As passionate advocates for wildlife stewardship, we at the Grizzly Bear Foundation see this as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a world-leading plan for grizzly bear conservation. The Grizzly Bear Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to the welfare of the grizzly bear across North America. Guided by science and Indigenous knowledge, we work collaboratively to support the conservation of grizzly bears through research, public education, and advocacy.

British Columbia's iconic grizzly bears have been without an updated conservation plan for three decades. Now, the government has drafted the Grizzly Bear Stewardship Framework and is seeking public feedback until October 31st, 2023.

Grizzlies are not just symbols of our wild spaces; they play an integral role in our ecosystem and cultural heritage. However, their survival is threatened due to habitat loss and human activities. The new framework could be instrumental in strengthening the stewardship of grizzlies and their habitats while promoting a healthy and sustainable commercial bear-viewing industry.

The Government of British Columbia made a historic decision in 2017 to recognize the resounding call from people around the world to end the grizzly bear hunt. Now, as a citizen of the world who cares about grizzly bears, we are asking for your leadership to safeguard the grizzly bear's future in British Columbia. Together, we can develop a world-leading piece of wildlife stewardship policy for others to admire and inspire for generations to come. 

***Note: the donation request after signing the petition is from change.org. If you are looking to support the work of the Grizzly Bear Foundation, please donate here.*** Featured photo is by John E. Marriott.

Setting the Right Tone: This draft Framework uses language that reinforces a traditional wildlife management mindset, and the text is inaccurate and misleading about the true nature of grizzly bears. For example, the opening line, “British Columbia is home to some of North America’s last remaining places where large predators and their prey play out their millennia-old roles,” sets a tone that fails to capture the true nature of grizzly bears and the relationships that B.C. Residents and Indigenous peoples share with these majestic creatures.

Stewardship, not Management: Designing this draft Framework as a Stewardship Framework and not a management plan is a monumental distinction and recognition of the leadership of First Nations in this process. However, the document still reads like an outdated wildlife management document. The terms “stewardship” and “management” are not defined and are used interchangeably. This framework needs to define what stewardship truly means and how it will be applied. 

Missing Science: This draft Framework has significant knowledge gaps in the scientific references provided, not reflecting the hard work that conservation organizations and independent scientists have done to further our scientific understanding of this important keystone species. 

The Hunt: This draft Framework is inconsistent when mentioning the hunting of grizzly bears and fails to highlight the overwhelming support of B.C. Residents and First Nations for ending the hunt. In detailing human-caused mortality, the document states that there is “currently no licensed grizzly bear hunting in B.C.”, hinting at the possibility that this government is considering reopening a provincial hunt. 

Habitat Protection & Coexistence: This draft Framework fails to emphasize the importance of allocating resources to protecting the habitat needs of grizzly bears, including increasing habitat connectivity, minimizing remote access, and ensuring long-term food security ie. critical foods - salmon, berries, whitebark pine, etc.. Further, the terms “ecosystem-based management” and “coexistence” are not defined, and it is unclear how these two approaches will be implemented.

No Mention of Animal Welfare: While this draft Framework is presented as a stewardship plan, recognizing the value of the grizzly bear to Indigenous cultures as a family member and teacher, it fails to incorporate many of the values embedded in the word stewardship - namely, recognizing the well being of grizzly bears and the principles of animal welfare. If this document is to acknowledge and reflect the stewardship values of all B.C. residents and First Nations, including animal welfare in the framework is essential.

Working with First Nations: This draft Framework has made important steps in engaging First Nations and advancing a shared understanding of how provincial laws will work with Indigenous law. However, it is unclear how much power Regional and sub-regional Wildlife Advisory Committees will exercise and will work alongside Indigenous Led processes and if they will be harmonized across the Province.

This petition isn't just about supporting the new framework—it's about what these majestic creatures mean to us all. It's about ensuring that our actions reflect the values of B.C. residents, First Nations communities, and everyone who cares deeply about wildlife conservation worldwide.

By signing this petition today, you're not only showing your support for the Grizzly Bear Stewardship Framework but also advocating for more robust measures to protect these magnificent animals and their habitats. Together we can carve an innovative path forward that ensures grizzlies continue to thrive, reflecting our shared commitment towards biodiversity preservation.

Please sign this petition today—let's make sure our voices are heard loud and clear before October 31st!