To: Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation Band Members
From: Councillor i/c Finance & Lands
Date: September 13, 2016
Re: Cow Killing, North Pasture
Dear Band Members,
I would like to talk to you about an incident that occurred in the wee hours of Thursday, September 1, 2016. A cow was shot and killed in our North Pasture. This cow was not property of the Nation. It belonged to one of our leasors. The response from all the patrons was to remove all cattle from the pasture. What does this incident mean for the Nation? A number of things to which I will now share.
- Lost revenue for the band. Every year cattle farmers lease our pasture for grazing. Annual revenues fluctuate between $20 and $30 thousand dollars a year. This incident has now shortened this year’s grazing period, which will impact this year’s revenues and will definitely impact future year’s revenues,
- Reputation – cattle farmers will now take their business elsewhere, because now they know their cattle are not safe in our pasture,
- Payment for the cow that was killed, which will be between $1700 hundred to $2000 dollars,
- The costs of signs and cameras, which will now have to be posted and put in place and this will cost our Nation about $3,000.00, and
- A $500.00 cash reward.
All told because of the actions of one or a few inconsiderate individuals, they will be costing the band approximately $13,000 dollars and contributing to a bad reputation. In response to this incident the band is offering a $500.00 cash reward for information leading to a charge. Should you have information please contact the Rosthern RCMP Detachment.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Seeseequasis, Councillor i/c Finance and Lands
Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nation
