The daily auction at the 2018 SCI Convention in Las Vegas raised money for wildlife conservation while also maintaining positive working relations with four tribes. These tribes operated their own booths at the SCI show. Although not all tribes operate hunts, those that do should have an outlet such as the SCI Convention to bring attention to their natural resource programs and the incredible conservation successes taking place across Indian Country.
With the recent federal recognition of six tribes in Virginia, SCI Foundation will now be reaching out to 573 tribes to offer the opportunity to collaborate on conservation efforts.
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As an example, the Pueblo of Acoma have been partnering with SCI for over a decade by donating auction tags to the SCI Convention with the express purpose of raising money for conservation. Since 1995, Acoma Big Game Hunts have become known for producing world-class elk that are regularly listed in the SCI Record Book. The 500,000 plus acre reservation also offers pronghorn, black bear, and mountain lion hunts that contribute to a healthy ecosystem while offering the hunt of a lifetime in what has been called the, “Machu Picchu of North America.” This year’s hunt raised $22,000 during the daily auction, the majority of which will go back into the Pueblo of Acoma’s conservation efforts while offering one lucky hunter a chance to spend 11 days elk hunting near the internationally renowned Sky City.
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The Navajo Nation auctioned an incredible opportunity to harvest a rocky mountain mule deer on the massive 17.5 million acre reservation for 30 full days. The days spent pursuing a mule deer do not have to be consecutive and the majority of the $17,000 raised in the daily auction will be going back to the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife. Stretching from New Mexico through Arizona and into Utah, this opportunity gives the lucky bidder a chance to explore the largest Native American reservation in America. Far from the average tourist experience, this adventure will truly engage the hunter with the Navajo Nation. While encountering a priceless culture, the lucky bidder will also contribute directly to conserving Navajo Country.
SCI Foundation is proud to maintain a working relationship with our Native American colleagues by supporting local, grass-roots conservation efforts. Our goals include expanding our reach to more tribal entities to increase our conservation impact. After visiting with the tribes who attended the last SCI Convention, we were reminded that conservation successes are happening all over Native America. Stay tuned for more exciting developments as we bring awareness about tribal wildlife conservation from coast to coast.
For more information on SCI Foundation go to our First For Wildlife blog, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, or visit our website at www.safariclubfoundation.org.
Safari Club International Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that funds and directs worldwide programs dedicated to wildlife conservation and outdoor education. Any contribution may be tax deductible under Internal Revenue Code section 170(c) as a charitable contribution to the extent permitted by law. Tax deductible amount of gift is reduced by the Fair market Value of any goods, services, or advantages that a sponsor receives for the donation. EIN #86-0292099.