavut.
Related news
Barren Ground Caribou Hunts Are Disappearing — or Getting Outrageously Expensive
This magazine story talks about caribou declines, and the impacts of those declines on paid hunts. It also recounts the story of what the author describes as possible his last hunt, in southern Nunavut.
20 October 2025 | outdoor life
Young hunters get together to learn how to hunt a caribou
A short (1:30) video story about a group of young people from Rankin Inlet in Nunavut who went on a community caribou hunt to learn how to hunt and butcher the caribou. The meat from the hunt was given to local elders.
2 September 2025 | CBC north
Concerns over consultations, caribou halt uranium exploration plan
A first step toward uranium mining west of Baker Lke, Nunavut has hit a roadblock. The Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) has told the Atha Energy company that it must change or abandon its exploration plans in the area. The area ovelaps calving and migration routes for caribou herds. The Beverly and Qamanirjuaq herds use the area. As with all NIRB decisions, the final say goes to the Minister of Northern Affairs.
7 July 2025 | Nunatsiaq news
Nunavut caribou survey saved by cellphones
The latest count for the Beverly herd was nearly derailed when the plane-mounted camera used to photograph the herds didn't work. the biologists aboard the plane taped their cell phones to the plane windows intead. Surprisingly, the fix worked well enough for the count to proceed, resulting in a new population estimate for the herd.
18 June 2025 | cbc north
Lodge owner decries killing of caribou on property, but others caution against rush to judgment
A news story about an alleged incident of meat wastage near a lodge in the far north of Manitoba. The lodge owner is characterizing the scene as a 'mass slaughter' of caribou. A First Nations hunter quoted in the story cautions against 'ciminalizing' Indigenous hunters, while the Premier of Manitoba Wab Kinew said the hunters involved will be "pursued and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law."
14 May 2025 | cbc
Management board urges hunters to watch for parasites in harvested caribou
This news story highlights what appears to an increase in the presence in northern caribou of a worm-like parasite, called setaria. one recent report said that 16 of 23 animals harvested had evidence of the parasite. The Beverly and Qamanirjuaq caribou management board is asking hunters to inspect any animal they shoot, and to report if they appear to be infected. The story quotes Dr. Susan Kutz, a parasite specialist at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Calgary, who says the parasites are alarming, but do not pose a risk to human gealth.
30 April 2025 | CBC North
N.W.T. government investigating the waste of 48 caribou
The government of the NWT sys it is investigating nine cases of illegal meat wastage involving 48 caribou. Remains of the caribou found along the winter road north of Yellowknife showed that only some of the animal had been taken, leaving much wasted meat. Local First Nations and Metis guardians help patrol the road to try to reduce hunting infractions. The chief of the Yellowknives First Nation said that its patrols would increase next year due to the rising trend of meat wastage.
19 March 2025 | CBC North
What’s below the 60th parallel? A Canadian mineral company aims to find out
A mining company plans to explore for uranium in the far north of Saskatchewan in a region used by the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq caribou herds. Ya’thi Néné Lands and Resources (YNLR) represents seven First Nations communities in the region. YNLR has signed an eploration agreemnt with Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. that provides economic benefits to the communities, and provides for environmental monitoring. A YNLR spokesperon is quoted saying that measures will be taken to avoid exploration actiities disturbing caribou mgration.
20 November 2024 | eagle feather news
Kivalliq hunters report ‘sickly’ caribou during fall hunt
Hunters in the kivalliq region (Hudson Bay coast area) of Nunavut are reporting unhealthy-looking colours in the meat of harvested caribou. A government wildlife biologist says they are likely caused by a parasitic worm that would harm neither the caribou nor people consuming the meat. The Department of Environment is planning to distribute sampling kits to hunters this year in an effort to track the parasite’s spread through the herd.
11 November 2024 | Nunatsiaq news
Arctic caribou management board releases 10-year plan
A news story about the release of a new 10 year management plan by the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou management board. The story notes that the plan was build on two guiding principles, "shared responsibility and prioritizing caribou in the caribou-people relationship". It also notes that the plan identifies four main priority areas with associated activities, but those are not listed in the story.
18 June 2024 | Laronge Now
Review board recommends against Meliadine mine extension
The projet review board for Nunavut has recommended against the expansion of a gold mine north of Rankin Inlet. The Nunavut Impact Review Board says impacts of the expansion pose a risk to the Qamanirjuaq caribou herd. The board's recommendation goes to the federal Minister of Nortern Affairs for a final decision.
22 November 2023 | Nunatsiaq News
Agnico Eagle now complying with caribou order for Meadowbank, feds say
A mine north of Baker Lake in Nunavut has agreed to change some aspects of how it monitors and responds to caribou near the mine. Earlier in 2023, the Meadowbank Mine, owned by Agnico Eagle had been ordered by the federal government to comply with its permits relating to when and how it ceases operations on mining roads when caribou are present. The news story quotes a government document stating that the government is now satisfied with the mine owner's compliance with the earlier order.
5 October 2023 | CBC North
Caribou concerns dominate hearing on Nunavut mine extension
Public hearings about proposed extensions of a gold mining project near Rankin Inlet have heard fears about the potential impacts on caribou. A proposed wind farm is of particular concern, as local people say it is close to calving grounds.
20 September 2023 | CBC
Final hearing on future of Meliadine gold mine begins in Rankin Inlet
A proposal to extend the life of a gold mine near Rankin Inlet in Nunavut has raised concerns about the project's impact on caribou. The Meliadine mine proposal is being reviewed by the Nunavut Impact Review Board. One concern raised by the local Inuit association regards the impacts of a proposed wind farm at the mine. The Kivalliq Inuit Association says, "The impacts of wind turbines on barren ground caribou herds have not been studied in enough depth to truly understand the potential impacts...".
12 September 2023 | CBC
Feds say Agnico Eagle has failed to protect caribou at Nunavut gold mine as promised
The federal government says a company operating a gold mine near Baker Lake in Nunavut is failling to comply with promises to close roads when migrating caribou are close by. In an oficial document, a government representative has ordered the company to "...comply with its permits to operate or face potential penalties."
16 June 2023 | CBC north
Rankin Inlet HTO enacts temporary ban on hunting caribou for selling
The hunters and trappers organization (HTO) in Rankin Inlet has banned local hunters from selling caribou meat during the calving season. The article says that hunters can still hunt for their own consumption, but there are concerns about the impact of caribou sales.
27 April 2023 | Nunatsiaq news
Caribou management board focused on a number of challenges after most recent meetings
A report of the recent meeting of the Beverly Qaminirjuq Caribou Management Board. Amongst other issues the board discussed was the difficulty experienced by some communities in accessing the caribou. A northwards move by the caribou has meant very long travel for some hunters in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
1 December 2022 | Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation
QIA says Nunavut land-use plan doesn’t go far enough to protect caribou
The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (the organization that holds land rights for Inuit in the Baffin region of Nunavut) is urging more prtoections for caribou in the Nunavut Land Use Plan. The land use plan is in its final hearing stage. The plan has been under development for several years and will influence the future of development in the territory.
18 November 2022 | Nunatsiaq news
Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundPearyAhiakBaffin IslandBathurstBluenose WestBluenose EastBoothia PenninsulaCape BathurstCoats IslandLorillardTuk PeninsulaWager BaySouthampton IslandBanks-VictoriaWestern Queen ElizabethPrince of Wales - Somerset - BoothEastern Queen ElizabethDolphin and UnionRange management
GN calls for federal investigation into Agnico Eagle’s Meadowbank mine
The Government of Nunavut is asking the federal government to investigate what it says is a mining company's failure to follow caribou conservation measures. The Meadowbank Gold Mine, north of Baker Lake in Nunavut, is supposed to close raods when groups of caribou are in the vicinity. In a letter, a Nunavut government representative says this is the fourth year that there is evidence that the comany has not followed the rules on raod closures.
3 November 2022 | Nunatsiaq news
Qamanirjuaq caribou are adapting to earlier spring, but that might not stop their decline
A magazine article about research on the Qamanirjuaq herd, showing that the herd is starting its migration earlier and giving birth earlier, likely in response to climate change. The warming climate in the caribou range is leading to earlier greening on the caribou's summer range. The article also mentions concerns about the private sales of meat from the herd.
11 July 2022 | Canadian Geographic
Proposed Meliadine mine extension to be assessed
A mining company is proposing an expansion to its gold mine north of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. The Agnico Eagle proposal would add wind turbines and an airstrip to the mine. Some local Inuit organization fear the impact on caribou migrations. The proposal is being reviewed by the Nunavut Impact Review Board.
5 July 2022 | Nunatsiaq news
https://nunatsiaq.com/stories/article/northern-caribou-management-board-fails-to-secure-budget-boost/
A story about the quest of the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq caribou management board to double its budget, in part to pay for an updated management plan for the herds. There's also a reference in the story to incresed pressures of sport hunting on the herds.
1 April 2022 | Nunatsiaq news
The biggest land use plan in the world: how Nunavut is putting mining and conservation on the map
This longer story is about the Nunavut land use plan. The draft plan designates key caribou habitat such as calving areas as "limited use" effectively closing them off to industrial development such as mining. The plan has been in development for fifteen years, and is now considered close to completion.
18 January 2022 | The Narwhal
Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board seeks to more than double its funding
The lead of the story is that the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq caribou management board is looking to double its budget citing climate change as a complicating factor in conserving the herd. The story also notes that the board is revising its caribou management plan in 2022.
30 December 2021 | cbc north
Don’t waste caribou, Kivalliq HTO tells hunters
A spokesperson for the local Hunters and Trappers Organization in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut urges people to not waste parts of the caribou they hunt. The story speaks of anecdotal evidence that people are leaving less sought-after parts of the caribou behind.
7 May 2021 | Nunatsiaq News (Nunavut)
monitoring caribou on the winter road
This is an online story and 4'23" video talking about the efforts to monitor caribou hunting in the area north of Yellowknofe. Recent concerns about bad hunting practices, including meat wastage are mentioned.
2 April 2021 | Cabin radio (NWT)
Premier says government won’t regulate online caribou meat sales
The government of Nunavut says it cannot regulate the online sales of caribou meat after concerns were raised by local politicians about the impact of such sales on the
Qamanirjuaq herd. The government says it cannot interfere because of the terms of the Nunavut land claim, so the issue should be taken to the land claims organization, Nunavut Tunggavik Incorporated (NTI). NTI says the volume of sales and the impact on caribou numbers are uncertain, so it is "premature to propose restrictions".
22 March 2021 | Nunatsiaq News
Illegal hunting of caribou herds along winter roads running rampant
A news story about an increase in caribou hunting infractions in the Northwest Territories. There are particular concerns about meat wastage and bad hunting practices along the access roads to the diamond mines northeast of Yellowknife. NWT officials say "they are currently investigating the illegal harvest of over 50 caribou so far this winter, compared to less than 10 at this point last year."
10 March 2021 | CBC North
N.W.T., Nunavut advocates fight for more caribou calving ground protections
14 September 2020 | CBC North
Seal River Watershed slated to become Indigenous Protected Area
A news release from Environment and Climate Change Canada talking about its $3.2 million investment an Indigenous Protected Area in the Seal River Watershed in Northern Manitoba. This area in a wintering ground for the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq caribou herds. The initiative covers traditional territories of the Cree, Dene and Inuit.
25 August 2020 | cision
Strategy to help NWT’s beleaguered caribou is released
A news story about a new recovery strategy for barren-ground caribou herds in the NWT. The strategy was developed by group of governments and regulatory boards, collectively known as the Conference of Management Authorities. The recovery strategy will guide how all NWT herds of barren-ground caribou are managed, with the exception of the Porcupine herd.
10 July 2020 | cabin radio
Agnico Eagle tries to ease caribou protection measures for Nunavut mine
A news story about a gold-mining company's attempt to loosen restrictions on transporting ore on a haul road when caribou are present. The mining company operates in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut, north of the community of Baker Lake. The region is used by the Qamanirjuaq herd, the largest herd found in Nunavut.
8 June 2020 | Nunatsiaq News
Arctic caribou move up migration due to climate change
Story about how the Qamanirjuaq herd has moved up its northward migration dates in Nunavut in response to climate change
4 May 2020 | St. Albert Today
Where are the wolves? Satellite collaring planned for wolves on caribou winter range
a 2020 news story about collaring wolves associated with the Beverly/Ahiak, Bathurst and Bluenose-east herds.
31 January 2020 | CBC
Nunavut’s biggest caribou herd still faces downward trend, warns report
A 2019 news story on the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq herds that talks about the difficulty of tracking hunting numbers especially due to online sales of caribou meat. It is also critical of increased mineral exploration.
10 January 2019 | Nunatsiaq News
Another Nunavut caribou herd faces decline
A 2016 news story about the Nunavut Government’s concern about Internet-driven sales of caribou meat.
4 March 2016 | Nunatsiaq News
Related resources
Caribou conservation Wapusk National Park
A Park Canada web page on caribou conservation issues in Wapusk National Park, near Churchill Manitoba. The page provides an overview of conservation challenges including climate change and human disturbance causing habitat loss or avoidance, and also talks about research and management measures. Two herds occur in the park, the Cape Churchill herd, and the Qamanirjuaq herd.
(2026)
Usage: Non-commercial with attribution Format: web
Beverly and QaminirjuaqEastern MigratoryBarren-groundCape ChurchillManaging huntingRange managementClimate changeHuman disturbanceNatural factorsHuntingsummary of calving ground surveys
A summary of the calving ground surveys conducted in June 2025 on the Bathurst and Bluenose East caribou herds. Numbers show a decline in both herds. This brief report also has some interesting data showing female collared caribou from the Bathurst herd switching to both Bluenose East and Beverly herds.
Yellowknives Dene First Nation (2025)
Usage: Non-commercial with attribution Format: web
Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundBathurstBluenose EastBeverly Herd Population Increasing
This web story is a brief account on the meeting the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq caribou management board in May 2025. As the title suggests, the most important news in an upturn in the numberso of the Beverly herd by almost 50% from 2018 to 2023. Other issues noted are the impacts of roads on caribou herds, and better public education about parasites found in caribou.
(2025)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundRange managementHuman disturbanceNatural factors“Put on Your Caribou Hat”: Challenges to and Strategies for SuccessfulCo-Stewardship of North American Caribou Herds
An article based on a panel discussion amongst people leading caribou co-management boards. The article examines the dynamics of comanagement, success factors, and the challenges that face the caribou and the boards. One key finding is that "Finding ways to support caribou-dependent cultures to continue traditions and pass on knowledge related to caribou even when hunting is restricted will be key to continuing co-stewardship through hard times when herds are declining."
(2024)
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PorcupineBeverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundBathurstBluenose WestManaging huntingClimate changeHuman disturbanceHuntingmeasuring contaminants in northern caribou
In this 3':15" video interview, research scientist Mary Gamberg talks about a project that measures contaminants in northern caribou herds. The project focuses primarily on the Porcupine and Qamanirjuaq herds, but other herds have also been sampled. This is part of a series of four video interviews on the topic of contaminants in caribou.
(2024)
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PorcupineBeverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundContaminantsContaminants in Arctic Caribou Synopsis Report 2023-24
This report describes work to measure contaminants in the Porcupine and Qamanirjuaq caribou herds in 2023-2024. Levels of most contaminants in the caribou sampled were not of concern with the possible exception of mercury and cadmium levels in the caribou kidneys. The report concludes, "Overall, contaminants continue to be low in caribou from the Canadian Arctic and caribou remain a healthy food choice for Northerners."
(2024)
Morphological Traits Are Not Consistently Related to Population Size in Four Migratory Caribou Populations Across North America
Can physical appearances of caribou be used to infer population health? That was a question asked by authors of this academic paper who looked at body mass, body fat, and hind foot length in four caribou herds (Porcupine, Beverly, Leaf River and George River) and tried to see if there was a connection between those indicators and herd size or trend. The paper found that those physical indicators were not sufficient to accurately assess herd numbers or trends.
(2024)
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PorcupineBeverly and QaminirjuaqEastern MigratoryBarren-groundGeorge RiverLeaf RiverRange managementAboutCaribou is Life - BQCMB Caribou Management Plan 2023-2032
This 52 page plan was produced by the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board. The plan identifies four priorities for the next ten years: watching the caribou (monitoring the herds' vulnerability to various stressors); respecting the caribou (respectful and sustainable harvest practices); respecting the land (monitoring and managing land use in the herds' range); and community connections (outreach, mentorship, and communication between generations and communities). The plan notes a decline in numbers in both herds. The Qamanirjuaq herd is down from 496,000 in 1994 to 252,900 in 2022, the Beverly herd from 276,000 in 1994 to 103,400 in 2018. The plan also includes a list of activities to be taken over the next ten years by a variety of governments, organizations, and people to improve the prospect for the herds.
Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board (2024)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqManaging huntingRange managementClimate changeHuman disturbanceNatural factorsHuntingNunavut Impact Review Board Issues Reconsideration Report and Recommendations for Agnico Eagle Mines Limited’s “Meliadine Extension” Project Proposal, related to the Meliadine Gold Mine Project
A news release from the Nunavut Impact review board giving its reasons for turning down a request for a gold mine extension in Nunavut. The request from the Meliadine gold mine north of Rankin inlet would have added 11 years to the mine life, according to the mine owners. The review board highlighted potential effects of the mine expansion on the Qamairjuaq caribou herd and the people who rely on the herd; "...the Board noted high levels of uncertainty as to whether existing or modified mitigation measures would be sufficiently protective to prevent or manage negative effects from the Extension Proposal on caribou; especially when considering critical calving and post-calving periods. The Board also acknowledges that unpredicted negative impacts on caribou would have immediate negative effects on the ability of Inuit, Dene and Denesuline reliant on this herd to harvest caribou, which could have devastating and lasting effects on livelihood, health and culture."
Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) (2023)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundRange managementHuman disturbanceContinental synchrony and local responses: Climatic effects on spatiotemporal patterns of calving in a social ungulate
This paper looked at data from seven barren ground caribou herds, totalling more than 1200 animals over 15 years. The authors were trying to estimate the effects of changing climate on calving. The paper notes that, "...the ability to access preferred calving areas and the ability to synchronize births in time are critical for maintaining high barren-ground caribou abundances..." in concludes, "Overall, we detected considerable variability across years and across herds, but no significant trend for earlier calving by caribou, even as broad indicators of spring and snow phenology trend earlier."
(2023)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundBathurstBluenose WestBluenose EastCape BathurstClimate changeBQCMB - Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan - 2023
A 11'29" video by the Beverly and Qamairjuaq Caribou Management Board. It aggregates testimony from Indigenous people speaking at hearings into the Nunavut Land Use Plan in Rankin Inlet and Thompson Manitoba. The testimony highlights the importance of protecting caribou habitat, especially calving grounds. The end of the video highlights written statements from organizations expressing the same sentiments.
(2023)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundHuman disturbancecontaminants in Arctic caribou synopsis report 2023
This report describes work to measure contaminants in the Porcupine and Qamanirjuaq caribou herds in 2023, but also refers to results obtained from sampling the Leaf River herd and caribou from the south Baffin. Levels of most contaminants in the caribou sampled were not of concern with the possible exception of mercury and cadmium levels in the caribou kidneys. The report also suggest harvesting caribou for sampling with copper bullets to avoid contamination of samples by ammunition used.
(2023)
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PorcupineBeverly and QaminirjuaqBaffin IslandLeaf RiverContaminantsReport to the Hunters of the Qamanirjuaq Caribou Sept 2023
A two-page report on contaminants in the Qamanirjuaq caribou herd. The herd has been sampled since 2006. In that time, researchers have seen a decline in some synthetic contaminants used for things like making objects more fireproof, and in some other contaminants such as lead. There has been a slight rise in mercury levels.
(2023)
Caribou and wind turbines (Kivalliq region) - an overview of available information
A 22 slide presentation (exported as a pdf) providing an overview of effects of wind turbine development on Caribou. As the presentation points out, there is little information directly on the effects of wind turbines, so a lot of the information covers the effects of potential related disturbance. The presentation is related to plans to install wind turbines in the Nunavut communities of Baker Lake, Arviat and Rankin Inlet. The presentation was the result of a project by Heather Hayne for WWF Canada.
(2022)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundRange managementClimate changeHuman disturbanceNWT Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment Species at Risk
A long (721 page) report on species at risk in the Northwest Territories, including barren ground caribou, Peary caribou, and Dolphin and Union caribou. This report not only assess the vulnerability of the caribou to climate change, but also assesses the importance of other risks to the caribou.
(2021)
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PorcupineBeverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundPearyBathurstBluenose WestBluenose EastCape BathurstDolphin and UnionClimate changeHuman disturbanceHunting“These Trees Have Stories to Tell”:Linking Dënesǫ́łıné Oral History of Caribou Use with Trample Scar Frequencyon Black Spruce Roots at Ɂedacho Kué
This academic article combines Indigenous and scientific knowledge to elaborate on the histroy of caribou movements near the Dënesǫ́łıné community of Lutsel K'e (Northwest Territories). It is useful to not only consider the abundance history of the Bathurst and Beverly caribou herds, but also the ways in which the research was locally-directed, and the ways in which the different types of knowledge were used. The paper repeats the contention of local people that disruption caused by mining in the region is largely to blame for the current herd declines.
(2021)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundBathurstHuman disturbancecaribou contaminant report 2020-21
This is a report that covers all of the results from a project to monitor contaminants in caribou. Some tests could not be done due to lack of lab capacity udirng the pandemic. The report concludes that: "Levels of most contaminants measured in caribou tissues are not of concern, although kidney mercury and cadmium concentrations may cause some concern for human health depending on the quantity of organs consumed. Caribou meat (muscle) does not accumulate high levels of contaminants and is a healthy food choice.
Concentrations of PFASs and PBDEs are low with respect to potential toxicity to caribou or those consuming caribou. Adults consuming Sanikiluaq reindeer are recommended to consume a maximum of seven whole livers each year due to PFOS levels in those livers."
(2021)
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PorcupineBeverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundBaffin IslandContaminantsŁutsël K’é Dene First Nation’s Caribou Stewardship Plan
A 47-page 2020 Caribou stewardship plan from the Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation (NWT). The “Yúnethé Xá Ɂetthën Hádı” plan covers the Bathurst, Beverly, Ahiak, and Qamanirjuaq herds.
Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation (2020)
Report to the Hunters of the Qamanirjuaq Caribou May 2020 - Inuktitut
A brief Northern Contaminants Program report in Inuktitut on the Qamanirjuaq caribou herd. The report has not found any significant change in levels of the contaminants monitored in the samples from 2018.
Northern contaminants program (2020)
Report to the Hunters of the Qamanirjuaq Caribou May 2020
A brief Northern Contaminants Program report on the Qamanirjuaq caribou herd. The report has not found any significant change in levels of the contaminants monitored in the samples from 2018.
Northern contaminants program (2020)
study on advancing migration, calving dates for Qamanirjuaq caribou
This academic study says Qamanirjuaq caribou are migrating and calving earlier, matching earlier greening uo of calving grounds. The authors think this may show caribou are more resilient to climate change.
(2020)
Renal trace elements in barren-ground caribou subpopulations: Temporal trends and differing effects of sex, age and season
An academic paper that looks at the level of some metals in kidneys of some northern caribou. It found that copper levels are decreasing in the caribou kidneys, possibly due to changes in what caribou are eating. The paper concludes, "Declining Cu concentrations in caribou are of concern as low levels could potentially negatively affect reproduction and therefore caribou at a population level."
Science of the Total Environment (2020)
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PorcupineBeverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundBaffin IslandBathurstBluenose WestBluenose EastCape BathurstPeopleClimate changeContaminantsContaminants in Arctic Caribou Synopsis Report 2019-20
A 9 page synopsis report of the Arctic Caribou Contaminant Monitoring Program. The program covers several Arctic herds. It concludes, "Levels of most contaminants measured in caribou kidneys were not of concern toxicologically, although renal [kidney] mercury and cadmium concentrations may cause some concern for human health depending on the quantity of organs consumed. Yukon Health has advised restricting intake of kidney and liver from Yukon caribou, the recommended maximum varying depending on herd (e.g. a maximum of 25 Porcupine cariboukidneys/year). The health advisory confirms that heavy metals are very low in the meat (muscle) from caribouand this remains a healthy food choice. There have been no health advisories issued for caribou in NWT or Nunavut."
Northern contaminants program (2020)
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PorcupineBeverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundBathurstLorillardFortymilePeopleContaminantsRECOVERY STRATEGY FOR BARREN-GROUND CARIBOU In the Northwest Territories
This 70-page recovery strategy for barren-gound caribou in the Northwest Territories lays out plans to help the eight herds covered by the strategy. The strategy was required by the NWT Species at Risk Act after the barren-ground caribou were listed as "threatened" in 2018. The governments and co-management boards that developed the strategy have until April 9, 2021 to agree on the implementation of the recovery strategy.
Conference of Management Authorities (2020)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundAhiakBathurstBluenose WestBluenose EastCape BathurstTuk PeninsulaManaging huntingManaging predatorsRange managementManagementInuit Perspectives on Caribou Management Workshop
This is a 17 page summary of a workshop held in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut with four local elders discussing caribou management. it includes the history of the 'Kaminuriak Caribou Herd Project' from 1980 that conducted videotaped interviews with elders, hunters and youth. The document also records the participants' list of traditional rules for caribou hunting, and discussions of other issues related to caribou, such a mining, and selling caribou meat.
Kangiqłiniq Hunters and Trappers Organization (2019)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundManaging huntingRange managementPeopleHuman disturbanceHuntingBarren-ground Caribou Co-Management in the NWT
A 21-page booklet explaining the different responsibilities and authroities for managing all of the barren-ground caribou herds in the NWT. It includes information on responsibilities for herds that cross borders.
Government of the Northwest Territories (2019)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundManaging huntingManaging predatorsRange managementKEEYASK GENERATION PROJECT TERRESTRIAL EFFECTS MONITORING PLAN REPORT - CARIBOU WINTER ABUNDANCE ESTIMATE 2019
this 48 page report is part of a multi-year monitoring plan designed to assess the effects on caribou of construction and operation of the Keeyask hydro project. The project is on the Nelson River in Northeast Manitoba. The project area is used by the qamanirjuaq herd, as well as two herds of Eastern migratory caribou in the Hudson Bay region. The report concludes that it is difficult to tell what influence the project has had on caribou crossing affected water bodies, but that it appears construction access roads had minimal impacts on their movements.
(2019)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqCape ChurchillSouthern Hudson BayRange managementHuman disturbanceAbout BQCMB
This seven-minute video explains the work of the Beverley and Qamanirjuaq caribou management board. Suitable for older grades, perhaps from grades 6-12.
Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board (2019)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqSynopsis Report 2018/19 Arctic Caribou Contaminant Monitoring Program
This project studies contaminant levels in caribou in the Canadian Arctic to determine if these populations remain healthy (in terms of contaminant loads), whether these important resources remain safe and healthy food choices for northerners and if contaminant levels are changing over time.
(2019)
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PorcupineBeverly and QaminirjuaqPeopleContaminantsReport to the Hunters of the Qamanirjuaq Caribou – Feb 2019
With the help of local hunters, we have been taking kidney, liver and muscle samples of Qamanirjuaq caribou since 2006. We collect these samples to study changes in the levels of contaminants in kidneys and livers of caribou. These contaminants may be carried to the Arctic by wind.
(2019)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundPeopleContaminantsTactical departures and strategic arrivals: Divergent effects of climate and weather on caribou spring migrations
A 2019 academic paper that looks at factors affecting caribou migration timing and speed. The paper concludes that later arrival at calving grounds might indicate that females are in worse condition, and that calving and calf survival rates might be lower.
(2019)
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PorcupineBeverly and QaminirjuaqBathurstBluenose WestBluenose EastCape BathurstFortymileClimate change2019 report to the hunters of the Qamanirjuaq herd - Inuktitut
2 page summary report to hunters of the Qamanirjuaq herd in Inuktitut reporting on research into contaminants in the herd.
(2019)
mercury in seaweed - inuktitut
This two-page plain language summary in Inuktitut talks about mercury in seaweed and other food eaten by caribou in the Qamanirjuaq herd.
(2018)
Mercury in Seaweed, Lichens and Mushrooms from the Home Range of the Qamanirjuaq Caribou
Qamanirjuaq caribou have higher mercury concentrations than many other Arctic caribou herds. Usually, caribou get most of their mercury from lichens, but local elders described the Qamanirjuaq caribou eating seaweed from the seashore. Since seaweed is known to accumulate some metals, it was hypothesized that the caribou may be getting additional mercury from this source.
(2018)
Report to the Hunters of the Kivalliq Region Contaminants in Qamanirjuaq Caribou – September 2017
With the help of local hunters, we have been taking kidney, liver and muscle samples of Qamanirjuaq caribou since 2006. We collect these samples to study changes in the amount of contaminants such as mercury and lead in kidneys of caribou. These contaminants may be carried to the Arctic by wind.
(2017)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundPeopleContaminantsYou Can Make a Difference - Caribou For the Future
This 23-minute video from 2017 was produced by the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board. It includes several clips featuring Indigenous people who rely on the caribou herds.
Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board (2017)
SPECIES STATUS REPORT: Porcupine Caribou and Barren-ground Caribou
A lengthy NWT government Species at Risk assessment of barren-ground caribou and Porcupine caribou. It classifies the Porcupine caribou as “not at risk” in the NWT, and the other herds as “threatened” within the NWT. The assessment contains parallel tables that compare Indigenous and scientific knowledge on aspects of the caribou.
Government of the Northwest Territories (2017)
The Importance of Respectful Harvest
This 12 minute video is part one of the "You can make a difference" video produced by the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board.
Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board (2017)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqManaging huntingPeopleHuntingCumulative Effects
This 10-minute video is part three of the "You can make a difference" video produced by the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board.
Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board (2017)
The Importance of Harvest Reporting
This 8-minute video is part two of the "You can make a difference" video produced by the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board
Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board (2017)
COSEWIC Assessment and Status Report on the Caribou (Rangifer tarandus), Barren-ground population in Canada - 2016
The 2016 assessment report on barren-ground caribou prepared by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Species in Canada (COSEWIC). It is a long, thorough and quite technical overview. It resulted in the Canadian populations of barren-ground caribou being designated “threatened” under the federal government system
Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) (2016)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundManaging huntingManaging predatorsRange managementcaribou and community well-being (Gjoa Haven)
A web page with a variety of other resources centred on the link between the people of Gjoa Haven (Nunavut) and caribou. Resources on the page range from academic papers to a hand-drawn ink calendar showing the phases of local Inuit use of caribou.
Straight Up North (2016)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundAhiakBathurstLorillardWager BayPeopleCaribou Hunt With Peter Suwaksiork
32 minute online video. Arviat elder Peter Suwaksiork and his son set out to find caribou. Along the way Peter tells stories about shamanism, traditional life, and the changes he has seen over the course of his lifetime. Includes footage of hunting and skinning caribou.
IsumaTV (2015)
What Happened to the Beverly Caribou Herd after 1994?
A 2015 paper that argues that the Ahiak herd may have absorbed the Beverly herd.
(2015)
Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Plan 2013-2022
A 117-page plan published in 2014, that lays out management for the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq herds. There are also shorter summary versions of this plan available on the management board's website.
Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board (2013)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqManaging huntingManaging predatorsRange managementCaribou Hunt and Changes in Migration
This 1':59" interview in Dëne Sųłıné (Chipewyan) focuses on caribou movements around Tadoule Lake (Manitoba), and dates from 2003.
(2003)
Project Caribou - Beverly and Qamanirjuaq
An educator's guide to wild caribou of North America
Yukon Department of Environment (2000)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqCadmium in caribou and muskoxen from the Canadian Yukon and Northwest Territories
Cadmium, zinc, copper and metallothionein concentrations were measured in liver and kidney tissue of caribou and muskoxen collected from various sites in the Canadian Yukon and Northwest Territories. Cadmium concentrations in caribou tissues were substantially higher than in muskoxen for all age classes and were comparable to concentrations reported for caribou from northern Quebec and Norway.
Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) (1994)
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PorcupineBeverly and QaminirjuaqBarren-groundContaminantsA review of Fire Management on Forested Range of the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Herd of Caribou
This 1994 report from the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board discusses fire management issues on the forested part of the herds’ ranges.
Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board (1994)
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqEducation Resources and Teacher Tools: Caribou for the Future
These undated resources are focused on the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq herds, but a lot of the information would be transferable to other migratory herds. There are three poster/fact sheet/video units covering respectful harvesting, harvest reporting, and cumulative effects (of factors that influence caribou decline). There are also contests and other information for students that live in the caribou range.
Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board
FACT SHEET: Satellite collaring barren ground caribou
A 2-page fact sheet from the Government of the Northwest Territories explaining the use of radio collars on caribou.
Government of the Northwest Territories
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Beverly and QaminirjuaqBathurstBluenose WestBluenose East