Message from the President

Chad Norman Day

President, Tahltan Central Government Tahltan Nation,

As the fall comes to an end, I hope you have enjoyed spending time on the land in our beautiful territory, be it hunting, fishing, hiking, or something else that allowed you to appreciate the connection, solitude, and comfort that Tahltan Territory offers each and every one of us.

I have been very busy in my role as President of the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) in the lead up to the coming winter months with a strong focus on socio-cultural issues, including the creation of the first ever TCG Health Department and the upcoming hiring of our new Health Director. I am so excited to see this department come into being and look forward to all of the work to be done to support our Nation and people. The TCG is advocating the Province of British Columbia strongly for services and infrastructure in our territory before we welcome any further development with mining. This includes significant upgrades needed for Highway 37 and Telegraph Creek Road, such as the addition of a passing lane, and emergency access to cell reception or Wi-Fi for members along the way. We will be holding contractors accountable for maintenance on roads to ensure the safety and wellness of our people. So much wealth is taken out of our territory each year. It is past due time that the Province of British Columbia recognizes our rights as Tahltans and as human beings. Enough is enough. We will not stop until we are heard and meaningful upgrades to our infrastructure and services happen for our people in Tahltan Territory.

I am excited to welcome back Lance Nagwan, our Wildlife Director, who has returned to his position after a six-month paternity leave. We are happy to have him back and look forward to seeing his input into our stewardship projects in the days to come. I would like to thank Westin Creyke for the great job he did as Acting Director of the Wildlife Department during Lance’s absence. As the recent recipient of a 2022 Together for Wildlife and Interior University Research Coalition grant, which will support his research focusing on stone sheep in Northwestern B.C., I welcome to see what the future holds for him in supporting our Nation. Mēduh for your service and leadership, my friend.

The TCG strives to protect our wildlife through efforts to establish world-class wildlife stewardship in Tahltan Territory led by our Nation. The continuous efforts made by our Wildlife Department have seen through the recent signing of the Tahltan Central Government – British Columbia Accord on Wildlife Management. Through this accord, Tahltan knowledge, values, and worldview in relation to wildlife are recognized as essential. Our knowledge must be included in the management of wildlife in Tahltan Territory. I am extremely proud of all who have contributed to this work.

Recently, an elderly resident of Iskut had a frightening encounter with a Grizzly bear which was dealt with through our Wildlife Guardians and Predator Management Technicians. BC’s Conservation Officers were called for assistance, but at the time, there were no support staff available in territory. Fortunately, the TCG’s Wildlife Department has hired and trained Wildlife Guardians and Predator Management Technicians who, with their expertise, were able to quickly capture and kill the dangerous bear. This is just one example of why Tahltans managing our own wildlife is absolutely vital and something we are willing to fight for. This is our home, these are our rights. We will not stand down and will always do what is best for our Nation and for the Tahltan people.

In November, the TCG was pleased to host and support a successful Elders meeting in Dease Lake. The TCG is prioritizing building a collaborative approach to the work of the Nation with the Elders’ Council. We are working to purchase audio/visual equipment to support the virtual component of these meetings and ensure that Elders and those wishing to participate in in-territory engagement sessions who are unable to attend in person, can join online or by phone for future meetings.

The fall season also saw the Stikine Claw/Thicke Family Representative by-election. I would like to extend a welcome to our new Board member, Colleen Parker. We also welcome Curtis Rattray, who will be taking over as the new Cawtoonma Family Representative. Thank you to Jodi Payne, the previous Cawtoonma Family Representative for her service. Jodi has left the TCG to pursue other opportunities.

As always, a warm welcome to all new Tahltans who were born this season. The work we do now aims to leave each of you with a bright future, protected and bountiful lands, fish and wildlife, and greater social and economic security. I also share my condolences with the Tahltans who have lost loved ones. I share your grief. This season we had to say goodbye to my brother, Jarett Quock. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for all he did for our Nation as our first Wildlife Guardian working to ensure our people, culture, and identity survive and remain strong. Thank you for all of the adventures, support, love, and teachings that we shared together. Mēduh, Jarett.

Left: Richard Louie with the problem bear. He shared: “My son Lucious finished him off. He was with me the whole two days, tracking and chasing. We skinned him out at the school and gave the fat to an Elder, Morris Louie.”