Tla’amin Nation held a ceremony on July 15 to honour the spirit of Tex, the grizzly bear, after taking custody of his remains.
Tex was found dead on Texada Island on July 14. The grizzly bear swam from south of Powell River to Texada on May 25 and had been resident on the island ever since.
According to a media release from Tla’amin, a coordinated relocation effort between shishálh, Tla’amin and Homalco First Nations was already underway when Tex was illegally shot, maimed and killed. The plan, which had been approved by conservation officials, involved setting traps to safely move Tex to a remote area at the head of Bute Inlet.
“We are deeply saddened by this outcome,” the release stated. “Tex’s life mattered, and our nations had come together in a good way to find a peaceful solution.”
If readers have any information about Tex, they can contact the RAPP (Report All Poachers and Polluters) hotline at 1.877.952.7277.
Join the Peak's email list for the top headlines right in your inbox Monday to Friday.
