Abstract
Various studies on polar bears (Wabusk in Cree) indicate that the health and distribution of this animal and its habitat (i.e., dens, staging areas) are being affected by climate change (Scott et al., 2002; Obbard et al., 2006, 2007). Of special concern to the Muskekowuck Athinuwick/Cree People of northern Ontario are the Western Hudson Bay and the Southern Hudson Bay polar bear populations (the two located in Winipekw, or Hudson and James bays), which the Cree co-manage along with other stakeholders (i.e., Manitoba, Nunavut, Quebec, and other indigenous people with aboriginal and treaty rights). The co-management discussions among indigenous people with aboriginal and treaty rights and other stakeholders are complicated by proposed legislation that would change the polar bear's status in the United States and Canada (Lunn et al., 2006); by Inuit criticism of these proposed changes, which will affect their traditional practices (Freeman and Wenzel, 2006); and by the absence of the Muskekowuck Athinuwick/Cree People of northern Ontario from these discussions.