About
Throughout history, hunting, fishing, trapping, and getting out on the land have been key to the Métis way of life. Harvesting remains important to Métis culture and identity today. Active Métis hunters, trappers, fishers, and plant harvesters live throughout every region of British Columbia.
Harvesting is a measured and carefully considered practice. Protecting the land helps maintain traditional Métis cultural practices for present and future generations. MNBC issues Harvester Cards to qualifying applicants under the Métis Nation British Columbia Natural Resource Act.
Eligibility
- Applicants must hold an MNBC Citizenship card. Individuals whose Citizenship application is still pending must wait until they receive their Citizenship card before applying.
- Youth applicants are ages 10 to 17.
- Adult applicants are ages 18 and older.
What the Service Provides
- At this time, the MNBC Harvester Card may only be used to replace the Federal Migratory Bird license. Métis must continue to purchase all other government licenses or face charges from enforcement officers.
- The MNBC Harvester Card does not authorize freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, hunting (other than migratory birds), cutting timber, or trapping.
- Métis Harvester Card holders may be committing an offence under the Natural Resource Act if they harvest game, fish, birds, or animals that are not authorized by MNBC regulation.
How to Access or Apply
- Apply online through the Métis Hub.
- If you prefer you can download the PDF application and email it to harvesters@mnbc.ca or mail it to the Ministry of Environment 380-13401 108 Avenue, Surrey, B.C. V3T 5T3.
- A youth who applies at age 17 will be issued an adult Harvester Card at age 18 without having to submit a new application.
Required Information
- All applicants: completed and signed application, required consent and agreement forms, name matching the MNBC Citizenship card, current address, and a passport-size head-and-shoulders photo (physical or digital).
- Card without hunting — youth applicant: a completed and signed Acknowledgement of Responsibility from a parent or guardian.
- Card with hunting — adult applicant: a copy of the BC Resident Hunter Number card or Fish and Wildlife ID; proof of Hunter Safety Training (optional).
- Card with hunting — youth applicant: proof of Hunter Safety Training and a completed and signed Acknowledgement of Responsibility from a parent or guardian.
Contact
Related Ministry
Migratory Bird Harvesting
After the passage of the Métis Nation British Columbia Natural Resource Act, the BCMANR Captains Assembly forwarded a motion to the 2008 MNBC Annual General Meeting regarding issuance of MNBC Harvester Cards for use in Migratory Bird harvesting. The delegates and MNBC Citizens of the AGM passed this motion by unanimous decision.
What this means:
- Métis Nation BC may issue Harvester Cards to qualifying applicants.
- Harvester Cards are only authorized to replace the Federal Migratory Bird Stamp (license).
- All federal and provincial regulations pertaining to migratory bird harvesting must be followed.
- The Harvester Card does not authorize any other type of harvesting.
- It is important for Métis harvesters to be aware that if they attempt to use the card for harvesting that is not authorized by MNBC regulation, they are committing an offence under the Métis Nation British Columbia Natural Resource Act and they will be open to charges by government enforcement officers.
More Information About Harvesting and MNBC Data Collection
MNBC encourages sustainable use of natural resources, including:
- Managing natural resources to meet present needs without compromising the needs of future generations.
- Providing stewardship of natural resources based on an ethic of respect for the land.
- Balancing economic, productive, spiritual, ecological and traditional values of natural resources to meet the economic, social and cultural needs of Métis people and other Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
- Conserving biological diversity, soil, water, fish, wildlife, scenic diversity, and other natural resources.
- Restoring damaged ecologies.
MNBC collects and stores valuable land use and harvesting data provided by our Citizens:
- Our Harvester database – collected from annual surveys completed by Harvester Card holders.
- Use and Occupancy Mapping data – collected from one-on-one interviews with Métis harvesters in which they document their history of land use.