'Sorry we shot your sacred moose': Hunters apologise after killing rare albino bull revered by Canadian tribes

The 'spirit moose' was shot during a hunting trip to Cape Breton Highlands

Hunters who killed it claim they did not realise it was sacred to Mi'kmaq

They are returning it to the First Nation tribe to be disposed of respectfully



Three hunters are trying to make amends for causing an outcry after they killed a rare albino moose considered sacred by the indigenous Mi'kmaq people.

The hunters, who have not been named, shot the animal in the Cape Breton Highlands of Nova Scotia in Canada during a recent trip to the area.

They claim they did not realise that their trophy would spark outrage among the Mi'kmaq, who believe albino creatures to be 'spirit' animals.

Backlash: The indigenous Mi'kmaq communities in Nova Scotia, Canada, are incensed that hunters shot this moose recently. The hunters originally posted this photo on Facebook. Since the backlash, it has been taken down

Slaughter: The hunters have apologized and are trying to make amends for killing the rare albino moose considered sacred by the indigenous Mi'kmaq people

They are returning the hide so the Mi’kmaq can perform a sacred ceremony.

Chief Bob Gloade, of the Millbrook First Nation, said: 'We’ve received full cooperation from the hunters and from Mr Hnatiuks as well and, during the ceremonies next week, they’re actually willing to participate.

First Nation communities voiced their anger after photos of the hunters posing with the moose appeared on social media.



Mr Hnatiuks is now acting on behalf of the hunters to ensure the moose is disposed of in a manner considered respectful by the Mi'kmaq.

Sacred: Albino creatures are considered to be spirits by the indigenous Mi'kmaq people

'It shows a willingness to cooperate and an ability to show respect to not only the Mi’kmaq people but also to the culture and history.'

While it is not illegal to shoot a white moose during the hunting season the Mi'kmaq believe it breaks an unwritten rule surrounding a cultural belief held by them for generations.



Mr Gloade said the only protection open for the sacred animals is tradition, but he is hoping for legislation to protect spirit animals from being hunted.