Innu hunters accused in illegal 2013 caribou hunt back in court

A group of 10 Innu hunters accused of illegally hunting caribou in 2013 is on trial this week in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

The alleged illegal hunt took place less than two months after the Newfoundland and Labrador government put a ban on hunting the George River caribou herd.

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The hunters are facing charges of unlawfully possessing big game, obstructing or resisting a wildlife officer and failure to comply with big game licence requirements.

The hunt in question happened in several areas around Sheshatshiu in March 2013.

At the time, former grand chief Prote Poker said about 30 George River caribou were killed around the time of the hunt.

In January that year, the province announced a five-year ban on hunting the Labrador herd.

After the government announced its ban, Poker said the ban was unjustified and infringed on the traditional Innu way of life.

Poker announced later that year the Innu would regulate their own hunting and take 300 animals a year, despite the province's ban.

Charter company Wilderness North Air was also charged with unlawfully possessing big game in the incident back in 2013. It pleaded guilty and paid a $1,000 fine.