Many First Nation communities struggle with an overpopulation of stray dogs, but organizations are now emerging to care for these animals with compassion and cultural safety. In Mistissini, the volunteer-led Rez Dog Alliance aims to reshape how Cree people care for man’s best friend.
Though the community’s public safety department is responsible for picking up aggressive dogs, a network began developing more sustainable solutions last fall. The movement has rapidly gained momentum since the spring, offering everything from emergency fostering to helping reunite lost pets with their families.
“We’ve all seen dogs loose and roaming or being neglected or abused,” said Rez Dog Alliance founder Sheena Costain. “There have been some scary and heartbreaking situations. Back in October, there was another incident of a dog bite and I thought maybe people who are passionate about it would be interested in coming up with solutions.”
Costain’s public outreach generated significant interest, but it took several months before a committed core group was organized with a unified direction. Over 20 dedicated volunteers are offering foster homes or transportation.
Dogs requiring medical care can be treated by a vet tech in the group or be sent to a veterinary clinic in Chibougamau. Those needing surgeries are sent to Alma or Quebec City. Alliances with partner organizations help coordinate intervention and assessments for adoption by new homes.
“There have been a few unique cases where we’ve needed to raise funds,” said Costain. “A raffle helped with raising $1,700 for the vet costs for two injured puppies. Recently a dog needed an abscess removed and the Chibougamau vet was closed. People are so generous – we’ve already raised $600 in a couple of days.”
Living in Mistissini since 2013, Costain has observed a growing overpopulation problem as the relationship with dogs increasingly evolves from hunting partner to household pet.
“I think the root causes are much more complex than people give it credit for,” Costain asserted. “People say, ‘Just tie your dogs up’, but it’s not that simple. No one likes to be imposed upon. Some Elders believe dogs aren’t supposed to be inside, that it will make them weaker and not able to adapt to the elements.”
Historically, Cree and other Indigenous peoples relied on dogs for pulling sleds, carrying supplies and guarding camps. These dogs were usually well cared for but left to roam freely. The Rez Dog Alliance released a video interview with Mistissini Elder John Bosum to explore this traditional cultural connection.
“Our people depended on dogs in the past,” explained Bosum. “A dog would go around to where the beaver house was and if the beaver went under, he would sit there. They’d block the hole and that’s where the beaver was.”
The imposition of colonization made it harder for people to care for their dogs over the years, resulting in increasing numbers wandering loose through reservations and occasionally attacking or killing community members. As dogs have lost their place in societies, some people have identified with their resilient spirit, feeling similarly rejected.
“The condition of dogs in our communities is a reflection of us,” writes Dr. Michael Yellow Bird, Dean of Social Work at the University of Manitoba and member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation in North Dakota. “If they are sick, it is because we are also sick.”
Some Cree communities are trying to address issues related to roaming dogs. Chisasibi Animal Care and Control works with dog owners to understand negative impacts that loose dogs pose to the community. Dogs and cats must be registered and vaccinated against rabies every year.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare has worked with several Cree communities to address their issues with dog overpopulation. Wemindji has been highlighted for its more proactive approach to cohabitation with dogs, including a full-time animal care professional that has consistent support from the band council.
Costain said the Rez Dog Alliance’s spay and neuter campaign is a priority as many puppies are taken from the community for adoption. The Alliance promoted this effort and addressed persistent misconceptions at Mistissini’s annual general assembly August 3-5.
“Some people believe it changes their dog’s temperament or that females can only have a litter of puppies on their second heat,” said Costain. “We’re trying to push the message that not only is it completely safe, but dogs have happier and healthier lives when they’re spayed or neutered, especially our rez dogs.”
Becoming a not-for-profit organization will enable the Alliance to apply for funding, which could result in a community dog kennel or a building where people can drop off donations. Costain envisions an adoption program where community members can give surrendered dogs new homes.
In a few months, this volunteer alliance with different backgrounds and day jobs has already saved many dogs and created significant change. Costain wants people to see that every rez dog matters, whether they have homes or struggle to survive in the wild.
“They are the smartest and most resilient animals,” said Costain. “They’re so full of personality. Even after some of them go through really hard things, they have the sweetest spirits and have so much love to give. They remind us of strength, survival and connection.”