The Governor General of Canada, Michaelle Jean (For those in the US, Canada is is part of the British Commonwealth. We have a Governor General that represent the Queen in Canada.) was in Rankin Inlet,Nunavut this week for a visit. While she was there she was offered seal meat which is tradiotional food in the Northern parts of Canada. She accepted. And ate.

Why is this a controversy? Because of all the Seal Hunt protests. Many people believe that the seal hunt is inhumane and are adamantly against seal hunting. Seal hunting is traditional for the Natives/Inuits in that area. Most of the protesters are animal rights activists, including PETA’s Pamela Anderson. Included in the fight is the European Union.

So was Michaelle Jean showing her support for seal hunting?

Her statement;

“Take from that what you will.”

Canadian Inuits statement:

“I just want to thank her for her support of our people and our culture.”

and

“It really sends a message out to the public that maybe these animal rights campaigns are off-base and are giving inaccurate information”

The fight continues for the end of the Seal Hunt, but I praise Michaelle Jean for standing up for something she believes in. And for standing up for the Indigenous Peoples of Canada.