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TSI Introduction
INDUSTRY REVIEW 2022
THIS IS OUR LAND. WE ARE THE LAND.
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 TSI will support the Tahltan Nation to assert selfdetermination and fulfill our inherent stewardship and caretaking responsibilities for our territory.
The preliminary vision is:
The TSI will help our 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.
Background
TSI is a forward-thinking approach to affirm and progress self-determination. The opportunity to further advance shared decision-making for land, water, air, wildlife, and natural resource decisions in Tahltan Territory has arisen from the Province of British Columbia’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). This legislation intends to harmonize provincial laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
This means recognition of Tahltan free, prior, and informed consent regarding lands, water and natural resource use, the preservation of Tahltan culture, traditions and ceremonial practices, and the right for Tahltans to participate in decision-making matters which affect their rights.
The message from our Nation is clear: Tahltans have never ceded or surrendered our lands and continue to exercise our rights and jurisdiction over Tahltan Territory.
