Official newsletter of the WCW
#1 April 1998
Inuvialuit Continue to Support WCW
Inuvialuit Continue to Support WCW
The Fisheries Joint Management Committee of the Western Arctic Inuvialuit have enrolled as an organizational member of the World Council of Whalers. This is significant for the WCW because it shows that the Inuvialuit have put their trust in the WCW, as a non-governmental organization of the future, in the Whaling issue. What is also significant is that the Inuvialuit have not attended the IWC for the past several years and their decision to join clearly shows their intent to support what they believe can be an organization that will bring whaling nations, societies, communities, whalers, governments, researchers and managers together in a friendly forum.
The World Council of Whalers would like to extend our heart felt appreciation to the Western Arctic Inuvialuit for their trust, respect and confidence that the WCW is an organization to invest their time and money towards. Thank you very much.
WCW has moved to a new location. Please send all correspondence, inquiries and communications to:
World Council of Whalers, PO Box 291, Brentwood Bay, BC, Canada, V8M 1R3. Phone/Fax: 1 250 652-8352; E-mail: wcw@island.net
WCW is happy to report that all of the organizations referred to in the WCW resolution have been sent a copy of the resolution. It has been reported that the resolution has been recorded in Hansard, the Official Report, of the Debate of the Senate of Canada. The WCW resolution is now part of the record of the Canadian Parliament. If anyone can think of any other organizations that WCW needs to send a copy of the resolution to please let us know and we will send them one.
WCW is very proud to report that over 100 people from 20 countries attended our historic meeting. Everyone who participated in the General Assembly has been sent a letter thanking them for coming all the way to Victoria, Canada to take part in our inaugural meeting.
The WCW is happy to report that the 1998/99 membership / Funding drive has been initiated. All the general assembly participants have been sent a package that includes a letter from the chairman, the WCW vision statement, membership information and a membership application. We would appreciate it if everyone would canvass their friends, colleagues, organizations and governments so we can begin to increase our membership. But most important, everyone needs to, at the very least, become an individual member. So please fill out your membership form and send it in to WCW. Thank you for your cooperation.
WCW would like everyone to know that the WCW financial structure is beginning to be put in order. As it stands WCW has met the financial obligations incurred by the general assembly. After a detailed analysis it is clear that we are in urgent need of financial support, at least to cover the operating costs of the office, which to date has been covered from personal funds. Please canvass your friends, colleagues, organizations and governments to help us in our funding requirements.
WCW would like to thank the people who have been volunteering their time to help us. We would like to send a special thank you to Joan Goddard for her help and support. Also WCW would like to thank all of you who forwarded your suggestions on what the WCW message should be as we begin to make our presence known on the international level. Thanks to all of you.
WCW will be at the 50th IWC meeting in Oman. WCW is now registered and arrangements are being made to ensure that WCW is represented at this meeting. While in Oman WCW will introduce our idea of an alternative non-governmental organization which will be better able to serve whaling nations, whaling communities, whalers, governments , researchers and managers with their situations and aspirations. We will also inform the whaling nations that WCW would be honoured to provide a friendly forum where open and frank discussions on the whaling issue can be facilitated. WCW will offer access to expertise that is not available to the IWC. For example, access to the WCW Health and Nutrition Committee, the WCW Ethics Committee, the WCW Human Rights Committee and others. And finally, WCW will promote the benefits of a regional approach to resource management.
It is time to begin to think about the next WCW general assembly. We need to decide where the meeting is going to held and when. If you would like to hold the next meeting in your part of the world please provide WCW with your request. It will presented to the executive board for discussion and decision. WCW needs to hear from you on this issue as soon as possible.
WCW would greatly appreciate any donations. If you would like to help WCW become a non-governmental organization that will link whaling groups from around the globe together. And you feel this is an important endeavour, then please help us reach that goal by making a small donation to the WCW effort. Please forward any donations in Canadian funds to the address below. Your support is deeply valued. Thank you.
In order to strengthen ties between member groups and WCW, and to allow them to register their concerns, WCW envisions a round of visits by the chairman. These, of course, will not be possible until funds are adequate.