Elders from Dalles First Nation, near Kenora, Ont., were “upset and disturbed” when they discovered the carcasses of 10 eagles at the community’s landfill site last week.
One dead eagle was spotted intact in the centre of the turn-around at the dump on April 29, according to Dalles band councillor Tania Cameron. They soon discovered a total of 10 dead birds.
“I believe it was two golden eagles and eight bald eagles,” Cameron said. “Three were found in a bag and then some were just scattered here and there. Some carcasses were intact and some were missing their wings and heads and talons.”
Leaders at Dalles First Nation believe the carcasses of 10 eagles were dumped illegally at the community landfill site. (Tania Cameron/Dalles First Nation)
A meeting was held Monday to encourage First Nations members to report any suspicious activity at the landfill site, located about four kilometres from the community, and about 25 minutes by car from Kenora.
“We believe whoever brought this to our community, it’s not from our membership and we want to put out the word to whoever did this in the Kenora area that we’re watching now and it’s wrong,” Cameron said.
Eagles are sacred in Anishinaabe communities, Cameron said, adding that a ceremony following traditional protocols was held for the birds.
Community members are encouraged to take the licence plate number of anyone they see illegally dumping at the landfill and report it to the police.
