2022 Winter Newsletter

Khaye

Winter Newsletter — 2022

INTRODUCTION Message from the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Message from the Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

Save the Dates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 ANNOUNCEMENTS 2021 Achievements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 TCG Communications & External Relations 2021–2022 Engagement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Tahltan Nation Emergency Management Committee Wins David Barr Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 New Tahltans / Condolences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 New Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Tahltan OnTrack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 DIRECTORS’ REPORTS Lands – Nalaine Morin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Wildlife – Lance Nagwan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Fisheries – Cheri Frocklage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Language – P`la Labonte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Culture & Heritage – Sandra Marion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Education & Training – Cassandra Puckett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Employment & Contracting – Ann Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Membership & Genealogy – Shannon Frank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Dease Lake Community – Christina Callbreath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Tourism – Alex Buri. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 PERSONAL PROFILES Elder – Nancy Ward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Culture – Nyla Carpenter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Inspiring Young Tahltans – Ben Chief / Jamie Dennis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 / 48 T A H LTA N S T E W A R D S H I P I N I T I AT I V E TSI Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 TSI Website Launch Announcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 TCG Resource Development Policy Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 TSI Project Introductions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 TSI Base Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 I N D U S T R Y U P D AT E S 2022 AME Round Up – Youth Participants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Tahltan Nation / Skeena Resources Virtual Engagement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Contents

New Family Representative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

1910 Declaration of the Tahltan Tribe

WE THE UNDERSIGNED MEMBERS OF THE TAHLTAN TRIBE, speaking for ourselves, and our entire tribe, hereby make known to all whom it may concern, that we have heard of the Indian Rights movement among the Indian tribes of the Coast, and of the southern interior of B.C. Also, we have read the Declaration made by the chiefs of the southern interior tribes at Spences Bridge on the 16th July last, and we hereby declare our complete agreement with the demands of same, and with the position taken by the said chiefs, and their people on all the questions stated in the said Declaration, and we furthermore make known that it is our desire and intention to join with them in the fight for our mutual rights, and that we will assist in the furtherance of this object in every way we can, until such time as all these matters of moment to us are finally settled. We further declare as follows: F I R S T LY – We claim the sovereign right to all the country of our tribe—this country of ours

which we have held intact from the encroachments of other tribes, from time immemorial, at the cost of our own blood. We have done this because our lives depended on our country. To lose it meant we would lose our means of living, and therefore our lives. We are still, as heretofore, dependent for our living on our country, and we do not intend to give away the title to any part of same without adequate compensation. We deny the B.C. government has any title or right of ownership in our country. We have never treatied with them, nor given them any such title.

(We have only very lately learned the B.C. government makes this claim, and that it has for long considered as its property all the territories of the Indian tribes in B.C.) S E C O N D LY – We desire that a part of our country, consisting of one or more large areas

(to be selected by us), be retained by us for our own use, said lands and all thereon to be acknowledged by the government as our absolute property. The rest of our tribal land we are willing to relinquish to the B.C. government for adequate compensation.

T H I R D LY – We wish it known that a small portion of our lands at the mouth of the Tahltan

river, was set apart a few years ago by Mr. Vowell as an Indian reservation. These few acres are the only reservation made for our tribe. We may state we never applied for the reservation of this piece of land, and we had no knowledge why the government set it apart for us, nor do we know exactly yet.

F O U R T H LY – We desire that all questions regarding our lands, hunting, fishing, etc., and

every matter concerning our welfare, be settled by treaty between us and the Dominion and B.C. governments.

F I F T H LY – We are of the opinion it will be better for ourselves, also better for the governments

and all concerned, if these treaties are made with us at a very early date, so all friction, and misunderstanding between us and the whites may be avoided, for we hear lately much talk of white settlements in the region and the building of railways, etc., in the near future.

Signed at Telegraph Creek, B.C., this eighteenth day of October, nineteen hundred and ten, by NANOK, Chief of the Tahltans NASTULTA, alias Little Jackson GEORGE ASSADZA, KENETL, alias Big Jackson And eighty other members of our tribe.

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

Message from the President I would like to take a moment to recognize and thank the Tahltan Emergency Management Committee (EMC) for all the work they do and have done every day over the last years.

This team has met weekly, and when needed, often daily, to coordinate the response on behalf of our Nation with our partners including local and provincial healthcare professionals. I am so proud and grateful for the efforts of this team. The EMC committee includes Feddie Louie, Chief Marie Quock, Chief Carmen McPhee, Jodi Payne, Ann Ball, Gordon Infanti, Tina Etzerza, Shana Dennis, Kim Rowe, Maggie Dennis, Natasha Callbreath, Terrilynn Nole, Peggy Abou, Annabel Nole, Melva Quock and Christine Ball among others.

Chad Norman Day President, Tahltan Central Government

Let me start by taking a moment to wish each one of you a very happy New Year on behalf of myself and our team at the Tahltan Central Government (TCG).

My personal wish for our Tahltan family this year is that 2022 brings us each new opportunities, blessings, unity, strength, and joy. We have all been challenged and strengthened throughout the past year. I believe we are a very resilient and blessed Nation.

Together, we have and will continue to accomplish great success. Since time immemorial, our people have thrived through difficulty. Do not lose sight in the strength that is within you. The best is truly yet to come for our Nation.

Visit pages 13 and 14 for more information on the award Tahltan Emergency Management Committee (EMC) received.

1

COVID-19 has continued to challenge us all each day over the last two years. We have been on this journey together, adapting and learning to continue our way of life for ourselves and our families. Recently, we have been battling COVID-19 within our territory which we managed to avoid for so long thanks to a lot of hard work. This pandemic has impacted every Tahltan – including our friends, family and loved ones.

Recently, the EMC was recognized with the David Barr Excellence Award for leadership and innovation in mineral exploration health and safety from the Provincial Association for Mineral Exploration (AME).

“The committee is recognized for creating an inclusive and agile forum to facilitate communication between Indigenous communities and industry in northwest B.C. The committee demonstrated exemplary leadership during both the COVID-19 pandemic and the wildfire season,” stated AME while announcing the winners. The EMC is deserving of this acknowledgement and more. Mēduh.

COVID-19 has also changed the way our Nation communicates. We are people who connect in-person, face-to-face. That is how our Nation and government are used to doing business. We visit with each other, share a meal, and talk with each other on important matters. We share our thoughts, feelings, and opinions. Over the past two years we at the TCG have had to adapt and I have truly missed visiting our Tahltan people. We have not been able to meet as often as we would like to or are used to. This has been hard on all of us. We have had to think about the safety, health, and wellbeing of our communities amidst this challenging time.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Despite the obstacles presented, the work of the TCG and Tahltan people must continue. We, as a government, have had to continuously innovate how we do business and connect. The board has shifted to conduct its business mostly online. Utilizing our communication channels and technology, the work of our government has not only continued, but thrived.

I encourage all Tahltans to embrace these online mediums while we work through this challenging time together. We want to hear your voice. Check out an online engagement session on Zoom or read information shared on the TCG website. TCG is working hard to develop and launch a brand-new website in 2022 to help connect and share even more information with our Nation. I look forward to the days we can meet often again in person without restrictions.

Until then, please be vigilant and stay safe.

The Tahltan Stewardship Initiative (TSI) recently launched a brand-new beautiful website: tsi.tahltan.org.

I encourage all Tahltans to check it out and interact with this amazing site.

Learn about the TSI and contribute your knowledge. Get involved.

Through the TSI, Tahltans can have a say in stewardship decisions that matter for our people in accordance with our values. It is critical that Tahltans have input into this work as we continue our journey of consent-based decision making. TSI is using map-based and online surveys to hear from Tahltans on important matters. TSI is helping to shape the Tahltan Nation for future generations. Much of the site is designed to share information exclusive for Tahltans only. This includes detailed project information and engagement. The knowledge Tahltans provide through this website will be confidential and utilized by our team to further Tahltan rights, title, and sovereignty and support the important work being done by Nalaine Morin, our TCG Lands Director and her fellow Directors of the Communications, Culture and Heritage, Fisheries and Wildlife Departments.

Members can log into the website using their TCG Members Only section password. Should you need help obtaining your password, please contact: 250-771-3274 | 1-855-TAHLTAN (824-5826) or via email: receptionist@tahltan.org.

The Tahltan Nation is currently negotiating a potential Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) with Skeena Resources for the Eskay Creek Revitalization Project. Skeena is proposing the construction, operation and closure of an open-pit gold and silver mine located approximately 135 kilometres south of Iskut. The project is subject to a federal impact assessment process under the Impact Assessment Act and a provincial review under British Columbia’s Environmental Assessment Act. Also new with this project, Tahltan will have the ability to give consent for the very first time to grant an environmental assessment certificate. We are the first Nation in British Columbia to have this ability under Section 7 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. We are indeed making history. We will be sharing information on the project and feedback from Tahltans in the days and weeks ahead. Be sure to visit the Members Only section of the TCG website to watch our recent Virtual Engagement Sessions, ask questions and learn more at tahltan.org/eskaycreek/#engage.

The TCG continues to grow with new positions being added constantly. I am so proud of the team. When I started as President of the TCG, we had four employees. Now, we have a team of well over 35 employees and subject matter experts. Our growth has been inspiring and has provided a career path for many skilled Tahltans. I encourage all Tahltans to apply for positions as they become available.

Check out Tahltan OnTrack – ontrack.tahltan.org to see what is available. We want to provide great careers for Tahltan people to support our culture for many future generations to come. Contribute your skills and knowledge to supporting our Tahltan Nation family.

In closing, I would like to wish you all once again a prosperous and healthy 2022. Welcome to all Tahltans born during these last months, and to those who will be born in the months to come. You are the future of our Nation and our people. To all those we have lost, we honour your memory and unite as a family to comfort and soothe the hearts of those who stay behind to continue your legacy.

Klane Nedischā.

2

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

Tahltan president to pay hockey registration fees for Iskut, Dease Lake, Telegraph Creek youth Article from Terrace Standard

| Binny Paul

| Published December 8, 2021

Above: Tahltan Central Government’s president Chad Norman Day interacts with children in an outdoor activity.

Tahltan Central Government (TCG) President Chad Norman Day’s commitment to fitness and sports led him to start the Healthy Active Tahltans (HAT) initiative seven years ago. Now, Day has committed to paying minor hockey league registration fees for 60 to 80 Tahltan youths from Dease Lake, Iskut and Telegraph Creek.

One of the minor hockey organizers reached out to Day to see if there were funding streams available to sponsor some of the players and get hockey rolling again after COVID-19 put brakes on two seasons. The TCG leader used the opportunity to pay for all of them. For Day, the $5,000 to $8,000 expense, depending on how many players register, is a way of giving back to his community.

“When you have a good life because people put you in that place, then you should try to return the favour when you can and I’m just at a place now in my life where I’m comfortable making those kind of financial donations back to my people,” said Day. Back in 2014, Day was the youngest TCG president to be elected to office and he leveraged that position to connect with young Tahltans and inspire them to live healthier lives.

“When I became the president, I saw that there was a lot of need for further resources 3

in our communities and that our children, had not had leaders come in before, and do activities with them. I thought that I was in a position being the youngest president ever and somebody that was so active to just start engaging more with the schools. I was always really passionate about health and fitness since I was a kid,” said the 34-yearold, adding that sports saved his life in a way when he was youth himself.

That is one of the reasons why Day says he encouraged an active lifestyle as a way of life for the younger generation. Over the years he kept the ball rolling on social media with hashtags and posted pictures while out hunting or working out, encouraging people to do the same while wearing HAT t-shirts.

Day started HAT as a personal project in 2014 after being inspired by Arizona local Waylon Pahona and his Healthy Active Natives movement. Pahona’s social media movement, which he started nine years ago, was an attempt to inspire Indigenous peoples to achieve physical and mental wellness. Today the group has nearly 75 thousand followers across North America.

Since then, Day has fundraised over $250,000, visited schools across Tahltan Territory, sponsored hockey games and set up fitness spaces in communities. While Day

has personally donated $20,000 over the years to HAT, having industry and mining giants working in the territory also helps when it comes to donations and sponsorships.

Most of the money gets funnelled back into local initiatives with a vast majority of it used for team sports such hockey including the annual sponsorship for locals to participate in the All Native Hockey tournament held in Whitehorse. “The Tahltan are really passionate about hockey,” said Day. Over the past couple years, with COVID-19 halting hockey tournaments and school visits, the funds were used to setting up and improving fitness spaces.

This year between $30,000 to $40,000 was funnelled into improving fitness centres in Telegraph Creek and Iskut. Day said they are in the process of creating a fitness space in Dease Lake too.

“As long as I’m in Tahltan leadership, it [HATs] is an initiative that I’ll always personally donate to and you know, I’ll always try to be a good example for our youth and for our people because I think health and nutrition and fitness is just such an important aspect of having a balanced life.”

SECTION TITLE

4

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

Message from the Vice President This time of year always triggers our collective social ritual to wish everyone a Happy New Year and to also wish everyone a great Christmas holidays. It is also the time when we as individuals reflect on our past year and look to see if there are any lessons we have learnt, so we can apply them to the coming year.

It is a little more complicated when it comes to applying self-reflection to an entity like the Tahltan Central Government. Our Department Directors will share the operational success and our President will share our political success. The complication arises because the TCG has multiple organizational entities: our community governments; many organizational departments; the economic arm of the TCG and external entities like the Province of British Columbia and mining companies, just to name a few. All these entities operate independently but we all need to work together to integrate our structures to meet the rising expectations of our multiple stakeholders.

To assist, Peter Senge says “The building of shared vision lacks a critical underpinning if practiced without systems thinking”, because it fails to show people how they are responsible for the current reality.

Ken Edzerza Vice President, Tahltan Central Government

Table 2.1 Meeting the Challenges of Change Through Systems Thinking The Challenge

Benefits of a Systems Thinking Approach

Characteristics of a Conventional Approach

Motivation: Why should we change?

Show responsibility for current reality

Appeal to desire or fear

Collaboration: Why should we work together?

Demonstrate how people’s current ways of interacting undermines both their individual and their collective performance

Tell people they should

Focus: What should we do?

Use leverage to change the few things that change everything else

Tackle many issues independently and simultaneously: attack symptoms

Learning: Why bother?

Recognize that our actions matter, and that we need to learn from the consequences of our actions

Assume that others are at fault and must learn

Forging partnerships is not without challenges but it can be done by learning to think systemically. This can be done by developing shared understanding and working towards common goals so we can achieve meaningful results. It is important to state that all the entities I have mentioned above form a system. The challenge is to design that system so that it serves our people and that we can understand how it works.

We all have a role to play. Our operational team has set up several ways for our people to make their concerns known, so take the opportunity. The world has been going through a challenge with COVID and we have all had to adapt. That is what TCG, and our operational team have done. All the engagement opportunities are virtual, so join the conversation.

5

SAVE THE DATES Upcoming holidays and Tahltan events Ȗ

AP R IL 15: Good Friday – TCG Closed

Ȗ

AP R IL 18: Easter Monday – TCG Closed

Ȗ

MAY 8: Mother’s Day

Ȗ

MAY 2 3: Victoria Day – TCG Closed

Ȗ

JULY 1– 4: TCG AGA Dease Lake

6

Announcements

9 —

2021 Achievements

11 — TCG Communications & External Relations 2021–2022 Engagement 13 —

Emergency Management Committee Award

15 —

New Tahltans / Condolences

18 —

New Family Representative

19 —

New Staff

8

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

Together we achieved great things in 2021 DEASE LAKE BUILDING Purchase of the Dease Lake Government Building at the civic address of 48790 Highway 37.

Purchased with the Dease Lake Community Funds and registered under the TCG.

JADE CLAIMS Reality show ‘Jade Fever’ cancelled after TCG demands end to show. As a result of TCG pressuring Province, multiple jade claims lapsed, meaning areas are no longer being disturbed by jade miners in Tahltan Territory.

Multiple operators have been shut down awaiting discussions with Tahltan and BC.

I C E M O U N TA I N C O N S E R VA N C Y

DECISION-MAKING AGREEMENT

Ice Mountain conservancy created. A new 3,500 hectare conservancy to protect the environment and wildlife on Tahltan Territory has been created in an area known as Ice Mountain Lands, adjacent to Mount Edziza Park.

TCG and the Province of BC are starting negotiations on the first consent-based decision-making agreement ever to be negotiated under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, Section 7.

SKEENA RESOURCES STAKE

SHARED PROSPERITY AGREEMENT

TREATY NO. 8 BOUNDARY RULING

T C G TO U R I S M D E PA RT M E N T

TCG, Iskut Band Council, Tahltan Band Council and the Province of BC entered into a Shared Prosperity Agreement, setting foundation to collaboratively achieve long-term comprehensive reconciliation and land-use predictability in Tahltan Territory.

Supreme Court of Canada denies Treaty 8 Western boundary leave applications – TCG asserts Treaty No. 8 bands have no rights in Tahltan Territory.

Establishment of a TCG Tourism Department, with plans to expand and create a distinct corporation or company in the future.

This will increase control in Tahltan Territory, diversify our economy and create more opportunities to Tahltan workers and entrepreneurs.

9

Tahltan Nation takes equity stake in Skeena Resources.

S I LV E RT I P I B A

TSI WEBSITE

Tahltan Nation and Coeur Silvertip sign Impact-Benefit Agreement regarding the Silvertip mine.

TCG launches the Tahltan Stewardship Initiative website: tsi.tahltan.org.

The TSI is an opportunity for the Tahltan Nation to have a say on matters that impact their lands, rights, and wellbeing.

DEASE LAKE AIRPORT UPGRADES Through the TNDC and community support, the Dease Lake Airport to receive $11m in upgrades funded by the Province of BC, Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine and mining companies.

TCG EMPLOYEES TCG employees over the past five years: 2016 = 8; 2018 = 16; 2019 = 25; 2020 = 30; 2021 = 50 employees.

Many hires are employees as we try to avoid making them contractors and the TSI has boosted our numbers a lot.

From 2020 to 2021 employment increased by 66%. 2016–2021 increased by 525%.

2021 ACHIEVEMENTS

DEASE LAKE LEARNING CENTRES

E D U C AT I O N PROGRAM

Contact North BC Community Learning Centers open in Dease Lake and Telegraph Creek, with Iskut opening soon. Learning Centres are actively supporting students in their educational endeavours.

The TCG education program has funded 42 students since September 2021, which breaks all previous yearly records since 2018.

ERM E N V I R O N M E N TA L MANAGEMENT B U R S A RY Inaugural Tahltan ERM Environmental Management Bursary.

BYL AW UPDATES TCG members approved two changes to the TCG’s bylaws during the 2021 Annual General Assembly.

C O M M U N I C AT I O N AWA R D S

A M E 2021 D AV I D B A R R AWA R D

TCG Communications & External Relations Department wins 5 National & International communications awards.

Tahltan Emergency Management Committee wins AME 2021 David Barr Award.

5

BIV BC500 AWARD President Chad Norman Day named one of the BIV BC500. BC500 features business leaders who have a notable impact on BC’s communities, industries and economy.

INDIVIDUAL LEADERSHIP AWARD TCG Wildlife Guardian Jarett Quock received the Outstanding Individual Leadership Award by the Indigenous Leadership Initiative.

MEMORANDUM OF U N D E R S TA N D I N G

WILDLIFE STEWARDSHIP

TCG BRANDING TRADEMARKED

NEW DEPARTMENT FACEBOOK PAGES

Industry Training Authority, in partnership with the TCG, signed a MOU to increase sponsorship for individuals pursuing an apprenticeship in the trades, that will also lead to community-based training opportunities in Tahltan Territory.

Province teamed with the Tahltan Nation on wildlife stewardship: increased presence of Tahltan guardians and B.C. Conservation Officers within Tahltan Territory.

TCG branding, Tāłtān name, language and artwork have been trademarked and protected under Canadian federal law.

Facebook pages were created for the TCG Language Department and TCG Dease Lake Community.

10

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

TCG Communications & External Relations

2021–2022 Engagement

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic changing the way we connect, the Tahltan Central Government has continued to engage the Tahltan Nation and its members. The following is a brief overview and description of the engagement carried out by the TCG in 2021–2022.

T S I P R E D AT O R P R O G R A M » »

Mon, June 14, 2021 @ 6:00pm–8:00pm Wed, June 16, 2021 @ 10:00am–12:00pm

The TCG Wildlife Department introduced the TSI Predator Program to the Nation via virtual engagement. As a response to dwindling wildlife populations and increased conflict between community members and predatory species the Tahltan Predator Management Policy was implemented. The policy encourages and incentivizes Tahltan members to exercise their constitutionally protected Aboriginal hunting rights to harvest predatory species, including black bears, grizzly bears, and wolves.

TA H LTA N B U S I N E S S R E G I S T R Y »

Tue, June 15, 2021 @ 6:00pm–8:00pm

The TCG Employment & Contracting Department conducted an engagement session with Tahltan Business owners regarding work the TCG has undertaken to develop a Tahltan Business Registry. The policy will set the criteria for how Tahltan businesses are defined and provide more opportunities for Tahltan entrepreneurs and encourage greater Tahltan involvement in the ownership, decision making and operations of Tahltan businesses.

SKEENA RESOURCES » »

Wed, June 23, 2021 @ 6:00pm–8:00pm Sat, June 26, 2021 @ 10:00am–12:00pm

Skeena Resources presented to the Nation and our Leadership on the Revitalization of Eskay Creek including their future plans and how the Nation can participate in the process of assessing the Project.

11

TSI: LAND GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK & O P E R AT I O N A L P O L I C I E S P ROJ E C T »

Wed, July 21, 2021 @ 6:00pm–8:00pm

TSI conducted a project specific information session for the Land Governance Framework & Operational Policies Project. The project will set out Tahltan values and principals of land stewardship, as well as administrative procedures to guide the TCG in the development, approval and implementation of a detailed set of Policies (Strategic and Administrative) and Procedures in the area of lands and resources.

These values and principles are rooted in the 1910 Declaration of the Tahltan Tribe.

T C G T S I : I N F O R M AT I O N S E S S I O N »

Mon, July 26, 2021 @ 6:00pm–8:00pm

TSI conducted a general information session which included an overview, project goals and a timeline of project work. The TSI will support the Tahltan Nation to assert self-determination and fulfill our inherent stewardship responsibilities for Tahltan Territory.

TA H LTA N I N F O S E S S I O N : E S K AY C R E E K R E V I TA L I Z AT I O N P R O J E C T »

Wed, September 22, 2021, @ 6:00pm–8:00pm

A Virtual Community Outreach Session was held on Zoom for the proposed Eskay Creek Revitalization Project. The Tahltan Heritage Resource Environmental Assessment Team (THREAT) presented the Tahltan Land Governance Framework Environmental Assessment Strategy and discussed Tahltan participation in the Project review.

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – 2021 COMMUNICATIONS ENGAGEMENT

TA H LTA N C E N T R A L G O V E R N M E N T A N N U A L G E N E R A L A S S E M B LY

TSI WEBSITE & ENGAGEMENT P L AT FO R M L A U N C H !

»

»

Sat, October 9, 2021 @ 8:45am–5:30pm

Each year, we come together at our Annual General Assembly. This is when we connect with each other and our territory and gather to conduct our government business.

This year the COVID-19 guidelines set by both Tahltan Leadership and the Province of BC prevented us from holding the Annual General Assembly (AGA) in person.

We needed to find new and creative way to conduct our government business. For the AGA, the TCG Board decided our best option was to meet online. Please check out tahltan.org/2021aga to view the session recording.

TA H LTA N D E V E L O P M E N T C O R P O R AT I O N ( T N D C ) A N N U A L GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

The Tahltan Stewardship Initiative launched its brand new, innovative website. Visit: tsi.tahltan.org to explore the site.

Much of the website has been designed uniquely for Tahltans and requires a password to view. If you are a Tahltan member and require assistance obtaining your password, please contact: 250-771-3274 | 1-855-TAHLTAN (824-5826) or email receptionist@tahltan.org. TSI engagement is designed to be as inclusive as possible. Our intent is to give all Tahltans, regardless of age, geographical location or background, the opportunity to learn about this important initiative and contribute to it.

I N A U G U R A L TĀ ŁTĀ N L E S S O N V I A Z O O M »

»

D E A S E L A K E R E C R E AT I O N C E N T R E A N N U A L G E N E R A L A S S E M B LY Thu, October 29, 2021 @ 6:00pm–8:00pm

The TCG supported a Virtual Annual General Assembly (AGA) for the Dease Lake Recreation Centre which included elections for the 2021-2022 Board of Directors.

S K E E N A R E S O U R C E S : E S K AY C R E E K ENGAGEMENT SESSION » »

Fri, January 14, 2022 @ 6:00pm–8:00pm

Sun, October 10, 2021 @ 9:00am–12:00pm

This year, the 2021 TNDC Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held virtually via Zoom to respect ongoing COVID-19 risks and direction by Tahltan Leadership and the Province of BC to restrict all in-person meetings.

The purpose of the AGM was to provide Tahltan members with an update on TNDC’s business including an operational update, the 2020-2021 fiscal year financial statements, and future business activities.

»

Fri, December 17, 2021

Sat, November 6, 2021 @ 10:00am–12:00pm Tue, November 9, 2021 @ 6:00pm–8:00pm

A Zoom information session was held for Tahltan members regarding ongoing work between the Tahltan Nation and Skeena Resources. Skeena, through the Eskay Creek Revitalization Project is proposing to re-open the Eskay Creek Mine. The Project is subject to a federal impact assessment process under the Impact Assessment Act and a provincial review under British Columbia’s Environmental Assessment Act.

Fluent and semi-fluent speakers of the Tāłtān language hosted the inaugural Tāłtān virtual language lesson via Zoom with Dhakāle Hayle Gallup as the facilitator. The lessons will occur monthly moving forward. It is our goal to provide opportunities for everyone to learn Tāłtān. These lessons are a great opportunity to be connected to the language from the comfort of your own home.

TA H LTA N R E C O N C I L I AT I O N INTEREST GROUP (TRIG) »

Mon, January 17, 2022 @ 6:00pm–8:00pm

The first Tahltan Reconciliation Interest Group meeting was held by invitation with representatives from Tahltan Leadership, the Province of British Columbia, and external stakeholders. The meeting shared information on the evolving government-to-government (G2G) relationship between the Tahltan Central Government and the Province of British Columbia including ongoing G2G initiatives.

TSI: ENGAGEMENT SESSION »

Wed, January 26, 2022 @ 6:00pm–8:00pm

A Zoom info session was held for Tahltan members to learn about and participate in the TSI. This is our land – the responsibility to care for it wisely rests with all Tahltans. It is our inherent responsibility as Tahltan people. An update of ongoing TSI work was given as well as an overview of the Tahltan Land Stewardship Plan (TLSP). The TLSP is being built on previous planning work to create a Tahltan approved stewardship plan for Tahltan Territory. The TLSP will be a tool to further support how we govern our own land, resources, and people.

12

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

A S S O C I AT I O N F O R M I N E R A L E X P L O R AT I O N – 2 0 2 1 A W A R D S

Tahltan Nation Emergency Management Committee Wins David Barr Award

The Tahltan Emergency Management Committee is the recipient of the AME 2021 David Barr Award for its leadership and innovation in mineral exploration health and safety. The Committee is recognized for creating an inclusive and agile forum to facilitate communication between Indigenous communities and industry in northwest BC. The Committee demonstrated exemplary leadership during both the COVID-19 pandemic and the wildfire season.

Jill Tsolinas, Chair of the AME Board of Directors, commented, “The AME Celebration of Excellence Awards recognize the achievements of individuals who contribute to successfully finding, funding and building safe and responsible mineral exploration and development projects. I look forward to celebrating the achievements of these leaders in their fields at the Awards Gala at AME Roundup 2022.”

13

The Tahltan Central Government would like to recognize the following people for their contribution in the Emergency Management Committee: •

Abou, Peggy

•

Ball, Ann

•

Ball, Christine

•

Callbreath, Natasha

•

Day, Chad Norman President

•

Dennis, Maggie

•

Dennis, Shana

•

Etzerza, Tina

•

Infanti, Gordon

•

Louie, Feddie

•

McPhee, Carmen, Chief

•

Nishima, Jody

•

Nole, Annabel

•

Nole, Terrilynn

•

Payne, Jodi

•

Quock, Marie, Chief

•

Rowe, Kim

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AWARD

Tahltan’s Emergency Management Committee wins 2021 AME award Article from Terrace Standard

| Terrace Standard Staff

| Published December 10, 2021

Feddie Louie, director of Tahltan Nation’s emergency management committee which won the 2021 AME award.

Association of Mineral Exploration recognized the team’s efforts during wildfire and pandemic season.

The Tahltan Central Government’s (TCG) Emergency Management Committee (EMC) has been recognized with an excellence award from the provincial Association for Mineral Exploration (AME).

TCG’s EMC committee, headed by its director Feddie Louie and deputy director Jodi Nishima, was the recipient of the AME David Barr Award for its leadership and innovation in mineral exploration health and safety.

“The committee is recognized for creating an inclusive and agile forum to facilitate communication between Indigenous communities and industry in northwest B.C. The committee demonstrated exemplary leadership during both the COVID-19 pandemic and the wildfire season,” stated AME while announcing the winners.

The EMC committee also includes Chad Norman Day, TCG President; Marie Quock, Iskut Band Council Chief; Carmen McPhee, Telegraph Creek Band Chief; Gordon Infanti, Director of Communications and External Relations; Jodi Payne and Ann Ball.

Tahltan members also part of the EMC are Tina Etzerza, Shana Dennis, Kim Rowe, Maggie Dennis, Natasha Callbreath, Terrilynn Nole, Peggy Abou, Annabel Nole, Melva Quock and Christine Ball.

“The AME Celebration of Excellence Awards recognize the achievements of individuals who contribute to successfully finding, funding and building safe and responsible mineral exploration and development projects,” said Jill Tsolinas, chair of the AME board of directors.

The winners will be felicitated at the AME Awards Gala on Feb. 2, 2022.

14

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

New Tahltans

S AY L O R J E A N B O U C H E R Erica Jensen & Andre Boucher January 23, 2022 8lbs 3oz

CORBAN NORBERT N E L S O N G R AY

R I V E R E M O R A M AT I L D A BREE GLOVER

Carla & Peter Gray December 24, 2021

Shania Quock & Chance Glover January 24, 2022 6lbs

Condolences CODY POW December 1989–December 2021

15

8lbs 7oz

NEW TAHLTANS

·

CONDOLENCES

16

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

17

NEW FAMILY REPRESENTATIVE – TENEAL NOLE

New Family Representative Teneal Nole Dzeneth Hoti’e, Teneal Nole Ushyeh.

My maternal connection to Eth’eni and Mary Etzerza are Daisy Henyu, Verna Callbreath, Hazel Sharko and myself.

My two children that will fall under me are Shaymus NoleAdams and Kendra Nole.

I am a thirty-six-year-old mother of two raising and growing my children within Tahltan Territory alongside my husband. I am currently enrolled in a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program in Indigenous Leadership which is helping me to grasp my leadership potential. I feel that with the support from my family, I can accomplish that.

Living in our territory, I see the struggles of living in isolation firsthand. Seeing families leave to pursue a more promising future for their children is something I hope we can change.

We need to build capacity in our community and members to do the work that is currently offered in our territory.

Teneal Nole Eth’eni Family Representative

My communication goals for my role include connecting family and teaching family how to attend Zoom sessions for more family participation; showing family members their connection to our Nation and their family with the support of knowledge carriers in our family. Creating space for family members to learn from one another so they are comfortable using their voices during elections is also important. As for political connections, I want to ensure that information that is needed to go to the family is offered to the family in a timely manner.

My interests are to ensure that our children have the same chance to live in and love their territory as much as many of us do, ensuring that we are leaving our culture, traditions, and land use for our unborn.

This is my first year in Tahltan politics. I am honoured to serve the Eth’eni Family.

“Living in our territory, I see the struggles of living in isolation firsthand. Seeing families leave to pursue a more promising future for their children is something I hope we can change. We need to build capacity in our community and members to do the work that is currently offered in our territory.”

18

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

New Staff Ashleigh DeSoto Hello! My name is Ashleigh DeSoto, and I am thrilled to join the Tahltan Central Government in the role of Tahltan Stewardship Initiative (TSI) Land Use Planner.

My recent work has been with the Province of British Columbia, in the natural resource sector. During this time, I have negotiated and managed multiple stewardship projects and agreements, including projects under the Collaborative Stewardship Forum and a major Reconciliation Agreement in the South Coast Region.

These experiences have enabled me to understand the complex legislative and policy contexts that impact land use and stewardship planning, as well as the importance of deep engagement with the community when making decisions about the land. I am looking forward to integrating this understanding with new learnings about Tahltan values and land interests to support the successful completion of the Tahltan Land Stewardship Plan.

Ashleigh DeSoto Tahltan Stewardship Initiative Land Use Planner

I grew up in Texas with a large and close extended family in the heart of the Piney Woods. I am lucky to have had many great teachers in my life who led with curiosity and kindness, which are values that I try to bring to my relationships and my work each day.

I moved to the Lower Mainland in 2002. I live on the unceded territory of the Kwikwetlem and Katzie people, with my spouse. We have recently taken up vegetable gardening and birding as shared hobbies, though we are consistently outsmarted by squirrels and crows. I also spend a lot of time reading, cooking, writing, playing card games, spending quality time with friends and family, and lifting weights.

I love to talk with other people about their interests and passions. I hope to be able to do that soon with some of you.

I am grateful and exited to join the Tahltan team and help support the achievement of Tahltan’s stewardship goals.

“I am looking forward to integrating this understanding with new learnings about Tahltan values and land interests to support the successful completion of the Tahltan Land Stewardship Plan.”

19

NEW STAFF – ASHLEIGH DESOTO & KAILENE LOUIE

New Staff Kailene Louie Hi, my name is Kailene Louie. I am from Tatl’ah and have lived in territory most of my life other than finishing high school in Smithers, British Columbia. I am from the Carlick family and belong to the Tsesk’iye Clan. My grandparents are Andy and Penny Louie. My mother is Andrea Louie.

I have been hired as the Archive Assistant for the Tahltan Central Government. I am excited to be a part of a team that is working to preserve our history and culture for future generations. My daughter is my greatest inspiration, and I cannot wait to share what I learn with her.

Kailene Louie Archive Assistant

“I am excited to be a part of a team that is working to preserve our history and culture for future generations. My daughter is my greatest inspiration, and I cannot wait to share what I learn with her.”

20

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

New Staff Julia Payne Hello, my name is Julia Payne. I have been recently hired as the Language Documentation Specialist for the Tahltan Central Government. I am the oldest child of John and Barbara Payne, eldest granddaughter of Charles and Peggy Quock. I am a mother to two children and Tsu Tsu to one granddaughter.

I was born in my grandparents’ log cabin in Iskut, where I spent the first few years of my life. During my first eight years, I lived in many different places from Iskut and Telegraph Creek to Joplin, Missouri. I eventually settled in Prince George, British Columbia where I graduated from high school.

I have held a variety of employment positions in my life from manual labor positions to management, and as a business owner. Much of my career has been in administration involving the delivery of various programs for First Nations.

Julia Payne Language Documentation Specialist

I am so very grateful to have the opportunity to fulfill the role of Language Documentation Specialist for the TCG. It is my strong belief that learning and preserving our language and culture is critical not only for the strength of the Nation but also to build confidence individually. I am proud to follow in the footsteps of my grandparents who were heavily involved in language and culture programs here in Iskut for many years.

I heard a quote that sums up my view best:

“A people without the knowledge of their past, origin, and culture is like a tree without its roots.”

21

NEW STAFF – JULIA PAYNE & NAIA PENNINGTON

New Staff Naia Pennington While I was striving for my bachelor’s degree at Thompson Rivers University, I took a field course at Well’s Grey Park on field techniques. I had such a fantastic time identifying plants and birds and wading through the streams to find and learn about the local aquatic critters. Also, while spending some years in Nanaimo, BC, I completed my scuba diving qualifications and have thoroughly enjoyed learning about the marine life in our beautiful oceans. I eventually graduated with my bachelor’s degree in ecology and natural sciences and was eager to get my boots on the ground.

My fiancé has begun fondly referring to me as a “bird nerd” but it extends much further than that. I love learning about the edible plants in this region, as well as the different fungi that can be found in northern BC and spent most of my first summer in Dease Lake doing exactly that. I caught my very first fish here as well (my parents were never big fishermen) and am looking forward to much more in the future!

Naia Pennington Aquatic Protection Officer Hello everyone! My name is Naia Pennington, and I cannot wait to learn all that I can with the TCG Fisheries Department as their Aquatic Protection Officer. Some of you may already know me as the “dog groomer,” but I am very excited for this new opportunity to work more directly towards the interests of the Tahltan.

I have always loved being amongst nature, and my passion for helping the wildlife has only grown over the years. My love for the outdoors really sunk in during elementary school, in Revelstoke, BC, while we were on a field trip to some of the wetlands out of town. I was absolutely blown away by the sheer amount of diversity and active critters I could find in all those little pools and puddles I stepped through.

It fascinated me to no end. Camping with my family and my time in Army Cadets while out on expedition courses are some of my fondest memories.

Additionally, I have loved learning about all sorts of cultures, and due to this love, I try to learn tidbits of languages from whoever will lend me their time. I just find the cultural differences throughout the world so beautiful, and in saying this, I cannot wait to dive into learning more about the Tahltan people and their local customs. Thank you for having me!

“My love for the outdoors really sunk in during elementary school, in Revelstoke, BC, while we were on a field trip to some of the wetlands out of town. I was absolutely blown away by the sheer amount of diversity and active critters I could find in all those little pools and puddles I stepped through. It fascinated me to no end. ”

22

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

Tahltan OnTrack The Tahltan Central Government is working hard to connect Tahltans–no matter where you live, your education, or your job experience–with the vast array of job opportunities in Tahltan Territory!

Ready to test your skills?

Visit Tahltan OnTrack to learn more and match your skill set with current employment opportunities.

ontrack.tahltan.org

23

24

Directors’ Reports 26 —

Executive Director, Calvin Carlick

27 —

Lands, Nalaine Morin

29 — Wildlife, Lance Nagwan 31 —

Fisheries, Cheri Frocklage

33 —

Language, Pamela Labonte

35 —

Culture & Heritage, Sandra Marion

37 —

Education & Training, Cassandra Puckett

39 —

Employment & Contracting, Ann Ball

41 —

Dease Lake Community, Christina Callbreath

42 — Tourism, Alex Buri

26

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

Lands Director Report We established several program objectives for the Lands Department and the TSI project in 2021 including:

Nalaine Morin Lands Director

Visit page 49 to learn more about TSI and current project updates.

In 2022, the Lands Department will continue the work we started in 2021 on the Tahltan Stewardship Initiative (TSI) and other projects.

We had a busy year in 2021, and we are anticipating another busy year in 2022. I wanted to take the opportunity to review some of our progress from last year as well as share with you our draft vision and operational objectives which will support our workplan for achieving success in 2022.

•

A competent Lands Department equipped with the required resources to support the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) to make informed decisions for Tahltan lands and resources.

•

Implementation of governance policies and standard operating procedures to guide Lands Department recommendations and engagement with Leadership and the Tahltan Nation.

•

Manage natural resource related activities in Tahltan Territory consistent with Tahltan community interests and Tahltan laws.

•

Ensuring Tahltan knowledge is a foundational component in all natural resource related activities on Tahltan lands.

•

Develop a long-term plan to address the training needs of Lands Department staff and guardians.

•

Development and implementation of governance policies and standard operating procedures to guide Lands Department recommendations and engagement with Leadership.

We used these objectives to develop a work plan for the year and are happy to report that we have made progress on these objectives. The Lands Department is carefully considering our progress on these objectives and how our workplan in 2022 will be implemented to continue our progress.

All these objectives align with the department’s vision which is “successful stewardship of Tahltan lands based on Tahltan laws, knowledge and world views.”

27

LANDS – NALAINE MORIN

In 2021, we hired several new staff and contractors to support the Lands Department and the TSI. The team implemented our first Youth Stewardship Program and we had three youth work with us on the TSI in areas of project management, governance, and land stewardship planning. We also hired a Tahltan Elder, David Rattray, who has taught the team a lot about Tahltan laws and history.

Last year, the Lands Department continued building the TSI project. The TSI includes key strategic goals that support natural resource management in Tahltan Territory. The goals are advancement of governmentto-government (G2G) relationships, community engagement, land use planning, and department capacity. I see this project as a key driver for change in how we will continue to further define and advance our role in decision-making for natural resource management in Tahltan Territory. It is also quickly becoming an important opportunity for many of the natural resource department directors in Tahltan Territory to build relationships and work together.

For the TSI, the team developed project charters for most of the projects as well as completed their second year of stewardship studies. A series of expert workshops were held to review opportunities for land stewardship planning which led to the development of a draft land stewardship planning methodology. We also held workshops on environmental assessment which support the development of an environmental assessment strategy. This strategy will become an important process to support the Tahltan Heritage Resources Environmental Assessment Team (THREAT) in our participation and review of projects in the environmental assessment process.

THREAT has been working through the review of project descriptions and permitting applications for both the Eskay Creek Revitalization Project and the Red Chris Mine. The team also participates in technical working group meetings for both projects. In 2021, we also met with Seabridge, Pretivm, Red Chris, and Galore Creek for project updates and to review environmental performance of projects through our environmental oversight committees. In 2022, THREAT will continue developing a collaborative team with other departments such as Fisheries and Wildlife to ensure that our team includes their expertise and knowledge about Tahltan Territory.

COVID continues to be a challenge as it has limited our ability to meet, tour and inspect sites in the territory and hold community meetings. In late 2021, the Communications & External Relations Department launched the TSI website which will be an important tool to support communications with Tahltan members about the TSI. We will also continue to hold virtual information sessions about the TSI and other important project updates. As always, we look forward to the day when we can all meet in person again and to share with each other. Guidance from Tahltan people will be key to help inform and shape our work for the TSI and other projects.

Visit: tsi.tahltan.org to view the TSI website, learn more and engage with the initiative.

Tahltan Territory is very well known for its vast resources and the Tahltan Nation is also very well known for its progressive and innovative approaches to governance and management. The work of our natural resource departments over the next couple of years will be key to supporting other governance initiatives like Tahltan decision-making, which will become part of our work in the future.

28

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

Wildlife Director Report The Tahltan Central Government (TCG) Wildlife Guardians have been actively trapping at three locations along the Klappan Railway Grade. Travelling eighty (80) kilometers each way for a total distance of one-hundredsixty (160) kilometers per trip. Often in extreme cold weather while also constantly adjusting strategies at each location to find the techniques that work.

Since the Tahltan Predator Collaring Program has no collared wolves present in the Klappan River watershed, we are operating and relying on ground truth reconnaissance. Guardians have reported that there are three different wolf packs presently active along the railway grade. To date, TCG Wildlife Guardians have successfully removed eight wolves.

Lance Nagwan Wildlife Director

The depth of winter has set in and most everyone has experienced the blistering cold and blowing snow that is undoubtedly making things move at a slower pace.

The variable depth of snow depends on where in Tahltan Territory you are located. However, most noticeable, travel conditions have become increasingly difficult.

Walking short distances is strenuous and exhausts tremendous amounts of energy. The same can be said for all the animals that call Tahltan Territory home.

Identified as an area of interest for the community of Iskut, the Klappan area can benefit from reducing the stress of predation from wolf packs on local moose populations.

Above Right + Right: TCG Guardians Clements Brace and Shelby Marion trapping and reducing wolf pack sizes.

29

WILDLIFE – LANCE NAGWAN

Wildlife Calendar

2022 WILDLIFE CALENDAR Please, if you are planning on harvesting in 2022 – TCG Wildlife Department will be giving members a TCG Wildlife Calendar to track your harvest. Write down the species on the date harvested, as Guardians will be requesting voluntary harvest submissions at the end of fall hunting season.

2022

N OT ES

Khayō dīdze

January 2022

MIDDLE OF WINTER MONTH N OT ES S U N

26

M O N

27

lhts’ī isā T U E

28

WINDY MONTH

W E D

29

F R I

S AT

1

31

M O N

T U E

Year’s Day T HNew U R

W E D

2

3

4

5

6 7 8 1THIN CRUST ON THE 2 SNOW MONTH 3

9

10

11 6

12 7

13 8

18 13

19 14

25 20

26 21

1

2

16

23

30

17

24

31

30

27

6

February 2022

Taten tsedle

N OT E S S U N

T H U R

30

31

28

15 10 1

20 15 6

21 16 7

27 22 13

28

14 9

7

M O N

T U E

March 2022

S AT

5

W E D

T H U R

F R I

SAT

11 2

12 3

4

5

22 17 8

18 9

19 10

11

12

28 23 14

29 24 15

25 16

26 17

18

19

3 1

4 2

5 3

4

5

25

26

8

9

10

11

12

31

1

2

5

6

7

8

9

27

Family Day

S U N

F R I

4

20

27

3

21

28

4

22

29

23

30

24

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

Fisheries Director Report When the road washed out, people rallied for the community. Food and supplies were helicoptered in, truckloads of equipment arrived to repair the road, and local people worked endless hours alongside contractors to open and restore it to drivable conditions. Many members did not fish, forgoing their winter food security due to the road closure and ongoing COVID concerns. We adapted and persevered.

When COVID hit our communities, our people rallied for our members, checking in on them, bringing them food, brewing them medicine, practicing safe COVID protocols to protect our Elders and the immune compromised, and praying for their recovery. We adapted and persevered.

Cheri Frocklage Fisheries Director

Well, admittedly, 2021 was not kinder to us as I had hoped. The spring came in with a vengeance, washing out Highway 51. The community of Telegraph Creek remained in a state of emergency for the better part of the summer. Highway 51 remained closed, with intermittent openings to accommodate for the road conditions and ongoing road repairs. We experienced our first cases of COVID in our community in late July, and we all breathed a sigh of relief when our members recovered. Fall arrived in all its colourful splendors, bringing with it, colder temperatures. Though we are not strangers to the frigid temperatures, the duration of this winter cold snap that we have been in seems to be prolonged, perhaps a symptom of climate change and what will soon become the new normal. Throughout the Christmas break, we found ourselves facing a high number of COVID infection rates, which prevented many of us from enjoying and experiencing our family Christmas traditions.

To read it here, it sounds like a dismal year, right? But we need to step back and find the good amongst the chaos.

31

Our Chinook stocks showed a welcomed and promising increase in numbers, our sockeye stocks came in stronger than was originally forecasted.

The Stikine River salmon have evolved over thousands of years, through glacial activity, catastrophic events, through landslides that blocked and restricted access, through human interference and over exploitation and they remain.

They adapted and they persevered.

And we shall too. We are Tahltan people. We have a full vibrant history of our ancestors, who also adapted, persevered, and overcame the adversities presented before them.

We are a living testament to those who came before us, and those that will follow us.

FISHERIES – CHERI FROCKLAGE

As we head into the New Year 2022, I am not hoping that the year will be kinder; instead, I ask that we all do our best to be a little kinder to not only one another, but to ourselves.

We are in year three of a global pandemic. We are learning as we go. We are all showing up to our lives and jobs to the best of our abilities every day. We are doing our best. And this, is enough. Do your best, be your best despite all the uncertainty. Life will go on, and if we do our best now, we will be in a much better place when we step into the light after all this darkness. We are tired, we are weary, but we will persevere. Stay the course.

Your Tahltan Fisheries Department staff are currently busy drafting written and financial reports from the 2021 field season. We are working our way through the post season reviews, meeting schedules and discussions which are still ongoing. Stikine run forecasts for 2022 will be available following the February Pacific Salmon Commission session.

2021 STIKINE RIVER SALMON RETURNS Chinook Pre-season forecast was 9,900 and the actual system wide escapement was estimated at 8,376 large Chinook. The 10-year average escapement is 18,600. Little Tahltan River Chinook escapement is estimated at 1,471 adults (987 large and 484 jacks) which is a significant improvement over the recent 10-year average of 677 adults.

Sockeye Preseason forecast was 56,000 comprised of 28,000 Tahltan Lake and 28,000 Mainstem River spawners.

Tahltan Lake escapement was 43,246 and mainstem estimate is 30,447. Canada harvested 4,705 sockeye (Food fishery 4,094 and coho commercial incidental catch 611) and the US harvested 5,441 Stikine bound sockeye salmon (2,636 Tahltan Lake and 2,805 Mainstem). The 2021 Stikine sockeye terminal run sizes are estimated at 49,950 Tahltan Lake and 33,889 mainstem which is well above both the preseason forecasts. The Tahltan Lake smolt count of 1.86 Million was comprised of 70% enhanced and 30% wild smolts, which is a markable improvement over last year’s 81% enhanced vs. 19% wild production.

Above: Eyed sockeye salmon eggs.

Natural spawning is estimated as follows – 43,246 total escapements at the weir, minus brood stock for egg take (1,152) = 42,094. Presuming 50% are female, 21,047 wild female spawners @ 2,529 eggs/female (fecundity), deposited 53,227,863 eggs into the gravels at Tahltan Lake.

Currently, there are 1,245,385 surviving Tahltan Lake sockeye eyed eggs (eggs that have developed to the stage where you can distinctly see the eye of the salmon within the egg) from the 1.52 million eggs delivered, incubating at the Port Snettisham Hatchery. They will be thermally marked and will be released back to Tahltan Lake in the spring of 2022 after ice-out. Green to eyed egg survival rate is estimated at 85.5%, comparable to the historical average of 85%.

32

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

Language Director Report

L A N G U A G E D E PA R T M E N T F A C E B O O K PA G E On other fronts, we continued to create and share digital language resources on the Language Department Facebook page. This is a great platform to connect to language and build strong foundations for learning Tāłtān. We encourage everyone to like our page and share these creative resources with others.

Pamela Labonte Language Director

The Department grew this winter as we welcomed Julia Payne to the team as the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) Language Documentation Specialist.

Julia’s position is critical for language preservation.

Visit: facebook.com/TCGLanguageDepartment to check it out.

Her role is dedicated to documenting Tāłtān through working with speakers in and out of territory in pursuit of documenting all elements of language such as stories and songs among other critical components. All documented language will be made visible and accessible to Tahltans and membership as we work with the Culture and Heritage Department and the TCG Archives Project through the Tahltan Stewardship Initiative (TSI).

Please contact the Language Department if you are a fluent speaker, or if you know of a fluent speaker who would like to work with Julia in documenting Tāłtān.

33

LANGUAGE – PAMELA LABONTE

Tatl’ah Language Programming Coordinator Updates

Dhakāle Hayle Gallup Tatl’ah Language Programming Coordinator Over the winter we started delivering language lessons via Zoom, spearheaded with fluent Tāłtān speaker Pat Etzerza. I facilitated each language lesson with fluent and semi-fluent language speakers leading the teaching. These language lessons will be posted on the Members Only Section of the Tahltan Central Government Session for members to check out.

Above: Audio recording and editing training sessions with the Telegraph Creek language team.

Left: Tāłtān language lessons with Pat and Theresa Etzerza.

I also had a successful training session with the Telegraph Creek language team where the team learned how to document and edit language audio.

Re-opening the Language Nest in Tatl’ah (Dease Lake) is slowly underway! I hosted two Language Nest information sessions where I gathered information from community members on potential staff and child registration numbers. I will continue to support the school in offering language lessons upon request to individual classrooms as well as supporting on the land field trips. I look forward to another season of growth in relationship and language programming and initiatives within the community.

34

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

Culture & Heritage Director Report TCG ARCHIVES – “UNARCHIVED” Earlier in 2021, the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) reached out to my department. They had read in one of our newsletters about the Archive we are working on building which aligned with a documentary they are filming. The documentary is called “Unarchived”, and the following is a description that was provided by the film crew:

Sandra Marion Culture & Heritage Director

Dẕenēs̱ hoti’e Tahltans. It has been a very cold winter this year in our homeland. I am very grateful for our woodstove during these times. I hope you all have been able to stay warm and toasty where you reside.

The Culture & Heritage Department and Tahltan Central Government (TCG) Archives would like to welcome Kailene Louie to the team. She has started in the physical archive with Ursula at the beginning of January 2022. With the assistance of Kailene, and hopefully one more assistant (the job posting is available on the TCG website and OnTrack), we will be able to expedite the physical organization of the four-hundred-twenty (420) banker boxes we are working through.

The goal with our Archive Assistants is to heavily involve them in the structure of the archive, as well as policy and procedure development so that out of the two positions, we can determine a Tahltan Manager position to take over the physical archive as we accept donations from the public.

We have been working closely with a lawyer on our collections policy and ironing out the creative tensions between collective rights and individual rights. This policy will be brought back to specific avenues for a full review prior to implementation.

35

“Unarchived is a feature documentary that explores the diverse, underrepresented, and unarchived histories in British Columbia.

We will follow knowledge keepers, communities, and organizations across the Province as they subvert the dominant historical narrative in our museums and archives, and fight for a more inclusive history.

We examine community-led archives and museums to investigate the ways they are collecting, sharing, and holding histories...

We would love the Tahltan Nation’s work to build your archive, and the dialogue around repatriation to be our fourth and final story. Specifically, we would like to hear about the decision to create the archive and the ways in which you have Indigenized what has historically been a very colonial structure of an Archive, as well as the work you are doing to build access for the Nation and its members.”

The original request was for the film crew to make their way to Dease Lake, and we could do the filming in the physical archive, but due to COVID-19 travel regulations that was not possible. So, the Archivist and I ended up meeting with the crew in Vancouver to conduct the interviews and in Victoria for further filming at the Royal BC Museum. Through relationship building with the NFB, we uncovered some footage that was recorded in the mid 1980’s of two influential Elders having a casual conversation.

CULTURE & HERITAGE – SANDRA MARION

The recording is done by a late Mi’kmaq artist named Mike MacDonald that had come to the territory at that time. We are working with the NFB, and entities involved to see when we can have the recording sent back to the Tahltan Nation, to be a part of our historical record. Since we started this project, we have had a few donations made and what we have been seeing is a level of information that has not been shared before. It has been quite exhilarating. These donations have been coming to us mostly by coincidence because we are not yet at a stage where we can go seeking new information.

Through the funding with the Tahltan Stewardship Initiative (TSI), we have been given the go ahead to purchase storage units for repatriated items to start making their way back home. We will also be reaching out to our amazing Tahltan artists for ideas around designing and building unique display cases for some of these items. Because we are not sure what we will be able to bring home yet, I would like our focus to be around Obsidian flakes and arrow heads.

My goal is to bring these home and have them on display perhaps in our schools for our students to be able to see them, share stories about some of the areas they were found in, experiences they had heard of, or have been a part of. It all needs to start with conversations with the various Museums in BC. The Royal BC Museum is in the process of renovating their building, as there is little to no structure in place if an earthquake happens. They are also redesigning their Indigenous Peoples’ floor. These conversations can take some time, but it is best if we start preparing for successful repatriation, starting with storage units and display cases.

For the 2022 flying season, we are working on building out a request for proposals (RFP) to secure a helicopter for most of the season that the Culture & Heritage, Wildlife and Fisheries Departments can utilize as needed. If we get a successful bid, I am hoping this will open opportunities for additional interview dates to cover more Elders, and more areas of the territory as a part of our on-the-ground Elder interviews. Stay tuned as we start to release more information about how to get involved. If you are an Elder or knowledge keeper, and you would like to be a part of this project while you are home during fishing season, please feel free to send me an email with approximate dates. I can make sure to mark those down ahead of time.

36

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

Education & Training Director Report It is always inspiring to see the vast array of different programs, fields of study, and future aspirations of the Nation’s members. Since September 1st, 2021, the TCG Education & Training Department has received sixty-nine applications. Of the sixty-nine applications, the TCG has either partially or fully sponsored fortytwo students in the following categories:

Category

# of Students

$ Amount

2

$1,758.76

Post-Secondary Education

29

$83,671.15

Trades Training

11

$15,826.28

Total

42

$101,256.19

Short-Term Certifications

Cassandra Puckett Education & Training Director

With winter well underway, we can see the welcomed shift into longer days and hopefully warmer temperatures. The stillness of the winter months provides an excellent opportunity for introspection and reflection on the bustle of the fall season and a chance to look within towards the future that spring has to offer.

Perhaps education will be an area where you would like to explore potential opportunities? If so, now is the time.

With the new academic year in full swing, our Tahltan Central Government (TCG) Education Coordinator has been working hard to keep up with our rapid growth.

We both love seeing all the applications come in for bursaries and scholarships. It is so exciting to see so many Tahltans on their pathway to education.

While COVID continues to disrupt in-territory training opportunities, please do not be discouraged.

You are more than welcome to apply at any time to attend training outside of the territory.

As we all continue to do our part to keep the Nation, our beloved Elders, and children safe, the TCG Education & Training Department will continue to invest in our Tahltan Nation members as they follow their hearts and dreams in education.

37

As per our TCG Education Policy, the TCG Education Coordinator has supported students in external application processes and has accessed external funding sources for a savings of $119,692.34, more than doubling the TCG investment of $101,256.19. It is only through good financial practice that we will continue to ensure the opportunities of today continue to be present for our future generations.

We continue to see our Contact North BC Community Learning Centers move forward in a good way.

Since the Dease Lake Learning Center opened on November 26th, 2021, there have already been eight course registrations and fifteen community members accessing online and learning center supports. The Telegraph Creek Learning Center is close to opening.

The setup is complete, and Contact North is recruiting staff so the Learning Center can be open full time for the community. Iskut has a designated building, and Caitlin will continue to support the setup in partnership with Iskut and Contact North BC.

The first-ever Tahltan ERM Environment Management (formerly RTEC) Bursary opportunity closed on December 17th, 2021. With seventeen eligible applicants in post-secondary programs. The following Tahltans received awards totaling $10,000.

Post-Secondary Kody Penner

Tina Marie Nash

Taylor Peterson

Alysha Hawkins

Caden Wallace Booth

Sebastian Bob

Ocean Van Mierlo I encourage students to apply for all available bursary opportunities. Kelli is available to provide support if you require help with your Letter of Intent or how to best demonstrate financial need. I encourage you to access the support mechanisms available to give you the best chance possible at being a recipient.

Remember, you will always miss 100% of the shots you don’t take! Take the shot and submit your bursary applications every chance you get.

As we move forward into 2022, the TCG Education & Training Director will spend focused time on engaging with Leadership, service providers, and Tahltan Nation membership residing in territory to get a fulsome understanding of current capacity and future needs.

As the department forages ahead, there is a need for solid alignment with community and Nation development that is, first and foremost, community driven. Foundational documents are critical to creating a multi-year strategy for the Education & Training Department to ensure a wrap-around approach that benefits individuals, families, communities, and the Nation overall. Strategic development coupled with community and programming planning will ensure investments contribute to the continued capacity building across all sectors in the territory.

38

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

Employment & Contracting Director Report getting registered on OnTrack, resume writing, business registration, or being added to the OnTrack Facebook group, please reach out to her for assistance. We are using OnTrack to ensure our TCG membership has preferential hire via job postings to the OnTrack platform.

The use of our OnTrack platform will become essential for preferential hire in the coming years so please encourage all Tahltan and Associates to register at ontrack.tahltan.org/join-here.

Ann Ball Employment & Contracting Director

It does take a few business days for approval and as stated, requires membership with the Tahltan Central Government prior to this approval. Note – you do not have to be a status-Indian member to be part of TCG membership as it is based on your Tahltan Ancestry!

TCG membership registration can be found on our website: tahltan.org.

OnTrack has been very successful with job postings and members applying to be part of the platform.

We would like to continue to have our Tahltan members share this process with other Tahltans who may not be aware of the platform as it will assist them to obtain employment.

We also want to ensure that our membership knows to reach out to Lily Sembsmoen, OnTrack Specialist, otspecialist@tahltan.org. Lily will be here to assist you through your process of getting registered.

She will also be available to help write and update your resumes. Please add her as a friend on Facebook.

Her cell is 867-334-8340. Again, she is here to assist you with anything pertaining to OnTrack. Whether it is 39

The business policy is progressing, and we are now working with a third-party accounting firm to ensure that the ideas for the policy can be implemented in a fair and inclusive manner. We must ensure that we are not just adding barriers for our Tahltan businesses instead of giving them opportunities. This policy is very important for our Nation, and we want to ensure that the process is fair and transparent, and several different options have been researched throughout this process.

With the end of the exploration season comes the gathering of statistics on how many Tahltans were hired on each site and with what companies, along with the statistics on how many Tahltan businesses were hired and of course their statistics on Tahltan hires. We are expecting much more participation from companies compared to previous years as several companies that did not have Tahltan hire in the past made progress last year by reaching out to the TCG and looking for Tahltan businesses to assist their programs.

Collective bargaining is underway with the Red Chris Mine and the United Steelworkers Union. There is not much to update on this area yet, but it is important to make sure our Tahltan membership knows that this is going forward.

Please feel free to reach out to me anytime regarding both employment and contracting. Help your fellow Tahltans and have them register for OnTrack to have access to preferential hire, at ontrack.tahltan.org.

Send me an email to: employmentdirector@tahltan.org, phone me at 778-772-6355.

Please contact me with anything I am able to assist with.

EMPLOYMENT & CONTRACTING – ANN BALL · MEMBERSHIP & GENEALOGY – SHANNON FRANK

Membership & Genealogy Director Report Fellow Tahltans. A call out to update.

Is it easy to do? Yes, it is very easy to do and you can do it anytime by going to our website: www.tahltan.org What do I need to do exactly? Simple.

1. Go to the TCG website.

2. At the top of the home page (upper right) click on Tahltan Membership.

3. Scroll down to the Contact Update Form section and click on Contact Update Form.

4. Fill out and click Submit.

How often should I update my information?

Shannon Frank Membership & Genealogy Director

For additional information please contact:

Shannon Frank Director of Membership & Genealogy informationdirector@tahltan.org

Roxanne Ball Membership Clerk roxanne.ball@tahltan.org

We need you to update your contact information regularly so we can keep you informed.

We distribute updates not only regarding elections, but also with critical information for you and your family, such as Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) votes, employment and training opportunities, scholarships, education, and much more.

Are there any other reasons to update my information?

Yes! And this is especially true for: Teenagers and Young Adults – When registering children, parents use their own email addresses and phone numbers. As those children grow older and begin to think about future education and training opportunities, they need to update their email, phone number, and address to stay current and to receive information.

Married Recently/Name Change – If you have decided to change your legal name you must update your information and report your name change.

Babies and Children – If you have a new baby, or if you have children that may or may not be registered, please complete and submit a new membership form on their behalf. This ensures their registration and their eligibility for TCG programming.

Moved/Moving – If you have moved it is very important to update your information.

Passings – It is important for our vital statics to be accurate. Please register the passing of any Tahltan members with us to guarantee our information is correct.

Transparency is very important to us. Therefore, please register and update your information regularly to stay current on all things affecting Tahltans.

40

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

Dease Lake Community Director Report

Hello everyone and wishes for all the best in the New Year!

Christina Callbreath Dease Lake Community Director

Since starting work this fall, I have been busy learning what my job is and getting to reconnect with the community. I have had meetings with some community stakeholders, Elders, and Youth. This created opportunities to fill out community surveys and discuss our wishes and interests for the future. Some of the community interests include beading and sewing, Elder and youth gatherings, drum making, Tahltan dancing, classes on hunting and trapping, carpentry classes, and cultural exchanges. These are just a few interests that were expressed. We have a great many more ideas to work with in planning for the New Year.

Now that the New Year is upon us, I am planning regular get-togethers and meetings for the ladies, families, Youth, and Elders. I am also planning for some outside activities and classes. Please look out for posters and Facebook posts to inform you about what is happening in the community. If anyone has any questions or ideas for me, please feel free to call me at the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) office. I am always happy to chat.

You can also email me at deaselakedirector@tahltan.org.

It is very unfortunate that COVID-19 has put a damper on our planned activities, but here’s hoping that we can be careful, safe and COVID-free in the future.

Please continue to be strong and I look forward to seeing everyone soon!

41

DEASE LAKE COMMUNITY – CHRISTINA CALLBREATH · TOURISM – ALEX BURI

Tourism Director Report Over the past two months, the bulk of the work thus far has been dedicated to research and engagement with community members, tourism stakeholders, and aligning with the work already being done in other departments. This summer, more time will be dedicated to conducting site visits in the territory and engagement sessions with the communities. Here’s hoping that we can all travel safely this summer. I look forward to sharing more updates with everyone in the future.

By establishing the Tourism Department in November of last year, the Tahltan Central Government took the exciting step of becoming more directly involved with ecotourism.

Alex Buri Tourism Director

As many of you know, Tahltan Territory has some of the most beautiful and wild landscapes on the planet, already drawing visitors from around the world. And now, more than ever, travelers are looking for unique places where they can reconnect with nature and experience authentic local interactions.

For year one, our focus will be on developing a three-year strategy that outlines steps the government can take to become more involved as owner-operators and how we can support the tourism economy. This means looking at the potential economic benefits, how tourism can help provide more work opportunities, and how we can have more influence with visitors so they better understand Tahltan culture and laws. This also means defining what kind of visitors we want to receive and ensuring that ecotourism supports and protects the Tahltan way of life.

“Over the past two months, the bulk of the work thus far has been dedicated to research and engagement with community members, tourism stakeholders, and aligning with the work already being done in other departments.”

42

Personal Profiles

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

Pictured: Nancy Ward

43

PERSONAL PROFILES – NANCY WARD

ELDER

Nancy Ward

Nancy Ward is a kind, well-spoken, positive, and loving eighty-five-year-old Tahltan woman from the Thud ga family. Her parents are Nancy Frank and James Low Sr. Her grandparents are May Brown and Benny Frank. She currently resides in Sechelt, British Columbia.

Nancy is the proud mother of two children, proud grandmother of five, and proud great grandmother of six. Nancy is also a residential school survivor. She attended three different residential schools. There, she experienced deep hurt and witnessed many heartbreaking moments which have stayed with her throughout her life. She suffered physical, mental, verbal, emotional and sexual abuse.

Nancy has lived her life with scoliosis from malnutrition caused by her time in residential schools. She was starved. Nancy, like many, many innocent children, suffered greatly.

“Nobody cared. Nobody cared about what happened in those schools,” she stated.

K’insē, is her Tahltan name, meaning strawberry. Her name was thought of by her great-grandma and her mother. When she was young and her family could not find her, they always knew where to look. Nancy would always be sitting in a strawberry patch.

She shares that she never forgot her name through all the residential schools she went to.

It was so special to her, and she was so happy to have that name.

Nancy is an avid writer. She writes about her life, her experiences, and her belief that current and future generations are stronger because of what she has overcome. She is a truly beautiful storyteller, remembering her life in detail, sharing each word with a distinct emotion of love, sadness – and ultimately, optimism and faith.

In the early 2000’s, Nancy was interviewed in Vancouver by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). She shared that she did this so that her experiences would reach Ottawa and that the horrible acts and treatment she received and witnessed in residential schools would never happen again.

She recalls many stories from when she was young in territory, including time spent in harmony with nature, at Fish Camp with her family, gathering and working, singing songs, and sharing together in love and joy. At Fish Camp, her job was to skewer rose hips with a long beading needle and thread to make tea. Everyone worked hard. She shares lovely memories of evenings under the stars, where everyone would come out of their tents after a long day’s work with musical instruments and celebrate together. She remembers the singing, the music, the dancing, and the Indian ice cream! The happy times have stayed with her. Time spent with people who loved and cared about her.

Nancy was transformed through her experiences and through love. Spending twenty-two beautiful years with an amazing husband who loved her, encouraged her, and helped her to build her confidence and strength. Nancy became the protector, the amazing cook, the nurturing mother – everything she never had throughout the dark times of residential school – for her family. Because of her experiences, she always made sure her children were fed, clothed, loved, hugged, supported, heard – everything she did not receive.

She shares that when she was young and picking berries with her grandmother, her grandmother shared a line which always stuck with her, to “thank the great spirit”.

Nancy has connected with spirit to help her throughout her life, to give her strength and wisdom. Through connection with spirit, she overcame many challenging and unthinkable situations, which have led her to where she is now. In many instances of her life, she was guided in ways she did not understand at the time. Upon reflection, she can see spirit has always been with her, helping.

When Nancy was in her adulthood, she visited a Chiropractor who, after seeing an X-ray of Nancy’s spine, and hearing her stories and about her experiences in residential schools, vowed to treat her, free of charge, from that day forward. He has kept her walking and mobile, even creating a custom brace for her which she uses at home. “You should write a book,” he gently conveyed to her.

And write she does. Writing all her experiences, thoughts, and insights in a scribbler. She hopes to finish her book soon.

She states, “it does not matter what happened to her,” she strongly believes that future generations are better for what she had to endure. Her heart and spirit are so full of love and strength.

Nancy shares that she is so proud of the young generation and of the Tahltan Nation.

She is so proud of young people who are educating themselves. She also shares that she is so impressed by Tahltan President Chad Norman Day, and all the things the Tahltan Nation has on the go. Tahltans have a voice and are being heard. Nancy shares that her grandchildren are learning Tahltan language online, connecting with their culture and expressing themselves through their passions including through art.

Mēduh, Nancy.

44

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

C U LT U R E

Nyla Carpentier

Nyla Carpentier of the Tahltan and Kaska First Nations has danced for nearly her entire life. Nyla is from the Cawtoonma family. Her parents are Lynn and Carl Carpentier, and her grandparents are Mona and Claude Carpentier. She currently resides in North Vancouver, British Columbia.

Nyla is a Powwow dancer and teacher. From the moment of womb awareness, she loved the beat of drums. That’s what her family would tell her. Her parents met at a Powwow in the early 1980’s. There was a big movement at the time to start Powwows again. Her mom was involved supporting her friends and her dad was involved as well. “He had a guitar and knew how to play every song,” she shares.

Nyla started dancing at the Odawa Powwow in Nepean, Ontario when she was two years old. She has been dancing ever since for the last thirty-seven years now. When she was two, she asked, rather demanded, she cheerfully jokes, that her parents get her regalia.

Family friends at the Powwow got an outfit and pieces for her to dance in. The next year she had her own outfit made just for her.

45

Nyla danced all through her childhood and teens.

She started doing performances in her schools.

She moved to Yukon for the last two years of high school and there, she performed at the Commissioner’s Potlatch in Whitehorse. She really loved fancy shawl dancing. That is her favourite style to this day.

The dance is said to represent the opening of a cocoon when the butterfly emerges. The shawl is usually the most extravagant piece worn. The fringed shawls are colourful, often featuring beautiful embroidery or ribbon work. The fringe on the shawl has a movement that coincides with the dancer.

In 2009, Nyla’s teaching kicked into high gear. She began dedicating more energy to her art. Up until then, Nyla taught dance movements at Powwows, but she began teaching in a classroom capacity as well as teaching workshops. She also travelled across Canada and attended as many Powwows as possible so she could to learn and experience.

She shares that growing up so far away from her family’s traditional territory, Powwow is something that she could connect to. It was open to people from all Nations. Powwow gave her an outlet to reflect her culture.

PERSONAL PROFILES – NYLA CARPENTIER

In 2011, Nyla started teaching a series of dance classes through Raven Spirit Dance Society, a contemporary Indigenous Dance company based in Vancouver, British Columbia: ravenspiritdance.com. Nyla began teaching classes called Powwow Bootcamp which combined cardio exercises with Powwow dancing.

She has been teaching this series for over a decade now. During the pandemic, classes shifted online and are available by donation. Participants can register in advance or drop into the Zoom classes. Nyla loves the feeling of movement when she dances and loves teaching. She loves seeing students learn a move and create on their own.

In the last years, Nyla has started learning about her family, pursing more cultural knowledge, and learning her language. She is thankful for her family sharing knowledge and family knowledge with her.

She shares in the last years, the changes in the Tahltan Nation have meant a lot to her. With more knowledge and information coming online, more doors have opened for her.

She is a new mother, and she is excited to begin teaching her daughter the language and culture in ways she was not able to connect with growing up.

Her goal is to learn as much as she can about her culture and teach as much as she can to her daughter so she can be able to live it versus trying to reclaim it.

Nyla shares it has been an interesting journey, and that she is grateful to be dancing. She loves when she can visit relatives in territory, dance for them and teach them. She is also really excited to learn more Tahltan cultural dances, more songs, and embrace her cultural teachings. She shares that her family really embraces her dancing and who she is as an artist.

They have been amazingly supportive. She describes her dad and grandma as her biggest supporters. Her grandma is ninety-three now.

Nyla also loves expressing herself through theatre.

In one of her theater shows, she talks about her Indigenous side and family stories that were shared with her. She always tries to walk a road between her Indigenous and non-Indigenous side. Powwow, she shares, has been the way she can bridge all aspects of herself. “With everything Indigenous people have gone through and continue to go through, dancing is one way to show we are still here.”

46

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

I N S P I R I N G Y O U N G TA H LTA N S

Ben Chief

Moving to Kelowna was a big change for Ben where he juggled playing volleyball, studying and university life.

He accepted the challenge and completed his first year but decided to make a change and attend the University of Calgary to focus solely on school. The next three years were spent studying, working out and working at hospitals until he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology.

He says he sees the positive impact business can have on people and wants to help other businesses succeed and possibly own a health and wellness business.

The Sheldon M. Shumir Medical Center is where Ben landed his first job after graduation where he worked in the kidney dialysis clinic creating fitness and nutrition plans for patients. After one year, he decided to move to Telegraph Creek to work with the Tahltan Band in multiple roles helping with people’s nutrition and rehabilitation.

Baseball, volleyball, hockey, soccer, you name it, and Ben Chief has probably played it. Health and wellness have always been a huge part of his life that has helped guide his path. From playing volleyball in university to writing business proposals for health initiatives, his love for health and wellness has allowed him to pursue his largest goals.

Ben Chief is a thirty-four-year-old Tahltan man who currently lives in Nanaimo, BC. He is part of the Etzenlee family and the Wolf clan. His grandparents are Thelma (Edzerza) and Vern Norby and his parents are Nancy Norby (Quock) and Charles Chief.

Ben was born and raised in Whitehorse, Yukon but spent four years in Nanaimo while his mother attained her nursing degree which was a big inspiration to Ben. During high school, he participated in every sport he could and played basketball in the Western Canada games and went to nationals in grade ten. Also, he played volleyball in the Canada Games and Arctic Winter Games. After graduating, he was accepted into the Bachelor of Science program in Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus and played for the university volleyball team.

47

After two years in this role, he decided to try something new and went diamond drilling for a year until going back to the Tahltan Band to write business proposals such as the plan for the mobile mental health support team. Writing these allowed him the freedom to work from home so he decided to move to Victoria, BC. With a new love for business, Ben decided to re-attend school at Camosun College in Victoria where he spent a year and a half in the Business Administration program before making a change in 2018 to attend the Master of Business Administration program at Victoria Island University. This is an extremely demanding program that tested his abilities with eight course semesters, but he stayed consistent and plans to graduate in April of 2022. Upon graduation, he is going to work with KPMG in a management consultant role.

Achieving an MBA while staying healthy and working part time is no small task that can only be done with the right motivation. He says he sees the positive impact business can have on people and wants to help other businesses succeed and possibly own a health and wellness business. This inspiring young Tahltan knows what it takes to accomplish goals and says that you can accomplish anything you truly put your mind to.

PERSONAL PROFILES – INSPIRING YOUNG TAHLTANS – BEN CHIEF & JAMIE DENNIS

I N S P I R I N G Y O U N G TA H LTA N S

Jamie Dennis She began working as a janitor in various mining camps, but soon was given the opportunity to operate a thirty-ton rock truck with TNDC. After working at various locations with TNDC, she decided to apply for full-time employment with Imperial Metals at the Red Chris Mine.

Upon starting work at Red Chris, Jamie was put on the 777-rock truck which hauls 100 tons per load making it a huge step up from the 30-ton truck. A year later, she stepped up again and started driving the 793-haul truck which hauls upwards of 230 tons or around 550,000 pounds of material. She said it was nerve racking driving the largest truck on site but with training and practice she learned to operate safely and efficiently.

The Komatsu 7000 shovel is a 1.45-million-pound machine at the Red Chris Mine that can move upwards of 110,000 lbs of rock per bucket load and is the most critical piece of equipment for moving mineral rich ore. Safe and efficient operation of this monster machine is the cornerstone of the mining operation and running it is not for the faint of heart.

With her goals set on the top, Jamie Dennis worked her way from a janitorial position to operating the goliath shovel.

Jamie Dennis is a thirty-five-year-old Tahltan woman who is part of the Crow clan and the Simgaltadta family.

Her grandparents are Thomas and Doris Dennis, and her parents are Cliff and June Dennis. She currently lives in Williams Lake with her boyfriend, Sean Marklinger, and her two step kids – Myles and Myah.

Jamie grew up in Iskut, BC without thinking about working in mining. She spent her time going to school, hunting with her dad, and learning from her grandpa who owned a guide outfitter business. While attending high school, her cousin operated heavy equipment for the underground mining company Procon. Intrigued, Jamie decided to follow in her cousin’s footsteps and give mining a try.

With every promotion, Jamie wanted to try new things and soon asked her supervisor to operate one of the excavators on site. She started on small excavators building berms and working in the pit until 2019 when she began operating the 813,506 lb Hitachi 3600 shovel which carries 40 tons per bucket. She says her brother Shaun Dennis and friend Peter Jakesta were instrumental to her learning and taught her how to operate the machine effectively.

With her eyes set on the top, she soon started operating the largest excavator on site, the Komatsu 7000 which weighs a staggering 1.45 million lbs and moves 38 cubic metres or upwards of 110,000 lbs of material per bucket load. With this she became the first Indigenous women to operate the largest excavator at site, an amazing accomplishment.

When Jamie started working in mining industry, she thought she would never be able to operate any big equipment but decided to defy the odds and set her sights on the biggest shovel on site. With consistency and determination, she reached her goal and continues to be a cornerstone for the Red Chris Mine. On her off-time Jamie loves to spend time with her family camping and fishing. She says that achieving your goals does not come easily but with consistency, anything is possible.

48

WIN TER 2 02 2

THIS IS OUR LAND. WE ARE THE LAND.

49

TAHLTAN STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE

The Tahltan Stewardship Initiative (TSI) is our opportunity for transformative change based on the recognition of Tahltan Title and Rights.

Now, we have a say in decisions that matter for our people in accordance with our values and knowledge.

We decide how to protect our culture, care for our lands, water, air, fish, and wildlife. We decide how to sustainably manage our natural resources and economic development in our territory.

TSI means Tahltans working together to transform how things are done. Through TSI, the rules are changing.

And we are shaping the process.

Vision Statement The Tahltan Stewardship Initiative (TSI) will support the Tahltan Nation to assert self-determination and fulfill our inherent stewardship and caretaking responsibilities for our territory.

Stewardship is the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.

The TSI will help the Tahltan Nation to plan for and manage our land, water, air, wildlife, and natural resources. It will ensure we take care of Tahltan Territory now and for future generations.

By conserving wildlife, managing economic development, protecting our environment and relationship with the land (including culturally significant areas) and asserting jurisdiction over Tahltan Territory, we will advance our role in and refine shared decision-making processes.

50

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

TAHLTAN STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE WEBSITE LAUNCH ANNOUNCEMENT

In December, the Tahltan Stewardship Initiative (TSI) launched its brand new, innovative website! Ȗ Visit: tsi.tahltan.org to explore the site Much of the website has been designed uniquely for Tahltans only and requires a password to view. If you are a Tahltan member and require assistance obtaining your Members Only Section password, please contact:

51

Ȗ

250-771-3274,

Ȗ

receptionist@tahltan.org

Ȗ

1-855-TAHLTAN (824-5826) or,

TAHLTAN STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE – TSI WEBSITE ANNOUNCEMENT

TSI is an opportunity for our Nation to create transformative change on matters that impact our lands, rights, and wellbeing.

Through the TSI website, members can learn more about this important work and each of TSI’s 17 projects.

Explore frequently asked questions, TSI resources, and more. Tahltans can confidentially interact with map-based and interactive surveys to share their knowledge and important views to support this important, transformative work for our Nation.

Surveys on the TSI website are part of the first round of questions to assist our TSI team determine what is important to Tahltans and how membership would like to participate and contribute. Responses to these initial survey questions will also help us create more in-depth interview questions as we begin to develop land and resource management direction in later stages of the planning process.

TSI Website Launch Engagement TCG Launches Tahltan Stewardship Initiative (TSI) Website Press Release – Dec 17, 2021

22,290,163 T OTA L R E A C H

Tahltan Central Government Launches New Website for its Stewardship Initiative News Article – Dec 17, 2021

Engagement for TSI is designed to be as inclusive as possible. Our intent is to give all Tahltans, regardless of age, geographical location or background, the opportunity to learn about this important initiative and contribute to it. COVID-19 has significantly impacted our plans for engaging with membership and has limited our ability to meet with you in person.

It is critical that Tahltans have ongoing input into this work. The TSI website will be one of many ways that community input can be confidentially shared to be carefully incorporated into TSI.

110,646

Check out any of our interactive surveys on any topic or project that may interest you by visiting: tsi.tahltan.org/engage

Radio Interview – Dec 21, 2021

T OTA L R E A C H

CBC Midday Cafe with Leonard Linklater: Interview with Nalaine Morin Tahltan Government Seeks Input from Citizens on Land Stewardship

89,864

T OTA L R E A C H

New information will be added to the website throughout the project. We will be announcing ongoing engagement opportunities to participate in TSI in the days and weeks ahead. Tahltans have an inherent responsibility, as stewards of our lands and resources, to ensure that any use or development of lands and resources is carried out in a sustainable and responsible manner. We want to hear your voice!

Mēduh for your participation!

52

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

PRESS RELEASE

TCG Launches Tahltan Stewardship Initiative (TSI) Website December 17, 2021

Today the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) announced the launch of its Tahltan Stewardship Initiative (TSI) website: tsi.tahltan.org.

The TSI is an opportunity for the Tahltan Nation to have a say on matters that impact their lands, rights, and wellbeing. Through TSI, the Tahltan Nation can finally have a say in how to protect their culture, care for their lands, water, fish, and wildlife, supported by global commitments to reconciliation and new legislation. This work means a new relationship between the Tahltan Nation and the Province of British Columbia based on truth, respect, and equality between Nations.

“Tahltans must be involved in strategic planning and decision-making on matters that involve our territory and impact our collective rights and wellbeing. The Tahltan Stewardship Initiative (TSI) is an opportunity for the Tahltan Nation to have a say in decisions that matter in accordance with Tahltan values and knowledge. It means Tahltans deciding how to protect their culture, care for their lands, water, fish, and wildlife.

I am very excited about the launch of our TSI website which will allow Tahltans to understand, engage and contribute their knowledge to the important work being done to further our sovereignty and support the continued preservation of our culture,” – Nalaine Morin, TSI Chair & Lands Director, Tahltan Central Government

“The TSI is an important part of our journey and story as a Nation.

Since time immemorial, Tahltans have lived, fought, and bled to protect our territory. Caring for our lands, fish, and wildlife is part of who we are.

The launch of our new TSI website will support Tahltans to contribute their knowledge and collective voices to our efforts. We stand united as we work to maintain our Tahltan identity and protect our environment for future generations. I commend those within our Nation working on TSI and encourage all Tahltans to get involved,” – Chad Norman Day, President, Tahltan Central Government The framework of TSI will build and use Tahltan knowledge and worldview, local knowledge, and science in decision-making processes, build capacity and provide opportunities and training for Tahltans to work on stewardship projects. TSI is grounded in Tahltan values and sovereignty. TSI is a step forward on the journey of self-determination and preservation of Tahltan culture.

53

TAHLTAN STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE – TSI WEBSITE ANNOUNCEMENT MEDIA

Tahltan Central Government launches new website for its stewardship initiative Article from Terrace Standard

| Terrace Standard Staff

| Published December 17, 2021

The Iskut Band and Tahltan Band continue to govern Tahltan interests with respect to the Indian Act in the communities of Iskut, Dease Lake, and Telegraph Creek, says the Tahltan Central Government.

Tahltan Stewardship Initiative forges a new path for the First Nation in decision making.

On Dec. 17, the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) launched the Tahltan Stewardship Initiative (TSI) website to mark a step forward on their journey of self-determination.

The TSI is an opportunity for members of the Tahltan Nation to have a say on matters that impact their lands, rights, and wellbeing.

TCG President Chad Norman Day, called the TSI an “important part” of their journey and story as a Nation.

The framework of TSI will build and use Tahltan knowledge and worldview along with science in decision-making processes, build capacity and provide opportunities and training for Tahltans to work on stewardship projects.

“Tahltans must be involved in strategic planning and decision-making on matters that involve our territory and impact our collective rights and wellbeing,” said Nalaine Morin, TSI chair and lands director for TCG. TSI website can be accessed at: tsi.tahltan.org

“Since time immemorial, Tahltans have lived, fought, and bled to protect our territory. Caring for our lands, fish, and wildlife is part of who we are. The launch of our new TSI website will support Tahltans to contribute their knowledge and collective voices to our efforts,” said Day.

54

TA H LTA N CENTR AL GOVER NMENT

Resource Development Policy Statement April 7, 1987 – In history as well as in mythology, the Tahltan Indian people have always been acknowledged as the original inhabitants of the Stikine River Watershed in northern British Columbia. Archaeological evidence has determined that the Tahltan people have continuously occupied this area for thousands for years, perhaps as many as 10,000.

This is what is often referred to in poetic terms as “since time immemorial.”

The first white person to come into Tahltan country was Samuel Black who arrived in 1821 exploring for the Northwest Trading Company. Our people never met Black and so it wasn’t until 1838 when the second white person, Robert Campbell of the Hudson Bay Company, entered our territory that European contact with our people was first made.

development within our country is to be realized within a reasonable time, we must combine politics and business when dealing with developers wishing to establish themselves within Tahltan country.

Developers will have to come to terms with this reality if they expect to function successfully within our territory.

Tahltans had an elaborate trading economy already established when the Hudson Bay Company first encountered our tribe. Although the H.B. Co. was very interested in immediately setting up a competing trading operation in Tahltan country, our people blocked them for approximately forty years so as to protect our own established trading economy. At that time Tahltans had an active commercial network based on our position as a middleman between the coastal trade and the tribes living north and east of Stikine country. We also traded our own fish and furs and other natural resources such as obsidian to all peoples who came into our country.

Before a resource development project can commence within Tahltan tribal territory, it will be necessary for the developer and the Tahltan Tribal Council to enter into a project participation agreement that encompasses the following elements and basic principles:

Tahltan people are very proud of our tradition of commercial enterprise and equally proud that we were able to protect our interests against the mighty H.B. Co. empire for those many years. It wasn’t until the 1870’s Cassiar gold rush was in full swing that the H.B. Co. was able to open its first trading post in Tahltan traditional territory.

3. assurance that the project will provide more positive than negative social impacts on Tahltan people;

1. assurance that the development will not pose a threat of irreparable environmental damage; 2. assurance that the development will not jeopardize, prejudice or otherwise compromise the outstanding Tahltan aboriginal rights claim;

4. provision for the widest possible opportunity for education and direct employment-related training for Tahltan people in connection with the project;

Even though our people have lost the monopoly position of business in our own country, we are still active on many business fronts. Our present tribal objective is to increase our participation in all business that develops within the borders of our tribal territory so that we can again enjoy a self-sustaining healthy and enterprising economy.

5. provision for the widest possible opportunity for employment opportunities for Tahltan people with respect to all phases of the development;

We wish to make it very clear that Tahltan people and the Tahltan Tribal Council are not inherently opposed to any specific type of business or resource development within our country. However, we do feel strongly that any development within our tribal territory must adhere to some basic principles that the Tahltan Tribal Council has developed.

7. provision for the widest possible development of Tahltan business opportunities over which the developer may have control or influence;

We appreciated that most private developers “just want to conduct their business.” They do not want to have any discussions or participate in any actions that have overtones of aboriginal rights or native politics.

We in one sense sympathize with that wish of developers because we, as businessmen, also experience frustration when politics begin to directly affect our business endeavors. However, the reality is that if our tribal objective of achieving substantial participation in business

If resource developers and the Tahltan Tribal Council can reach agreement embracing the points noted above, then we believe that Tahltans, the developers and all other Canadians will enjoy equitable benefits from each resource development undertaken and there will be business harmony within Tahltan traditional tribal territory.

55

6. provision for substantial equity participation by Tahltans in the total project;

8. provision of the developer to assist the Tahltans to accomplish the objectives stated above by providing financial and managerial assistance and advice where deemed necessary.

Signed:

Vernon Marion, President Tahltan Tribal Council – April 7, 1987

56

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

TSI PROJECT INTRODUCTIONS There are 17 projects within the Tahltan Stewardship Initiative.

Our projects are designed to align related Tahltan governance, reconciliation, and land management projects.

Below is a list of projects within TSI: Ȗ

57

Assessment of Ecosystem Services & Climate Change Resilience

Ȗ

Fisheries Stewardship Project

Ȗ

GIS Spatial Database Project

Ȗ

Land Governance Framework & Operational Policies Project

Ȗ

Capacity Development Project

Ȗ

Caribou Stewardship Project

Ȗ

Predator Program

Ȗ

Communications & Engagement Project

Ȗ

Tahltan Guardian Program

Ȗ

Cultural Heritage Project

Ȗ

Ȗ

Ecosystem & Climate Project

Tahltan Infrastructure Assessment (Energy, Access, & Mineral Potential)

Ȗ

Tahltan Indigenous Protected & Conserved Areas (IPCAs) Project

Ȗ

Tahltan Land Stewardship Plan

Ȗ

TCG Archives Project

Ȗ

Water Resources Project

Ȗ

Youth Stewardship Program

TAHLTAN STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE – TSI PROJECT INTRODUCTIONS

Further to the project introductions shared in the Summer and Fall Newsletters, we would like to share introductions to our remaining TSI projects.

Tahltan Guardian Program The Tahltan Guardian Program has been active since 2015. The Tahltan Guardian Program will continue to focus on environmental stewardship monitoring measures and ongoing data collection processes based on local, Indigenous, and scientific knowledge sources. Guardians actively participate in various aspects of wildlife management including monitoring the effectiveness of hunting regulation changes, land use and hunter activity within and outside of new regulation areas, conflict wildlife and wildlife-human interactions in Tahltan Territory.

– PROJECT BACKGROUND

Tahltan Infrastructure Assessment (Energy, Access, & Mineral Potential) The Tahltan Infrastructure Assessment seeks to understand what energy infrastructure exists within Tahltan Territory and further, what infrastructure is required by the Nation. The Assessment will include analysis of potential locations for minerals, mining, geothermal energy, run of-river hydropower and more.

The Assessment will seek to lay a solid foundation to guide how the Tahltan Central Government makes decisions about energy. This project supports Tahltan Land Stewardship Plan (TLSP) work.

The Tahltan Guardian Program started in the fall of 2015, due to concerns around wildlife in our territory.

Mainly, decrease in animal populations and increase in resident hunters. We started to expand it a little more with others and on-the-ground initiatives around environment, industry, and other concerns that were brought forward. The key priority was to get out on the land and make a presence. Regulation enforcement wasn’t good enough, no “on-the-ground” data was being collected, and we just needed to be out there to see for ourselves what is really going on.

The first year went well. We learned a lot about how big our territory is and some of the activities that are taking place. Showing our presence out there and collecting data to improve wildlife management was the focus and to learn how we can adapt our program to best suit our territory. Being out on the land showed us what we need to keep an eye on it, and to better educate the public and Tahltan members on other initiatives out there.

Water Resources Project The Water Resources Project will document and describe our water resources including groundwater, fish-bearing streams, rivers, and lakes. This work will support the development of our Tahltan Land Stewardship Plan (TLSP) and is the first step in developing our water management strategy. The Project will support the preservation of ecosystems within Tahltan Territory, clean drinking water, and preservation of our land for future generations.

58

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

•1 •

TSI BASE M A P DR AF T MAP v1.1 – 2021/06 LOCA L I T Y LAKE L A NDFOR M TA HLTA N N AT ION T ER R I TORY Charlie Crole Creek Ecological Reserve

EC OLOGICA L R ES ER V E PR OT EC T ED A R E A PR OV INCI A L PA R K

NA

NA H LIN MOUNTA IN

KAWDY MOUNTA IN

HL IN

Chickens Neck Ecologica Reserve

RI VE R

D EAS E L A

LEVEL MOUNTA IN RA NGE

A RIVER

YR IVE R

S H ES L AY

Z AN

TAH LTA N

LA

S

S HE

DE A SE

TUY

Tahltan Nation continues to do research and assemble further information and data, and adjustments to the boundaries reflected in this map may be made in the future where appropriate and supported by evidence.

T

This map represents the general boundaries of Tahltan territory based on the information available and reviewed as of the date of its creation. It does not represent a definitive or final statement of the areas to which Tahltan Aboriginal title and rights apply.

T UYA M O UN TAI N PARK

IL

LA

R

IVER

TS EN EG LO D E M O U N TAI N

KL AS TLI N E PL ATEAU

T EL EG RA P H C REEK

•51 •

TS AZ I A M O U N TAI N

•37• ISKUT

C H U TINE RIVER

TO D AG I N L AKE

EDZIZ A MOUNTA IN

TO D AG I N M O U N TAI N TAD OG LIN S. SLOPE PARK K IN ISK AN LAK E PARK

ISKUT

RIVER

LITTLE K L A

S T I K INE RIVER

MOUNT EDZIZA PA RK

PP

IISKU SKU T RIVER HOT SPRIN G S PARK

NIN

GUN

SA

RIV

UK U

N

LAVA FORKS PA RK

ER

Craig Headwaters Protected Area

BO RDE R LA KE S PA RK

59

TRE

ER

NIN NI N GUN S AW PARK

RIV

Ningunsaw River Ecoogical Reserve

W

GRE AT GLACIE R & CHO Q UE TT E HOT SP RINGS PA RK

AT

Y C REEK

SECTION TITLE

•97•

T

AKE

E L AKE

UR

NAG

AIN RIV ER

D ENETI AH PAR K

STI K I N E RI V E R PA RK

Pitman River Protected Area

STIKINE RIVER KLA

P PA

IVE NR R

PA

Chukachida Protected Area Gladys Lake Ecoogical Reserve

50

100

KI LO M ET ER S

FINLAY RUSSEL PA RK

S PATS IZI PL ATEAU W I L D E RNESS PAR K

N

0

SPATSI Z I M O U N TA I N

YT

NT

K L A P PA N M O U N TA I N R

ER

UPP

IV

NA

VE

I S R

RI

NAS

EE

ER

SK

S PAT S I Z I HE ADWAT E R S PAR K

TATL ATUI PAR K

AB

R

BC

VE

R

60

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

61

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWS LETTER 2022

Industry Updates 63 —

2022 AME Round Up – Youth Participants

66 — Tahltan Nation / Eskay Creek Virtual Engagement Sessions

62

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

2022 AME Round Up Youth Participants

In late January, the Tahltan Central Government hosted its annual Youth Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) Roundup trip to Vancouver. Nine youth delegates were given the opportunity to attend and learn more about mineral exploration, the mining industry and the numerous opportunities available to them as Tahltan youth.

Over the course of four days, youth delegates explored the University of British Columbia through campus tours and exhibitions, attended lectures, observed and participated in various meetings and presentations from industry partners with TCG Leadership and staff, and received invaluable mentorship from other Tahltan youth and knowledge holders. TCG would like to thank Kutcho Copper, Newcrest, NorthPack Forestry, Pretium Resources, Skeena Resources, Tahltan Guide Outfitters, and TNDC for their sponsorship and participation.

Thank you to everyone who attended and made this event possible. Mēduh.

Youth participants shared their thoughts on their experiences attending AME Roundup:

What have you learned from this experience? What were the benefits?

63

INDUSTRY UPDATES – 2022 AME ROUND UP

FELICITY ADAM

S H AY L A C R E Y K E

S H I E L A D AV I D S O N After attending Roundup, I have decided that I

I learned a lot about our Tahltan history and how

I have learned that there are a lot of career and job

Tahltans have been involved in the mining industry

opportunities. Now I have a few ideas about what I

would like to go into geology to become a Geo

for years. I also learned things about mining that I

want to do for my future career. I enjoyed learning

Technician, or go into environment.

did not know.

about Tahltan Forestry, ecotourism and the Tahltan Guardian Program.

I really loved being around other Tahltan girls at

I enjoyed the North Pac presentation, the Wildlife Guardian presentation and FlyOver Canada. The

this Roundup. This experience was really powerful

The UBC tour, Education Day and learning about

and inspiring. I enjoyed learning about the mining

guide and outfitting in Tahltan Territory was

industry and seeing how willing they are to help

interesting. I enjoyed learning more about geology,

youth with education.

environmental and TCG Education and Training.

BRIA MCLEAN

HALEY MCLEAN

UBC tour was great.

THERESA MCLEAN

I now have a huge appreciation and a deeper

I have learned that I have significant access to

Learning about different job opportunities in our

understanding of the mining industry that I did

educational funding and career opportunities both

territory and how the mining industry is working

not have any idea about before. The multitudes

in and out of territory. Doing a UBC campus tour

towards being environmentally friendly was great. I

of career and learning opportunities is so vast. I

was great because this is a potential school for me.

enjoyed seeing all the mining booths and learning

learned so much about the future of the Nation

I really enjoyed learning about Geo Tech positions

about what they do.

in ecotourism, Wildlife Guardians, and leadership

and creating bonds with distant family.

careers. I really enjoyed meeting the Skeena

The meetings were fun and getting to know my

mentees, especially Ashley. I was enlightened with

The cultural representation I experienced on

the various educational opportunities available

this trip was so inspiring. This is an important

family was great. Everyone was so inclusive.

Roxanne was super great. I would love to do more

after hearing Cassandra speak.

experience for Tahltan youth who may feel

things like this!

uncertain about their educational future. It was The presentations were amazing and provided

worthwhile to know we are not alone on this

invaluable information and support. I would love

journey and that the success of future generations

to see them presented at Dease Lake School to the

is prioritized.

high school students. It has solidified my thoughts on returning to post-secondary school and to further my career.

64

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022

O C E A N VA N M I E R L O

S A N TA S I A Q U O C K

J A D E S LY K

I learned more about how large field work is and

Roundup helped me want to pursue my education

Being from Alberta, I had little to knowledge

more about the Wildlife Guardians. Also, how many

and push harder towards the career I want.

about mining aside from hearing about Red Chris

connections one can have just from being Tahltan.

Spending time learning from the presentations with

occasionally. The past couple of days I have learned

I liked talking to Skeena about the mentorship

Skeena, TNDC and TCG made me want to go to

so much, not only about mining in our territory, but

program and learning more about ecotourism.

school to achieve my diploma and be a Hydraulic

opportunities in other industries. Being from out of

I am currently undecided on what I want to do

Water Resources Engineer or become a Heavy

territory this was a great learning opportunity and an

Equipment Operator.

amazing way to meet people and see how much we

with my degree. It was helpful to hear about the

have in common.

opportunities I would have as a Biologist in the

Being at Roundup pulled me out of my comfort

territory and the variety of jobs offered in the

zone. I used to not like meeting new people, but

My mom never told me anything about being Tahltan,

mining industry and in territory.

now it is completely different. I also got to visit

simply because she did not know, because of the

Vancouver for the first time.

trauma my grandparents experienced at residential schools. I am grateful I got the chance to reconnect and make real Tahltan friends which has been unforgettable. Santasia even offered to bring me to Dease Lake in her carry-on when I told her I have never been.

65

TAHLTAN NATION / ESKAY CREEK VIRTUAL ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS

Virtual Engagement Sessions INFORM YOURSELF

Q&A

Eskay Creek Revitalization Project IBA

Did you miss the November 6th and 9th Zoom sessions discussing the potential IBA between Tahltan Nation and Skeena Resources?

Please visit the Tahltan Members Only Section to watch our Virtual Engagement Sessions: tahltan.org/eskay-creek-revitalization-project

GET THE FACTS! 66

WINTER NEWSLETTER 2022 /tahltangovernment

Follow us and stay up-to-date with Tahltan Nation news, events, and job postings.