2024 Annual Report

2023/2024

Annual Report

Cover: Makinley Dennis and Myra Dennis.

Inside Cover: Cameron Tashoots, dawn hunt up Klappan.

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:

FIRSTLY – 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.)

SECONDLY – 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.

THIRDLY – 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.

FOURTHLY – 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.

FIFTHLY – 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.

Contents

Message from the Acting President

Heather Hawkins Acting President, Tahltan Central Government

Over the past decade, the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) has experienced substantial growth, which necessitated a re-evaluation and restructuring of its governance framework.

Recognizing the need for enhanced organizational efficiency and transparency, the TCG Board embarked on a comprehensive review of its governance structure over the last year and a half. This report provides an overview of the transformative changes undertaken by the TCG, including the redistribution of operational responsibilities, integration of elder mentorship, and revitalization of collaborative initiatives with government and industry partners.

Historically, the operational duties of the TCG were primarily shouldered by the President, leading to concerns regarding conflicts of interest and decisionmaking efficiency.

In response, the TCG Board deliberated on a new approach, resulting in the decision to distribute operational responsibilities among the three executive committee positions. The strategic realignment aims to foster collective leadership and accountability while mitigating potential conflicts of interest. By decentralizing operational duties, the TCG enhances its capacity to adapt to evolving challenges and pursue its mandate effectively.

Central to Tahltan tradition and governance principles is the reverence for Elders and their invaluable wisdom and traditional knowledge. In line with ethics, the TCG has actively engaged Elders to mentor and oversee decision making processes at the board level. By integrating elder perspectives, the TCG enriches its governance practices with cultural insights and intergenerational knowledge transfer. This collaborative approach not only strengthens the legitimacy of TCG decisions but also ensures alignment with Tahltan values and aspirations.

To further optimize organizational efficiency and effectiveness, the TCG has established specialized committees to address key functional areas. The Human Resources Committee, Finance Committee, and Governance Committee serve as vital pillars in streamlining decision-making processes and fostering institutional resilience. Through these committees, the TCG enhances its capacity for strategic planning, resource management, and compliance, thereby fortifying its governance infrastructure for sustained growth and impact.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the TCG remains committed to fostering productive partnerships with government and industry stakeholders. Through proactive engagement and dialogue, the TCG has reactivated dormant working groups, including the Government-to-Government table and the Tahltan Social Cultural Working Groups These collaborative platforms, characterized by shared mandates and common goals, exemplify the TCG’s commitment to advancing the socioeconomic well-being of the Tahltan People in diverse contexts.

In conclusion, the evolution of the TCG’s governance structure reflects a proactive and adaptive approach to organizational growth and development.

By embracing principles of collective leadership, cultural stewardship, and strategic collaboration, the TCG strengthens its capacity to fulfill its mandate and serve the best interests of the Tahltan People.

Looking ahead, the TCG remains steadfast in its commitment to continuous improvement and community empowerment, guided by the timeless wisdom of Tahltan traditions and the aspirations of future generations.

“In line with ethics, the TCG has actively engaged Elders to mentor and oversee decision making processes at the board level. By integrating elder perspectives, the TCG enriches its governance practices with cultural insights and intergenerational knowledge transfer.”

From the Leadership Table

The Leadership Table involves collaborative efforts between the Iskut Band, Tahltan Band, and the TCG to establish shared governance through a protocol agreement. The Tahltan Leadership Forum is strengthening unity among the three governing Tahltan entities. Chiefs from the Iskut Band and the Tahltan Band are supporting the TCG Executive Committee across various forums. There are ongoing collaborations between the TCG CAO, and Band Managers of the Iskut Band and the Tahltan Band to enhance unity and governance structures. Additionally, efforts are underway to address border encroachments and safeguard sacred areas.

Elders Council

In January 2024, a significant milestone was reached as we convened with the Elders Council, marking a pivotal moment in our strategic planning journey. Collaborating closely, we forged innovative pathways for governance, ensuring heightened involvement of our Elders in decisions concerning our Title and Rights. Working hand in hand with the TCG Board, adjustments were made to the Elders Terms of Reference, notably embedding the crucial presence of an Elder in all TCG Board engagements to offer invaluable guidance and mentorship. This proactive measure underscores our steadfast dedication to amplifying Elder voices in every decision-making process henceforth.

While the concept of Elder participation has long been enshrined in our Terms of Reference, its recent implementation over the past seven months speaks volumes about our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and continuous improvement, rooted deeply in the essence of the Tahltan way.

Youth Council

The governance committee is spearheading the revival of the Youth Council, which has been dormant for the past few years. This reinstatement is a testament to our commitment to fostering youth engagement and empowerment within our community. We envision active participation from the Youth Council at the upcoming AGA, ensuring their voices are heard and valued.

Above: Heather Hawkins facilitating leadership meetings with industry at Roundup. Vancouver, January 2024.

Message from the Chief Administrative Officer

John Thomas Chief Administrative Officer, Tahltan Central Government

Change is an inevitable part of growth, and as the Tahltan Central Government continues to evolve, it brings with it both opportunities and challenges. Over the past few years, TCG has experienced remarkable growth, expanding from a small team of 4 employees to a thriving organization of over 40 individuals dedicated to serving the Tahltan Nation, both on and off Territory. This growth necessitates continued innovation, updated policies, and additional resources to ensure that we continue to deliver value to membership.

In 2023, TCG experienced another year filled with incredible opportunities, challenges, lessons, and successes (which will be shared by the team). With the transition of Executive Directors/CAOs, it took some time for me to fully immerse myself in the multitude of projects and initiatives that the team has been diligently working on behalf of the Nation. I am immensely grateful to each staff member, contractor, and partner for their unwavering dedication, support, and partnership. Your contributions are invaluable, and I want to express my sincere appreciation for all that you have done so far and continue to do.

While we acknowledge that no organization is without its imperfections, we are committed to continuous improvement to ensure that everyone benefits. Looking ahead, there is much work to be done, and I am eager to collaborate with the Board on a variety of important initiatives, including fostering team cohesion and development, modernizing our business practices, and solidifying our strategic direction and priorities for the remainder of this term.

Undoubtedly, the Board will address significant issues such as land and border matters, which are crucial conversations that require thoughtful consideration and time. However, I firmly believe that by working together as an administrative team and with the broader Nation, we can effectively meet the objectives set by the Board for the betterment of the Tahltan Nation.

In closing, I humbly request your continued patience and support as we navigate through these transformative times. With your collaboration and dedication, I am confident that we will chart a course towards a future that honors the past, embraces the present, and paves the way for generations to come. As has been the case since I began this journey with TCG, I am committed to playing my part and I am grateful for your ongoing patience and support as we embark on this endeavor together.

“Looking

ahead, there is much work to be done, and I am eager to collaborate with the Board on a variety of important initiatives, including fostering team cohesion and development, modernizing our business practices, and solidifying our strategic direction and priorities for the remainder of this term.”

Tahltan Central Government Board of Directors

William Brown Carlick Family carlick@tahltan.org

David Rattray Etzenlee Family etzenlee@tahltan.org

Annita McPhee Good-za-ma Family goodzama@tahltan.org

Kimberly Marion Simgaldtada (Ts’imgalteda) Family simgaldtada@tahltan.org

Colleen Parker

Stikine Claw/Thicke Family stikineclaw_thicke@ tahltan.org

Lily Belhumeur Eth’eni Family etheni@tahltan.org

Freda Campbell Quock (Dekama) Family quock@tahltan.org

Curtis Rattray Cawtoonma Family cawtoonma@tahltan.org

Mindy Henyu Shoe Kawk/Howd-AGhtte (Shukak) Family shoekawk@tahltan.org

Dayle Creyke Thud ga Family thudga@tahltan.org

Together we achieved great things in 2023/2024

TAHLTAN

TAHLTAN ARTISTS PROJECTS

RIVER WOLF IN TERRITORY

Successful completion of the 3-year Tahltan River steelhead over wintering study.

MOOSE IN TERRITORY

Wildlife accord collaboration with Province of B.C. to jointly develop moose regulation change proposals for Tahltan Territory.

Wolf density estimate in Tahltan Territory completed after four years of data collection.

SHEEP IN TERRITORY

Sheep population estimate in Spatsizi park along with 40 GPS Collar deployment. 4 year collaboration between BC Gov, Wild Sheep Foundation, BC Parks, Guide Outfitters, University of Alberta and TCG Wildlife Department.

Developed projects with and for Tahltan artists and graduate students, including an academic paper on Tahltan relations with debēhe (Stone’s sheep), now under review for publication; an original new song in Tāłtān; and a video on collecting knowledge around stewardship.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT GRANTS

Health Department secured multiple grants amounting to $223,715 between January and March 2024, collaborating with Kehke Wellness on a 21-day on-the-land program.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Health & Wellness Report was finalized in December 2023, and the conclusive report was presented to the TCG Board of Directors in late March 2024.

HERITAGE CONSERVATION

TCG established itself as a repository under the Heritage Conservation Act.

BC ENGAGEMENT

Engaging with BC on changes to mineral exploration, jade mining, and shared decision-making.

$27K GRANTS

4 grants bringing in $27,650 dollars to assist and augment Dease Lake community programming.

$1M GRANTS

$1M grant from the BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture for Tahltan Signage Project.

2023 NASHVILLE TRIP

An intro to the Guide and Outfitting industry.

2023/2024

BURSARY FUNDS

$168k worth of bursary funds distributed – most ever.

HIGHEST BURSARY IN HISTORY

Distributed the highest amount of bursary funds in our history.

TAHLTAN BUSINESS FORUM

Inaugural Tahltan Business Forum held in Smithers March 2024.

TAHLTAN BUSINESS POLICY APPROVED MARCH 2023

REOPENED K’ASBĀ’E T’OH (PTARMIGAN’S NEST)

LANGUAGE NEST

Supporting the Red Chris Declaration Act Agreement.

Implementing the Eskay Creek Declaration Act Agreement. RED CHRIS ESKAY CREEK

2023 EXPLORATION & INDUSTRY TRAINING

TAHLTAN BOOK PROJECT

Launched a Tahltan book project, building on years of research and development.

2023 WRANGLER TRAINING (DONATION) NORTHWAY MOTOR INN ACQUISITION

LAUNCHED THE TĀŁTĀN ONLINE DICTIONARY

RELEASED THE TĀŁTĀN APP

TCG RAN THREE SUCCESSFUL BY-ELECTIONS

2023 GRADUATION CLASS TRIP TO ECUADOR

New Tahltans

JAYDE ABOU-MONTGOMERY

Taylor Abou & Steven Montgomery

March 2, 2023 7lbs 7oz

Summer Burgess & Cody Ball

January 29, 2024 7lbs 8oz

Christina Anderson & Cody Anderson

May 31, 2023 8lbs 14oz

ANTHONY CHARLES BAILEY

Kari Baxter & Lamont Bailey

July 30, 2023 8lbs 1oz

January 5, 2024 9lbs 9oz

April 12, 2024 9lbs 2oz

BONNIE GAYLE BEDARD

Nyla Bedard & Matt Bedard

BRYSON

MARLENA

MAZIKEEN WYNN ANDERSON

COLTER RAY BALL

SAYLOR BEE CARLICK

Vivian Carlick & Calvin Carlick Jr

JOSEPH ZIGMOND FRANCIS TIMOTHY DAY-DERRICK

Renee Day & Joseph Derrick October 9, 2023 6lbs 9oz

NELANI SAGE HAMBLING NASH

Nia Hambling Drew & Romeo Nash September 16, 2023 7lbs 3oz

KALA GRACEE GUINEVERE JACKSON

Katiline Scott & Gaven Jackson October 16, 2023 6lbs 11oz

AZAYLIA JAYCEE NOELLE DEBOW

Mckenzee Smith & Dario Debow January 23, 2024 8lbs 6oz

MARGARET ANGEL SHIRLEY HARRIS

Ashley Harris & Montgomery Lupien May 30, 2023 6lbs 2oz

Roslyn Ried & Sammuel Johnny April 5, 2024 7lbs 5oz

ISAAC ALLAN FRIEDRICHS

Amber Hawkins & Malachi Friedrichs June 11, 2023 7lbs 14oz

SERENITY GINGER ROBERTA HENYU

Tuliah Henyu October 11, 2023 8lbs 11oz

Crystal Johnson & Sheldon Johnson July 24, 2023 6lbs 4oz

OWEN JOEL ISHKODE JOHNNY

KYRYK RIVER MA'LIT JOHNSON

ZERALYNN JO LOUISE LITTLE AXE

Santasia Little Axe & Mikah Little Axe May 31, 2023 7lbs 4oz

NICO ARTHUR MOISE

Shiloh Marion & Jesse Moise October 4, 2023 6lbs 9oz

JARETT ALIAS SAGE QUOCK

Ashtyn Quock & Brian Quock Jr March 15, 2024 8lbs 5oz

MADILYN KAYCE SUZIE QUEEN LOUIE

Gabrielle Louie & Burton Dennis February 22, 2024 8lbs 15oz

STENSON GARTH PHILIP NOLE

Kianna Quigley & Shayl Reece Nole April 14, 2024 7lbs 11oz

Kamaria Vantunen & Jesse Vantunen October 31, 2023 10.1lbs

MERCER JOEL ISHKODE MAGRATH

Courtney Wheelton & Neil Mcgrath January 19, 2024 6lbs

ET’ NE CELESTE JOSEPHINE QUIGLEY

Lesli Louise & Dustin Quigley May 23, 2024 7lbs 9oz

Ashley Woloschuk & Keegan Zubek July 18, 2023 7lbs 9oz

REMI AUTUMN VANTUNEN

HENLEIGH ANNE VIDAL ZUBEK

Condolences

MILDRED BROOKS «MILLIE»

September 1940–January 2023

JR. DANNY HENYU TASHOOTS «DANNY BOY»

October 1991–May 2023

BUDD QUOCK

January 1957–May 2023

VERONICA DENNIS

February 1942–May 2023

JANET CAMPBELL

December 1928–June 2023

MERLE HENYU

February 1966–June 2023

EVELYN RATTRAY «EV»

March 1931–July 2023

FERN JOHNSTONE

July 1949–July 2023

JUSTINE HENYU

June 1998–July 2023

GLADYS QUOCK «CARLICK»

March 1938–July 2023

MILDRED PAULS «MILLIE»

March 1942–July 2023

WINNIFRED AXENTY «WINNIE»

July 1945–July 2023

HEATHER HALL

January 1979–September 2023

MARJORIE SLATER «MARGE»

June 1936–September 2023

FELICIA LAMOUREUX

August 1990–October 2023

ISAIAH JAKESTA

March 2002–October 2023

THOMAS LAFOND «TOMMY»

November 1995–November 2023

DARYL DENNIS

July 1955–November 2023

COLIN CARLICK

October 1979–December 2023

SCOTT CREYKE

April 1946–December 2023

PRISCILLA ROSE CARLICK

May 1973–December 2023

OILLIE HENYU

January 1982–January 2024

KELLY MURRAY

March 1986–January 2024

NELSON QUOCK

March 1975–March 2024

TERRY ABOU

November 1969–March 2024

JERRY ARNOLD QUOCK

Feb 1945–May 2024

JUDY (DENNIS) CARLICK

October 1961–May 2024

WILLIAM MCPHEE «BILLY»

May 1942–May 2024

JR. NICHOLAS DENNIS «HAYDEN»

December 2003–May 2024

GAY FROCKLAGE

January 1943–May 2024

Department Messages & Updates

As our skilled team grows, we work together to ensure that our land, and the resources it provides us, are protected We work to nurture our people and our culture We reclaim our history and preserve our language We develop skilled workers and assure safe working practices Our job is to protect our people and our Nation, and to support our growth

Lands & AffairsRegulatory

DEPARTMENT MESSAGE

Connor Pritty

Lands & Regulatory Affairs Director

This past year has been a journey of dedication and meaningful strides toward the stewardship and preservation of Tahltan lands, focused on advocacy that aims to advance environmental protection for current and future generations.

As we navigate the complexities of land management and regulatory processes, we remain committed to upholding the principles that define Tahltan stewardship. Our department works to ensure that all operators in Tahltan Territory respect the natural world, make commitments to safeguard cultural landscapes, and understand the necessity of managing natural resources for current and future generations.

This report outlines our progress, the challenges we have faced, and the steps we are taking to ensure that Tahltan lands continue to sustain and enrich Tahltan communities and people for all generations now and for those to come.

Our achievements this year, which I am proud to share with you, are a testament to the collective efforts and strength of our department, and your invaluable support. Through collaboration, tireless advocacy, and engagement with communities, knowledge holders, leadership, and Elders, we have made significant strides in land use planning, resource management oversite of mining projects, and environmental conservation. These specific accomplishments underscore our dedication to protecting Tahltan title and rights while ensuring that development within Tahltan Territory aligns with Tahltan values and priorities.

Right: Mary Quock, Connor Pritty, Irma Bourquin, Shawn Ducharme.

Department Operations

Roxanne Ball

Lands Adminitrative Assistant

Shawn Ducharme

Major Projects Coordinator

Blaine Lindstrom

SER Coordinator

Roxanne has been a cornerstone of the department, and her hard work and dedication have been widely recognized throughout the past year. She oversees the department's operational administrative activities, playing a crucial role in engaging with Tahltan members, the Iskut Band and Tahltan Band, and Elders. Her unwavering commitment and positive attitude have inspired her colleagues and have been pivotal in guiding our staff and contributing to the department’s success.

Shawn has distinguished himself within the department, earning a promotion last year to the role of Major Projects Coordinator. His expertise in referrals, permitting, compliance, and enforcement has facilitated a smooth transition to this new position, which concentrates on coordinating the department's involvement in major projects regulatory processes for industry, such as mining and hydroelectric developments. Shawn's dedication to safeguarding Tahltan title and rights remains steadfast and is evident in his work.

Blaine is the newest member of the department, bringing a wealth of experience from the environmental industry. His expertise in environmental fieldwork has made him a standout addition to the Lands & Regulatory Affairs Department. Blaine's energy and passion have been vital in driving the day-to-day success of the department. He has also played a key role in expanding our water quality testing programs and enhancing compliance and enforcement in archaeological investigations, exploration, and major mining initiatives this year.

Above: Mary Quock looking at territory map.

Governmentto-Government Placer Jade Industry

In 2020, the Province of British Columbia issued an Order In Council that restricted the issuance of new placer jade mining permits and amendments to existing permits. This was expanded in July 2021 to include mineral or "hard-rock" jade, with similar restrictions extended until May 2023. In 2023, an additional amendment was issued to provide more time for the collaborative working group between the Province and Tahltan Central Government to finalize the Placer Jade Recommendations and strategies for the jade mining sector.

In April 2023, our department submitted the Tahltan Recommendations Report, which outlines the history of jade industry operations in Tahltan Territory and the environmental challenges that have resulted in numerous legacy sites across the landscape.

This year, our focus has been on advancing progressive reclamation reform and access management and identifying solutions for addressing legacy sites. We completed a satellite imagery program in partnership with the Province to understand existing and past disturbances better, aiding in cumulative effects management and setting sustainable landscape-level thresholds that uphold Tahltan values.

For the 2024 season, we plan to increase groundtruthing of active disturbances in the Jade Boulder and Turnagain regions. Additionally, we aim to implement targeted access management along Jade Boulder Road through a Special Use Permit to manage industry users along this corridor better.

Highway 37 Corridor Study

In 2023, our department collaborated with the Province to advance the Highway 37 Corridor Study, aimed at defining problems, documenting improvement areas, and integrating Tahltan recommendations for the 720 km long highway. In the fall of 2023, we conducted community engagement sessions in Iskut, Dease Lake, and Telegraph Creek alongside the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and virtual sessions. These sessions focused on gathering insights about needed improvements, safety concerns, and other suggestions from Tahltan members for both Highway 37 and Highway 51. The feedback collected during these foundational engagements has significantly informed our advocacy efforts over the past year and has laid the groundwork for the recommendations we have presented to the Province regarding Highway 37 and 51 in Tahltan Territory.

Looking ahead to 2024, our team is eager to work with the Province to host a final engagement session to present various improvement options for Highway 37. These proposals, guided by input from Tahltan communities and leadership, include potential Wi-Fi at rest stops, line-of-sight brushing, and enhancements to bridges and road shoulders. We will seek further input on these options in 2024 and aim to finalize the Highway 37 Corridor Study by late summer or early fall 2024.

Tahltan Forestry

Throughout 2023 and into 2024, the Lands & Regulatory Affairs Department has been actively collaborating with Tahltan Forestry to guide and shape responsible forestry practices within Tahltan Territory, particularly focusing on TNDC’s operational forest licence. This collaboration has been focused on initiating the development of a Master Community Forestry Plan, as mandated by the Tahltan Leadership Forum. This mandate directed the creation of a community-developed plan for the Tahltan First Nation Woodland Licence Area, which is held by TNDC and operated in partnership with Tahltan Forestry.

Right: Highway 37, March 2024.

Initial workshops and planning sessions were completed in early 2024. Moving forward, the next step involves conducting community engagements with Tahltan members. These sessions will provide information about the Tahltan Woodland Licence, present sustainable harvesting practices, discuss the ecological benefits of forestry such as fire guard protection and bark beetle management, and explore carbon-credit offset opportunities. Our department will continue to work closely with both the Iskut Band and Tahltan Band, guiding Tahltan Forestry towards the completion of the Tahltan Forestry Master Community Forestry Plan for the Woodland Licence Area by Summer 2024.

Tahltan Sustainable Mineral Strategy

In 2023, the Province of BC launched the “Critical Mineral Strategy,” designed to support a transition to a cleaner economy, mitigate supply chain risks for a sustainable future, and address the strategic significance of mining and geopolitical considerations. In response, our department began collaborating with the Province to ensure that Tahltan knowledge, interests, and values are integrated into this framework.

Tahltan Leadership determined that an approach grounded in the Tahltan worldview was necessary. The Tahltan Leadership Forum mandated our department to develop a Tahltan-led “Sustainable Mineral Strategy.” This strategy focuses on safeguarding Tahltan title and rights, protecting Tahltan lands and mineral resources, and addressing the pace and scale of mineral development. The goal is to further advance Tahltan jurisdictional authority over Tahltan minerals and lands, anchoring mineral development in Tahltan culture, way of life, and landscape and supporting a Tahltan-based economy built on meaningful reconciliation.

Our department initiated the development of this strategy in early 2024 and looks forward to making significant progress over the next year.

Mineral Tenure Act Modernization

On September 26, 2023, the BC Supreme Court issued the Gitxaala Decision (Gitxaala v. British Columbia, 2023 BCSC 1680), highlighting the infringement of Aboriginal title and rights under the Mineral Tenure Act's current system, where mineral claims can be staked remotely without notifying or consulting affected Indigenous nations. The court found that the Crown must consult Indigenous nations during the claims staking process and that the existing practice of granting mineral claims without consultation violates this duty.

The decision mandates significant reforms to the Mineral Tenure Act, requiring the Province to consult with Indigenous nations by Spring 2025 to modernize the mineral tenure system. Additionally, under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), the Province is committed to aligning its laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, initiating engagements with Indigenous governments on the Mineral Tenure Act.

Our department started participating in these consultations in late winter 2024 as part of an advisory body that includes provincial, legal, and Indigenous government representatives. Our focus has been and will continue to be on advancing full recognition of Tahltan jurisdiction and the right to regulate mining within Tahltan Territory. Our department will continue to be involved through 2024 and into the Spring of 2025 as part of this advisory body, driving the necessary transitions required to modernize the Mineral Tenure Act.

Red Chris Consent Based Decision-Making Agreement

On November 1st, 2023, the Tahltan Central Government and the Province of British Columbia entered into a consent-based decision-making agreement under Section 7 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act regarding the future operation of the Red Chris gold and copper mine located in Tahltan Territory. This agreement outlines a consent-based decision-making process that both the Tahltan Central Government and the Province of British Columbia must follow to review any substantial changes proposed by the mine operator to the Red Chris mine.

Under this agreement, Tahltan and the Environmental Assessment Office will collaboratively carry out their own assessment processes to inform separate decisions on whether any proposed substantial change to the existing mine should be approved, including those required to transition Red Chris from open-pit to underground block cave mining. At the end of these assessment processes, Tahltan will decide whether to consent to the project advancing from an open-pit to an underground block cave mine.

The Lands & Regulatory Affairs Department has just begun the start of the Tahltan Risk Assessment, which is the process under the consent-based decisionmaking agreement that Tahltan will follow to determine whether the Red Chris mine can move forward for any proposed substantial change to the project. Our department looks forward to engaging with Tahltan communities and membership as we begin to proceed through the consent-based decision-making process for the Red Chris mine’s proposed transition from open-pit to underground block cave mining.

Tahltan Lands Stewardship Planning – BC Joint Land Use Planning

• Tahltan Territory is our land and the responsibility to care for it rests with all Tahltans; indeed, it is our inherent stewardship responsibility as Tahltan people.

• How can Tahltans ensure the responsible protection and management of Tahltan Territory?

• Leading up to 2019, the Tahltan Lands Stewardship Planning process, under different names and inspiring leadership, diligently addressed this question.

• At the 2019 TCG Annual General Assembly, the first draft of a Tahltan Land Stewardship Plan was presented to the Nation for review and feedback.

• Since 2019, under the leadership of the TCG Lands & Regulatory Affairs Department, TCG has continued to build upon all previous work completed and has continued to engage, listen, and elicits feedback on how the Tahltan Nation would like their land to be responsibly protected and managed.

• As we know, Tahltans have different views and opinions about how we should look after the land, but our strength lies in our collective grounding in how we care about our land. The Tahltan Lands Stewardship Planning process recognizes that Tahltan’s possess ancestral ways of life, knowledge, and understandings deeply rooted in the land and its stories, passed down through generations.

• As we continue to refine, improve, and strengthen our Tahltan Land Stewardship Plan – which once finalized will be our guide for us to negotiate a Joint Land Use Plan with the Province of BC – we continue to hear loud and clear the importance of protecting culturally sensitive areas of Tahltan Territory – areas that should be off limits to Industry.

• As a result, TCG has been negotiating with the Province of BC for interim measures that will restrict mineral claim registrations and mining activities in certain areas of Tahltan Territory that are of cultural significance to the Tahltan Nation.

• Progressing Tahltan conservation areas, and potential Indigenous Protected and Conservation Areas (IPCA’s) is an important facet of our Tahltan Land Stewardship Plan.

• Our Tahltan Land Stewardship Plan will be presented to the Nation at the upcoming AGA.

• As we progress forward, recent changes in Indigenous court decisions, policies, and the current provincial government mandates offer Tahltan a unique opportunity to continue leading the charge for driving the necessary changes within the Province of British Columbia. These include the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), a commitment to modernize land use planning, the Province’s commitment to make ecosystem health a priority, and the implementation of all of this in partnership with Indigenous communities. The Tahltan Lands Stewardship Plan will show in detail how to achieve many of the goals of these major shifts through the Tahltan Nation’s voice and will help to change the way land use planning is done in the Province of British Columbia.

• Moving into 2024–2025 the focus will be on continuing to advance through negotiations with the Province the establishment of Tahltan Interim Measures, Tahltan protection/deferral areas, and regulatory changes to governance and decision-making for conservation and mineral sector frameworks. Our team looks forward to advancing these significant changes over the coming year and working with Tahltan leadership, communities, and membership.

Major Projects

KSM Project

In late 2023 to early 2024, the KSM project, owned by Seabridge Gold, submitted an application to the Environmental Assessment Office for a positive Substantial Start Determination under its Environmental Assessment Certificate. Throughout 2023, the project progressed with various construction and development activities, including building access roads, Camp 11, Camp 9, the Treaty Creek Switching Terminal, and the Glacier Creek Fishery Habitat Offsetting Project. Additionally, a draft submission for a joint Mines Act and Environmental Management Act permit was prepared to authorize the construction of temporary water treatment facilities and the Mitchell-Treaty Twinned Tunnels between the mine and operational milling sites.

The Lands and Regulatory staff and the subject matter experts of the THREAT team will engage in a technical review of this joint Mines Act and Environmental Management Act permit throughout 2024, focusing on the protection of wildlife, surface water, groundwater, and biophysical areas significant to Tahltan. In the 2023 field season, the Lands & Regulatory Affairs Department conducted two site inspections, one focused on road and camp development and another on the Glacier Creek Fishery Offset. Our department is committed to maintaining a strong presence on the ground and expanding our site participation as the project progresses, ensuring all Tahltan environmental commitments are met.

Red Chris Mine

In 2023, the Red Chris Mine experienced a significant change when it was acquired by Newmont Corporation. Since then, Newmont has continued actively pursuing several amendments to its Environmental Assessment Certificate, Mines Act, and Environmental Management Act permits.

The primary focus for the department has been on the project’s Environmental Assessment Complex Amendment for the proposed transition from an Open Pit to an Underground Block Cave Mine. In February 2024, Newmont and the Lands & Regulatory Affairs Department discussed this transition with all three Tahltan communities. Following this, in March 2024, the department hosted a two-day open house. Representatives from Newmont joined to visit with Tahltan members, answer questions, and gather feedback to integrate into the Tahltan Assessment process as the Environmental Assessment progresses throughout 2024.

Additionally, the department has continued to uphold all commitments outlined in the Impact Benefit Co-Management Agreement (IBCA) with Newmont. Notably, the Environmental Oversight Committee met all requirements under the IBCA, playing a key role in guiding the newly formed Tailings and Watershed Committee, which focuses on protecting groundwater and surface water interactions at the mine. These technical discussions covered areas like the Tailings Impoundment Area, Rock Storage Area, and the currently operating Open Pit.

The Lands & Regulatory Affairs Department is set to participate again in the annual Red Chris Monitoring Committee. This 2-day workshop gathers technical experts from Newmont, TCG, and the Province of BC to review and discuss annual operational reports. These sessions are crucial for providing guidance and feedback and setting priorities for the project's environmental activities under its current permits for the coming year.

Below: Tahltan Band, Chief Carmen McPhee.

Eskay Creek Revitalization Project

The Eskay Creek Revitalization Project, operated by Skeena Resources, is currently advancing under the 2018 Environmental Assessment process and has entered the Application Development Phase. Skeena Resources is developing an application to evaluate the potential impacts and interactions of various valued components of the project. Once completed, this application will be assessed and reviewed by the Province of BC and the Tahltan Central Government Lands & Regulatory Affairs Department to ensure compliance with the Tahltan Assessment Requirements under the Eskay Creek Consent-Based Decision-Making Agreement.

The Lands & Regulatory Affairs Department is collaborating with the Province of BC to implement the first-ever consent-based agreement in British Columbia. This agreement outlines consent-based decision-making related to the environmental assessment of the Eskay Creek Revitalization Project. In March 2024, the department hosted a two-day open house in Whitehorse, where representatives from Skeena Resources provided updates on the project and its ongoing Environmental Assessment. The participation and insights from Tahltan members during this event were highly valued and will be incorporated into the Tahltan Risk Assessment.

Left: Galore Creek.

Galore Creek Mine

The Galore Creek Mine, a joint venture equally owned by Teck Resource and Newmont, has continued to advance its mine design through detailed technical studies. These studies focus on the environmental characterization of surface water, groundwater, and biophysical analysis. In 2023, Galore Creek sought to amend its existing Environmental Assessment Certificate. The amendment aimed at a minor adjustment to the existing road corridor and a certificate modernization to align with the language of the 2018 Environmental Assessment Act.

The department has been actively engaged in this modernization process, concentrating on updating terminology to comply with the Tahltan Impact Assessment Policy and foundational Tahltan Sustainability Criteria.

Moreover, our department is preparing for the formal submission and technical review of a Special Use Permit Amendment for the existing access road. This amendment is essential following the Environmental Assessment modernization, focusing on road engineering and alignment to enhance safety for both construction and future operations.

In addition, our department conducted a site visit to the Galore Creek and Valley during the 2023 field season. The visit aimed to review current infrastructure and support archaeological fieldwork. Our team is committed to continuing its involvement in field investigations during the upcoming 2024 field season.

Silvertip Mine

Coeur Mining owns and operates the Silvertip Mine, located in the northern part of Tahltan Territory near the BC-Yukon border. Over the past year, the mine has remained in care and maintenance, with plans to expand operations in the upcoming seasons. This expansion is contingent upon securing an amendment to the Mines Act permit that would allow for an expanded underground exploration drilling program.

Our department has actively participated in a monthly Environmental Technical Working Group alongside the Mines Act permitting process. This group is focused on the technical review of the project's ongoing environmental management program. Our team's primary focus has been assessing the impacts on groundwater and surface water, with plans to extend this assessment to include evaluations of the tailings facility.

Additionally, our department conducted an annual site visit to the Silvertip Mine, concentrating on compliance and enforcement inspections related to the project’s operational activities. This ensures that the mine adheres to provincial and Tahltan regulatory conditions.

Kutcho Copper

The Kutcho Project, owned by Kutcho Copper, is situated in the Turnagain Region of Tahltan Territory. This year, our department's involvement in the project was scaled back as the project shifted its focus towards refining mine design and enhancing resource characterization through advanced geophysical surveys and future drilling programs. Moving forward, our department's efforts will concentrate on providing input for the project’s planned re-entry into an Environmental Assessment, with a specific focus on managing environmental and cultural values across Tahltan Territory.

Our department remains committed to ensuring that Tahltan knowledge, values, and technical requirements are integral to the project's foundational planning as it prepares to re-enter a provincial environmental assessment in future years.

Giga Metals

Over the past year, our department has engaged with Giga to provide Tahltan direction and input into the Giga Metals Project, owned by Giga Metals Corporation and located in the Turnagain Region of Tahltan Territory. A key focus has been the completion of the Tahltan Land Use and Occupancy Study, which was finalized in 2023. This study is crucial as it provides Giga Metals with a preliminary understanding of Tahltan knowledge and values within the project’s area of influence.

Moving forward, our department and the THREAT team will continue participating in and guiding the project’s activities. The upcoming year will see an increased focus on exploration drilling and environmental studies, which are essential for the company to continue advancing the project's mine plan design and preparing for a future environmental assessment.

Left: Researcher Benjamin Jones interviewing Calvin Marion during the Turnagain Land Use Study.

Wildlife

DEPARTMENT MESSAGE

Lance Nagwan Wildlife Director

Over the past year, the Tahltan Wildlife Department has been diligent with a multitude of impactful projects aimed at benefiting our wildlife resources within Tahltan Territory. Let’s delve into some of the key projects that have kept us busy and driven our mission forward.

Community Education and Outreach

During the fall and the beginning of the new school year, the Wildlife Department presented our Predator Program to all three schools in the Territory, to all grades from pre-school to Grade 12. With the intention of displaying more presence and having more of an interaction with the youth and future stewards of the Territory.

The presentation encompassed broad information on the importance of wolf management, particularly in the context of wildlife conservation. Displaying that predators play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance but highlighting that without effective management, predators contribute to the decline of already imperiled species such as caribou. Ensuring they grasp that effective predator management strategies aim to strike a balance between conservation goals and the needs of our community’s food security.

The presentation also included photos of our successful sets and captures, demonstrating the whole process of trapping, fur utilization, and next steps to downsize overpopulated packs. The students had the opportunity to watch while our lead guardian safely demonstrated how to set and handle a foothold trap. During the presentation, students got to touch and play with the already tanned furs such as wolves, wolverines, and lynx. All 24 wolf hides were than donated to the sewing groups in all three Tahltan communities along with one grizzly bear rug that was gifted to the Iskut School for display.

These interactions can shape their perspectives on what it means to be a guardian for their own territory, influencing their decisions and actions in the future. The Wildlife Guardians serve as role models and ignite the ambition and motivation of youth who can contribute positively to society and address the challenges of tomorrow. In summary, interacting with the youth are vital for nurturing future leaders, innovators, and the next stewards to protect our land, wildlife, and resources.

Above: Clements Brace infront of trap presenting to Tahltan school. Lance Nagwan standing beside.

Sheep

Sheep Project – Understanding their health, Landscape and habitat use, and responses to human presence and harvest pressure. This project will generate a better understanding of Thinhorn Sheep responses to hunters. The project is a partnership with BC Ministry of Forests, BC Parks, Wildsheep Foundation, Guide Outfitters, University of Alberta, and Tahltan Central Government Wildlife Department.

Research of the Stone Sheep range is limited, and critical knowledge gaps exist. For the past several decades Stone’s sheep hunting has been managed through guide quota and Limited Entry Hunting (LEH) and General Open Season.

In March 2024, through this partnership of stakeholders: 40 GPS collars were deployed on a mix of ewes and rams. This is the beginning of the four-year project gathering data on home ranges, habitat use, and anthropogenic disturbances by human pressures.

TAHLTAN FIRE STEWARDSHIP CULTURAL BURN PLAN

The Tahltan Central Government and Shifting Mosaics Corporation with support from BC Ministry of Forests Skeena Region agree to work together to develop and deliver a prescribe fire program. The cultural burn plan will be founded in traditional and cultural knowledge and practice which incorporates fire science and prescribed fire operations to maintain, enhance, and support wildlife habitat through the spatio-temporal distribution of fire.

This project will enhance sheep grazing habitat by burning back shrubs at high elevations that may be experiencing an increase rate of growth attributed to climate changes.

Other benefits that can be associated to the project is a mineral supplementation and fertilization if warranted to increase survivability of newborn lambs. This season operations will entail development of ground assessment of the fuel loading to create a fire burn plan on a suitable sheep rearing mountain.

Above: Left to right: Lance Nagwan, Mike Gilson – Spatsizi River outfitters, Sean Whitford – Tundra helicopter pilot, Caeley Thaker – BC Vetrainarian, Krystal Kriss – Wildlife Biologist Skeena regions Ministry of Forest, Bill Oestriech – Tundra Helicopters, Gray Thornton – President and CEO of Wild Sheep Foundation, Fraser MacDonald –Wildlife Biologist & Circle Mountain Outfitters, Westin Creyke – Tahltan Member & Master Student.

SHEEP PROJECT COLLARING

Caribou

The Tahltan Central Government started monitoring caribou in 2019 to collect information on the movements, seasonal range use, and populations; engage with the communities, Elders, and Youth on caribou and climate changes both historic and current; and collaboratively develop climate change and caribou management strategies.

2024 CARIBOU COLLARING UPDATE

44 13

COLLARS CURRENTLY MONITORED BY TCG

Since 2020, with the advancement of the Tahltan Stewardship Initiative, Tahltan candidate Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas initiative, and Tahltan Central Government’s engagement in the 3 Nations BC Collaborative Stewardship Forum additional collars and seasonal monitoring have been expanded for the study. In addition, BC and Tahltan have been working together on caribou monitoring over the last couple of years. Caribou from the Tseneglode, Spatsizi, Edziza, and Level Mountain-Kawdy Plateau herds are being monitored by the Guardians and Wildlife Department.

COLLARS DROPPED OFF, OR OFF AIR

COLLARS PREDATED OVER STUDY PERIOD

25 22–25%

APPROX. ANNUAL MORTALITY

Currently there are 44 collared caribou being monitored by Tahltan Central Government with 13 collars dropping off the caribou or off air due to technical failures, and the other 25 collars being predated over the study period. This represents annual mortality of approximately 22–25%.

SEASONAL MOVEMENTS

Seasonally, the caribou are predominately inhabiting lower elevations. The seasonal movements indicate there is a great deal of mixing between caribou herds to the north and to the south herd ranges.

Seasonally, caribou are still showing movements similar to historic knowledge where caribou will calve, summer and rut with large groups forming during rut. Caribou currently stay in these areas until snow depth increases usually in January, and the animals move north to lower elevation forests to the north. Some individuals will move to winter range of other caribou herds. These movements do indicate there are limited north-south barriers between the herds, but barriers like the highways have influences on east-west movements for caribou.

Caribou have shown using the lower elevation forested habitats and adjacent plateaus in winter, and then move south and east during spring, calving, summer, and rut seasons. However, the information is limited, and we will continue to monitor into the future.

Fortunately, at a broad scale, the movements and seasonal ranges for all herds are consistent with Tahltan Knowledge, and local knowledge; however detailed habitat use is being examined with these knowledge sources to determine more fine scale seasonal habitat requirements.

CARIBOU POPULATION INFORMATION

Tahltan Guardians and Wildlife Department continue to conduct seasonal classification surveys to determine the number of bulls, calves, and cows to determine population trends.

Since 2019, generally 400 to 700 caribou have been observed during the seasonal surveys (calving, rut, and late winter) in the area. A population estimate survey was flown in the winter of 2021/22 and the results are being worked on with BC, however a similar number of caribou were observed on this survey. The report and estimate will be provided in 2024. A March 2024 survey counted 393 caribou, 279 cows, 47 calves, 67 bulls.

Caribou seasonal surveys have been flown since 2020 and generally 700 to 1200 caribou have been observed. A population estimate survey was completed during the rut (October 2023) by Guardians and BC with 1130 caribou, 798 cows, 161calves, and 167 bulls counted.

Population indicators to assess population status and trends are based on the rationales and indicators identified for the NMP woodland caribou herds (Environment Canada 2012, Hatter 2019).

These indicators are >35 bulls: 100 cows and/or >25 calves:100 cows. Herds with fewer than 25 calves/100 cows for several years (three years) and small herds (<200) are more stressed by harvest (Environment Canada 2012). The recent monitoring on caribou has observed the following seasonal calf and bull ratios:

• 2020–2021: Bulls 25–32/100 cows, 16–21 calves/100 cows (1999 caribou)

• 2021–2022: Bulls 24–34/100 cows, 15–18 calves/100 cows (1308 caribou)

• 2022–2023: Bulls 24–30/100 cows, 19–21 calves/100 cows (700 caribou)

• 2023–2024: Bulls 24–26/100 cows, 22–24 calves/100 cows (1935 caribou)

Both sex ratios are considered below stable population indicators for several years; however, more monitoring is occurring to assess the overall population status. While the Tahltan monitoring has only commenced since 2019, Tahltan Knowledge and local knowledge have identified potential declining trends for an extended period.

MARCH 2024 CARIBOU SURVEY

COWS

279 BULLS

67 CALVES

47

Moose

The moose monitoring information with Tahltan Knowledge is being used for identifying critical seasonal ranges, habitats, and movement corridors for conservation through the Tahltan Stewardship Plan and IPCA initiatives. The information is supporting development of the wildlife conservation/protection areas being shared with the communities.

It is also used to support land use and industry permit applications to support additional management constraints or not supporting the activities due to potential impacts to caribou and wolves.

The moose density and population information is supporting making a licensed hunting change for caribou to Limited Entry Hunting from open season, which is expected to commence in 2024 or 2025.

It has been a change Tahltan have supported for some time but could not get provincial support for the change. Tahltan have identified low moose numbers for a long time, and the monitoring information with Tahltan Knowledge is supporting making management changes for caribou and moose.

2024 – the plan is to finish population surveys for moose population areas, as it has been over 20 years since the last survey was completed. Once these are completed in the next 2 winters, further surveys are not expected for the next 3–5 years. This will support monitoring other species and populations in the Nation.

In addition, the information will support making further changes to licensed hunting for moose, with the goal of larger LEH areas, reduced harvest, and reduced land use conflicts during hunting season.

Tahltan have indicated concerns with high numbers of predators, with low numbers of moose for several decades. Making changes to wildlife management has been a barrier with the Province, as it is only recently that Tahltan Knowledge is being considered in making decisions on harvesting by the Province. This is an outcome of changes to the Wildlife Act and implementation of DRIPA.

It was recognised in 2020, as part of the TCG resolution, to support making changes to wildlife management in the Nation required TCG to do the monitoring required to show the information is consistent with Tahltan Knowledge. It became possible for the Tahltan Wildlife Department to do the moose monitoring through the stable multi-year funding being provided through the 3 Nations, 3NBC CSF, Accord, and Federal Government funding for guardians and monitoring projects.

Objectives for the moose monitoring are the following:

1 To provide quantitative data on the moose population (estimates of total moose, bulls, cows and calves), bull-cow and calf-cow ratios, and population trend with the purpose of managing and monitoring licenced harvesting in the Nation;

2 To document moose numbers, composition, and distribution in the Nation to support Tahltan Wildlife Department management decisions, support Tahltan food security, and further establish baseline data for the program;

3 To provide multi-year moose population monitoring to support implementation of the Accord as part of the Immediate Measures requirements and to support establishing Tahltan population metrics and objectives, including population units as identified for co-management measures in the near term;

4 To provide multi-year moose population monitoring to support Tahltan predator, hunting, and management objectives on monitoring the effectiveness of licensed hunting regulation changes, including land use and hunter activities both within and outside of General Open Season and Limited Entry Hunting areas.

5 To support making changes to licensed hunting regulations to increase moose numbers, better access for Tahltan to meet food security needs, and reduce land use conflicts during hunting season.

Above: A bull moose surprises Andy Quock Sr. during an Elder interview discussing spirituality. Tsingy Mountain.

Opposite: Early June near Ningunsaw.

MOOSE POPULATION INFORMATION

As indicated through Tahltan Knowledge and community surveys, moose populations and their abundance in the Nation are a long standing concern. Through access of the 3N BC Collaborative Stewardship Forum funding and Tahltan Agreements, Tahltan Guardians and Wildlife Department have conducted classification surveys in 2019 and 2021 for the Population Management Unit and stratified random block (SRB) population estimate surveys (winter 2023). All surveys met the RISC standards for a level 2 intensity survey (≤25%).

The classification surveys occurred in the winter of 2019/2020 and observed 351 moose with 94 bulls, 157 cows, 46 calves classified and 4 unclassified during the survey. There were 44 groups of a cow with a calf, and 1 group of cows with twin calves.

• A bull ratio of 46.5 ± 9.6 (90% CI) bulls/100 cows was observed with a sample size of 296 and a precision level of 20.5 % (90% confidence interval).

• A calf ratio of 25.2 ± 6.5 (90% CI) calves/100 cows was observed with a sample size of 253 and a precision level of 25.8 % (90% confidence interval).

2023 POPULATION SURVEY RESULTS

BULLS

Another survey was planned in the early winter of 2020 flying similar areas; however, due to a freeze/thaw event in December it prevented flying the survey until February 2021.

• A bull ratio of 58.5 ± 15 (90% CI) bulls/100 cows was observed with a sample size of 186 and a precision level of 24.0 % (90% confidence interval).

• A calf ratio of 28.2 ± 9 (90% CI) calves/100 cows was observed with a sample size of 150 and a precision level of 32.4 % (90% confidence interval).

The two surveys are similar in numbers for bulls and calves with both year’s results at or below low density moose population indicators (50 bulls:100 cows and 25 calves:100 cows). The slight difference between years could be related to the 2021 survey occurring later in winter where moose begin to group at lower elevations due to snow depth. The move to lower elevations and larger group size could be creating higher bull ratios than just after rut when moose are more dispersed across the larger landscape than late winter.

The SRB survey occurred in March 2023, to compare against surveys done in 2016 and 2001. The same survey units and stratification as the 2016 survey was used in 2023.

The survey results of 36 bulls, 120 cows, and 27 calves were observed for a population estimate of:

• 290 ± 52 moose (90% CI)

• Bull ratio of 30 ± 6 (90% CI) bulls/100 cows

• Calf ratio of 23 ± 5 (90% CI) calves/100 cows

The moose survey in 2016 had two estimates generated through the analysis, one was 321 ± 54 moose (90% CI), and the other was 635 ± 243 (90% CI). The second estimate was based on additional statistics on sightability across stratum which is still being reviewed to determine its application with the 2023 survey.

At this time, it appears the moose numbers have declined since 2001 (~600 moose) and 2016. As well the density is lower than past surveys with 2023: 0.12–0.18 moose/km² compared to 2016: 0.28 moose/km².

Tahltan monitoring from 2019–2023 is consistent with Tahltan Knowledge that moose numbers are lower and have declined. Both Tahltan Knowledge and monitoring information will be used to set new management requirements and regulations for the 2024 hunting season.

A modified moose population estimate survey (SRB) occurred in March 2023 to provide current population and density estimates for the area. In total, 22 bulls, 77 cows, and 18 calves were observed for a population estimate of:

• 268 ± 64 moose (90% CI)

• Bull ratio of 29 ± 10 (90% CI) bulls/100 cows

• Calf ratio of 23 ± 8 (90% CI) calves/100 cows

Also, a density of 0.23 moose/km² is currently estimated for the area.

Wildlife Regulations Proposals

The hunting synopsis regulation change proposals that were submitted this year for the 2024–2026 from Tahltan Central Government represented a significant step forward in the Province of BC mandate to move toward reconciliation and co-management with the BC Province working at a Government-to-Government level, these efforts are clear prioritization of food, social and ceremonial harvest opportunity.

We're developing regulations to align provincial law and Tahltan law, incorporate Indigenous knowledge, and generally improve regulations and reduce conflicts on the land.

Tahltan Predator Removal

Program

The plan is to maintain collars on the packs in the near term and use the information with the predator management program on implementing additional reductions to wolf numbers in the Nation. It can be the basis to support larger removal of wolves and support ongoing trapping programs. The initial results from the isotopic analysis project by UNBC Masters Student Oliver Holt is showing a percentage of diet in the fall that wolves eat 15.7% beaver, 18% caribou, 32.4% moose, and 33.9% sheep.

The Predator program is in the 4th year of operations with a focus on implementing the Tahltan Predator Management Plan through supporting Tahltan members’ exercising their rights for harvesting bears and wolves.

In total 63 grizzly bears, 67 black bears, and 67 wolves have been harvested and have been supported through this initiative.

The Guardians/Predator Management Technicians have completed another successful wolf trapping program successfully removed 16 wolves this winter by Guardian trapping efforts in and around the communities. Bring the total to 56 wolves trapped since the program started. In addition, 5 grizzly bears have been harvested by Guardians/Predator Management Technicians since the program started.

The overall harvest totals for the Tahltan membership harvest and the Tahltan Guardian program are 67 black bears, 63 grizzly bears, and 131 wolves harvested in the Nation.

Top: Clements Brace setting a wolf trap.

Far-Left: Wolf caught in a trap.

Left: Guardian Derek Louie with a wolf trapped up Klappan.

Wolf densities in Tahltan Nation

Wolf densities based on capture information, local knowledge and Tahltan Knowledge through the predator management plan and associated wolf trapping program have estimated pack size to range from 8–18 wolves with each collared wolf for the study area.

In the Tahltan Territory as of 2024 based on this range of pack size and the home range areas, results in a density estimate of:

• 13 wolves/1000 km²(N=23).

Since November 2020, 29 GPS collars have been deployed by Guardians and Wildlife Department on wolves with 7 mortalities, 8 collars with technical failures, and 7 collars being redeployed on new packs after mortalities.

As of March 2024, TCG currently has 14 collars deployed on wolves in Tahltan Territory.

WOLF COLLARING DATA (SINCE 2020)

MARCH 2024 WOLF COLLARING DATA

COLLARS DEPLOYED BY GUARDIANS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT

29 7 7 8 14

COLLARS CURRENTLY DEPLOYED ON WOLVES IN TAHLTAN TERRITORY

MORTALITIES

TECHNICAL FAILURES

COLLARS REDEPLOYED AFTER MORTALITIES

Map 1. Wolf GPS annual locations in north, Tahltan Nation – 2020–2024

Right: Guardian Clements Brace with just-collared wolves.

Map 2. Wolf GPS annual locations in Dease Lake Area, Tahltan Nation – 2020–2024

Map 4. Wolf GPS annual locations in Iskut 40 Mile Flats Area, Tahltan Nation – 2020–2024

Map 3. Wolf GPS annual locations in Shesley – Level Mountain Area, Tahltan Nation – 2020–2024

Map 5. Wolf GPS annual locations in southeast, Tahltan Nation – 2020–2024

Predator Management Program – Next Steps

At this time the plan is to continue the predator management program through the following actions:

• Continue the wolf trapping program, and working to increase trapping/harvesting by Tahltan, licenced trappers, and guide outfitters;

• Continue to work with schools and communities on sharing hides, engagement with youth, community trapping programs, and community updates;

• Engage with guide outfitters again to work on collaboration for harvesting wolves and grizzly bears;

• Commence work on grizzly bear monitoring and estimating grizzly bear densities in the Territory. The information with Tahltan Knowledge will be used with the Province to advance grizzly bear management and document impacts to moose, and caribou numbers, especially during the spring calving period.

• As part of the monitoring program, grizzly bear collars will be deployed, hair/DNA sampling for estimating densities, isotope analysis on hair to determine the percentage of their diet on caribou, moose, sheep, goats, and groundhogs. Similar work is being completed on wolves, which is showing the majority of wolf diet is caribou and moose, with sheep for those packs with easier access to alpine.

• Use predator management plan to identify focus areas and harvest targets for grizzly bears in these areas to guide members on their harvesting efforts. It also can provide for the option for guardians to collect it and then skin and hide of harvested bears based on priorities and support from guide outfitters.

• Continue to integrate the predator monitoring information with ongoing moose and caribou monitoring to support wildlife management decision-making by Tahltan and with the Province.

Below: Cubs follow their mother into Tahltan Lake.

2024 Priorities

Ȗ Caribou Symposium will be held in Dease Lake on May 26, 27 and 28th Advancing CommunityBased Monitoring and Conservation Action for North Mountain Boreal Caribou

Ȗ Partnership with Biodiversity Pathways .

Tahltan Harvester Survey

2023 & 2024 Tahltan Harvest Survey

This Tahltan harvest survey initiative was conducted in November 2023 by Wildlife Guardians to determine a fall harvest and another harvester survey done in April 2024 to collect winter harvester information. Both the totals will be compiled to determine the Total harvest of moose and caribou by Tahltan members. This information will be used by the TCG Wildlife Department to inform management actions of Moose and Caribou. At the time of this annual report the information was not available and will be presented in the next newsletter and the annual general assembly.

2022 Tahltan Harvest Survey Results

In 2022, Tahltan Guardians and Wildlife Department conducted harvest surveys with 79 respondents from all 3 communities:

• 58% hunted, and 42% did not hunt over the year 70% indicated they were not able to meet their needs for meat

• 70% indicated they shared or received meat from family, another household, or guide outfitter

• 100% indicated they received meat from Red Chris during Covid

• 79% indicated there was not enough animals and not enough time to hunt

• In hunting moose, the majority of individuals required 2–4 weeks to over a month, compared to other ungulates where hunting effort was 1–2 weeks; however the hunter effort overall was low outside of moose. There was more interest in harvesting a moose, and more time was expended in trying to harvest one

• 48% of hunting occurred in summer and early fall, with 42% of hunting during winter

• 35% of the total interviewed were successful in harvesting an ungulate, with 29% of those harvested a moose. This means only 51% of hunters were able to harvest a moose in 2022

Fisheries

Ongoing Chinook Conservation Concerns

Cheri Frocklage Fisheries Director

Kerry Carlick Fisheries Manager

In 2023 the Stikine River watershed saw a terminal (or final) run size of 12,940 large Chinook, of which 12,800 escaped to spawn. The 2024 pre-season forecast is for 12,900 large Chinook, still well below the 10-year average of 15,400. This decline continues to remain concerning to the Tahltan Nation and is of international concern for both Canada and the US. Both countries are diligently implementing stringent management measures to prevent the harvest of Pacific Chinook salmon. These measures include:

• no directed commercial or assessment fishery targeting Chinook,

• mandatory non-retention of all Chinook (dead or alive),

• complete angling closure of the Tahltan River from the confluence of the Stikine upwards,

• postponement of the US subsistence sockeye fishery,

• delaying the commencement of Canadian /US sockeye commercial openings,

• and further postponing the opening of First Nation fisheries to reduce incidental Chinook catches.

Your TCG Fisheries Department continues to strongly encourage and advocates for ALL our members to assist in efforts to preserve and conserve the struggling Tahltan River Chinook salmon populations. You can do this by NOT setting your net through the migration period of these stocks.

As successfully trialed in 2023, the 2024 Tahltan food fishery will open on July 12th to align with the arrival of the sockeye salmon and to allow for the Chinook/King salmon to migrate up-river past our food fishing corridor.

We would also like to ask everyone to record and release any healthy chinook from their nets, the number of Chinook released is important data for us to have as managers of the Food Fishery in Telegraph Creek.

Right: Fisheries department river training.

Fisheries Project

THE STIKINE RIVER SALMON STUDIES – BIOLOGICAL CONTRACT

LOWER STIKINE CODED WIRE TAGGING

LOWER STIKINE COMMERCIAL SAMPLING

LOWER STIKINE SOCKEYE TEST FISHERY

LOWER STIKINE ADULT CHINOOK TAGGING

TAHLTAN LAKE SMOLTS

LITTLE TAHLTAN CHINOOK

TAHLTAN LAKE SOCKEYE ADULT ENUMERATION

CATCH MONITORING & REPORTING

STIKINE STOCK SEPARATION

TAHLTAN RIVER CHINOOK ENUMERATION FEASIBILITY STUDY

STIKINE RIVER AERIAL SURVEYS

TAHLTAN SLIDE

2020 ESCAPEMENTS

TAHLTAN LAKE EGG TAKE (1989-2020)

MEMORIAL

ALASKA

KLUACHON LAKE

TELEGRAPH CREEK

TAHLTAN LAKE SOCKEYE

2024 Sockeye Salmon Run Forecasts

TAHLTAN LAKE SOCKEYE

• Escapement Goal Range: 11,000–25,000

Management Objective: 22,600

ESCAPEMENT GOAL RANGE

11,000–25,000 22,600

MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE

• 2024 Terminal Tahltan Run Forecast: 99,000

Tahltan Wild: 57,000

Tahltan Enhanced: 42,000

10-Year Average: 102,000

Mainstem stocks are targeted in the mixed fishery conducted in US marine waters (districts 106 & 108) the US in river subsistence fishery, and the Canadian commercial fishery.

TERMINAL RUN FORECAST

TAHLTAN WILD

TAHLTAN ENHANCED

99,000 57,000 42,000 102,000

10-YEAR AVERAGE

MAINSTEM SOCKEYE

• Escapement Goal Range: 13,000–33,000

Management Objective: 21,000

• 2024 Terminal Run Forecast: 30,000

10 Year Average: 34,000

• Total Combined Stikine Sockeye Salmon Run Forecast: 129,000

10-Year Average: 102,000

Given the low forecast for the Stikine mainstem sockeye stocks, there will be very limited commercial fisheries opportunities afforded, and management actions will be taken to minimize incidental catches and protect these stocks during their migration period.

The recostruction of the Stikine mainstem run will be based on the 2023 sockeye in-season abundance estimates derived from a sockeye spaghetti tagging event at Kakwan Point near the river mouth. This will be complemented by a subsequent capture and sampling event in a Canadian in-river non-lethal assessment program situated in the Lower Stikine River. Additional data will be collected from the Tahltan food fishery harvest and observations from the spawning grounds to enhance the assessment.

Stikine River Salmon Studies Bio Contract

In the spring of 2023, the TCG Fisheries Department faced challenges with a delayed contracting process, hindered by DFO policies preventing billing of prior stock assessment project costs until the contract was finalized.

Ensuring the health and safety of our staff remained our top priority during mobilization and deployment to diverse field camps. Staff were mandated to provide negative COVID tests before camp deployment, and COVID protocols were followed by field personnel for the initial two weeks in camp.

Seeking to address funding gaps, a Stock Assessment proposal was submitted to the PSC Northern Fund, securing $270,393 to supplement the shortfall in the Stikine River Salmon Studies (SRSS) Biological contract valued at $324,280. These contracts collectively facilitated employment for around 16 field workers from April to October.

MAINSTEM SOCKEYE

13,000–33,000 21,600

129,000 102,000

TOTAL COMBINED STIKINE RUN FORECAST

10-YEAR AVERAGE

30,000 34,000

Stikine Stock Assessment Projects

APRIL 15–MAY 31 WIRE

TAGGING RESULTS

(Alaska Department of Fish and Game)

23,182

CHINOOK

3,917

COHO

30,000

CHINOOK

10,000

COHO

Lower Stikine Coded Wire Juvenile Tagging

The 2023 Juvenile Chinook and Coho coded wire tagging (CWT) project, conducted on the Lower Stikine River from April 15 to May 31, 2023, marked the first year that DFO and TCGFD staff independently managed the project without ADF&G presence in the DFO camp on the Canadian side of the border. ADF&G operated on the US side but maintained close communication with the Canadian team. The project's objective was to capture and tag 30,000 Chinook and 10,000 Coho smolts with small, coded wire tags to gather crucial data on their origin, age, growth, run timing, and other characteristics. This information serves as a vital tool for guiding fisheries management along the west coast of Canada and the United States.

During this season, the project faced challenges with high water levels, limiting seining activities until May 15th. Despite the shortened duration, the team successfully captured and tagged 23,182 Chinook and 3,917 Coho smolts, with combined numbers from US operations below the border. The TCGFD staff involved, led by Jared Dennis, Kyle Inkster, Drew Inkster, John Nole, Noreen Mclean, and Raina Feldman (cook), demobilized from the site on May 25th and 26th.

Lower Stikine Adult Sockeye Assessment (non-lethal)

The non-lethal Sockeye Assessment fishery aims to differentiate between Tahltan and Mainstem runs of adult Sockeye salmon in the Stikine River and to estimate the in-season abundance of each stock. Fish are captured using a mix of drift and set nets. Drift-caught fish provide a catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) metric for abundance estimation, while the set net captures biological samples essential for post-season analyses, including stock composition, run timing, and run reconstruction.

The Assessment Fishery sampling program data is utilized in-season to guide Fisheries Managers in managing the duration of commercial openings and meeting their management goals.

These objectives, ranked in order of priority, include:

• Conservation – Make sure enough fish make it to the spawning grounds.

• Food Social and Ceremonial – First Nation Fishery.

• Commercial and Recreational Sectors.

This year, both DFO and TCG staff delivered the 2023 project from June 18 to August 26th. From TCG, we had Drew Inkster, John Nole, Kyle Inkster, and Shenoa Asp. They captured and released 495 in the drift and 992 in the set net.

Right: Fry in a cup.

Tahltan Lake Sockeye Smolt Enumeration &

Sampling

The sockeye smolts that migrate in the spring are tallied using a juvenile counting weir situated at the Tahltan Lake outlet, flowing into Johnny Tashoots Creek. Smolts are counted by the bucket load through volumetric displacement, with biological samples collected from a subset of the run. The total count and the ratio of enhanced to wild smolts are determined, with 32% identified as enhanced smolts in 2023, indicating another season of improved wild production. Notably, 2022 and 2023 demonstrated substantial improvements compared to the preceding four years (2018–2021) when the enhanced contribution exceeded the 50/50 guidelines established by the Pacific Salmon Treaty.

In 2023, TCG staff, including Field Supervisor Michael Nole, and Field Technicians, Fabian Vance, Peter CarlickBeck, and Brendan Joseph, managed the weir and field operations for the project. Running from May 4 to June 25, the project tallied 2,018,326 smolts, with the peak day recording 643,288 smolts within a 24-hour span.

Tahltan Lake Sockeye Adult Enumeration

The annual run of Sockeye that returns to spawn in Tahltan Lake is counted through a weir installed at the lake outlet that drains into Johnny Tashoots Creek. The fish access the lake through a spillway, and upon entering the lake are contained within the holding chamber (fence) where they are counted visually as they enter the lake. Additionally, a daily portion of them is sampled to determine the ratio of wild vs. enhanced origin. As in prior years, the fish that are sacrificed at the weir for sampling purposes were flown to Dease Lake in August and distributed by fisheries department staff to our Tahltan Elders and members who were needing.

Between July 9 and September 5, 2023, the team tallied 37,759 adult Sockeye returning to spawn in the lake. The initial fish arrived at the weir on July 13, with the peak day recorded on July 15, totaling 2,379 fish. TCG deployed a 2-man crew for weir operations, supervised by Michael Nole and aided by field technician Fabian Vance.

Lower Stikine River Coho Assessment

In 2023, the ongoing study of Coho Salmon populations in the Stikine and Iskut rivers persevered, aiming to establish an abundance-based management approach. Now in its third year, the study involves marking and recapturing returning adult Coho in these watersheds. This year, tagging efforts expanded to include tagging at the Kakwan drift site by ADF&G staff on the US side, a recapture event at Boundary House site by DFO/ TCGFD, and the ongoing recapture/tagging at two sites on the Lower Iskut River. Additionally, the team successfully completed the spawning ground tag recovery via helicopter, overcoming weather challenges that hindered operations in 2022.

The tagging operations commenced on August 13 and concluded when crews departed on October 28. A total of 1,318 tags were applied to returning Coho spawners, with 45 fish recaptured at various sites including Boundary House, the Commercial Coho fishery, two netting locations on the Iskut River, and the Iskut spawning grounds. TCG project participants included Jared Dennis, Kyle Inkster, Drew Inkster, Peter CarlickBeck, Margaret Asp, Raina Feldman, and John Nole.

The small commercial Coho fishery, conducted in-river above the US/CAN border, commenced on August 27 and ended on September 16, yielding a harvest of 4,841 pieces. DFO and TCGFD personnel, responsible for the Coho Assessment activities, conducted sampling and monitoring throughout the fishery operation.

Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy Agreement

PSSI, and Pacific Salmon Treaty Projects

In 2023, our department received an initial Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy Agreement (AFS) contribution of $323,355 from DFO. An additional $42,000 was obtained through AFS Capacity Support Funding for wiring upgrades in the warehouse. Pacific Salmon Treaty (PST) funding totaling $293,420, along with a surplus of $15,626 from the 2022 DFO Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative, led to a total DFO allocation of $674,401. The AFS agreement covers expenses like infrastructure, administration, vehicle purchases, insurance, equipment maintenance, wages, travel for meetings, school programs, and various stock assessment and monitoring initiatives. Certain longterm projects previously funded under the bio contract and TSI have transitioned to AFS administration.

Little Tahltan Chinook

Enumeration

(Video Counter and River Scanner)

The enumeration of adult Chinook salmon returning to the Little Tahltan River involves using a video counter to visually record each passing fish. Staff download and review the footage to assess size, sex, and tag presence. This year, the team tested a new device, a river scanner, obtained by the Fisheries Department. The river scanner records data directly to a file, enhancing measurement accuracy compared to traditional methods. Both approaches were utilized for validation. Between June 22 and August 15, the staff tallied 363 large and 432 non-large Chinook, including eight spaghetti-tagged and 29 CWT-tagged fish. Field operations were led by Field supervisor Jared Dennis, with technician support provided by Peter Carlick-Beck, and Jay Day.

Tahltan River Chinook Assessment

(Sonar)

During the 2023 field season, a successful pilot program was implemented using sonar equipment to improve the accuracy of estimating the returning Chinook and sockeye salmon to the Tahltan River watershed. The site, chosen in 2022 just below Lava Beds, was where the DFO and TCG staff installed the sonar unit. Operations began on June 12, with testing continuing until June 26. TCG staff involved in the project included Peter CarlickBeck with our Fisheries Manager Kerry Carlick, assisting with the initial setup.

Catch Monitoring

The Tahltan food fishery in the Telegraph Creek corridor of the Stikine River was monitored by Noreen Mclean, a dedicated long-term employee. Her responsibilities include issuing food fish and transport permits, gathering catch records from Tahltan members, and entering the data into a spreadsheet. The weekly harvest data is then electronically submitted to DFO for monitoring and assessment.

In 2023, the FSC fishery opening was delayed by two weeks to support conservation efforts, allowing more Chinook to safely reach the Tahltan River spawning grounds. This strategy effectively reduced the incidental Chinook harvest by 133 salmon, from 386 in 2022 to 253 in 2023. Preserving Chinook stocks is crucial for their continued sustainability. The 2023 escapement at Little Tahltan River included 363 large Chinook and 432 jacks, making the 133 reductions in our fishery significant given the observed poor run size at the weir. The harvest from July 12 to August 13 comprised 69 large Chinook, 184 non-large Chinook (39 live released), and 6,204 Sockeye.

Right: Kyle Inkster.

Stikine Stock Separation

From July 12 to August 8, the sampling of fish from the annual FSC fishery, (to gather biological data for stock composition and tag recovery for Chinook and sockeye) was conducted by Shenoa Asp and Keira Asp, with Supervisor, Raina Feldman lead the team. They succeeded in sampling 600 Sockeye and 11 Chinook provided by Tahltan food fishers and families.

Fisheries Guardian

In the 2023 fishing season, Margaret Asp resumed her role as the Department Fisheries Guardian. She monitored fishing activities on the Upper Stikine and Lower Tahltan rivers, emphasizing community engagement by providing information on conservation, expected returns, and other fishery-related topics. Margaret is responsible for issuing permits, collecting catch records, and enhancing public awareness. Despite being unable to conduct joint patrols with Federal Fisheries Officers in 2023, the aim is to resume these collaborative efforts annually to ensure optimal resource protection. Margaret's dedication to safeguarding the salmon of the Stikine is commendable and essential for conservation efforts.

Creation of Shadow Position in Upper River Monitoring Programs

In 2023, we introduced a succession training initiative through a shadow position in the Upper Stikine River Monitoring programs managed by the TCG Fisheries Department. The purpose of this role is to allow the individual to rotate through and shadow the Fisheries Monitor, Fisheries Guardian, and Stikine Stock Separation staff during their field duties throughout the season. This approach aims to develop capacity within our field staff, preparing them for monitoring and stock assessment roles with hands-on experience and self-assurance in their capabilities.

Tahltan Lake Sockeye Enhancement Egg Take

(1989–2023)

2023 Egg Take Summary – On September 6, the TCG crew, in partnership with BC Yukon, flew to the site. Six egg takes occurred between September 12–23, resulting in 2,463,018 fertilized sockeye eggs delivered to Snettisham Hatchery. Inclement fall weather caused delays in egg transport flights, with 1 flight delayed by 1–3 days, 2 by 2 days, and 1 by 1 day out of the 6 deliveries. Coastal Helicopters and Ward Air from Juneau provided the egg transport services. The camp was winterized, and the crew demobilized, departing on September 26 with BC Yukon Air. Special thanks to Billy, Alex, and the base staff for their assistance.

Eggs from 958 female sockeye salmon were collected and fertilized by 958 male sockeye salmon. The estimated fecundity, with an average of 2,571 eggs per female, led to the delivery of 2.46 million eggs. Furthermore, samples of ovarian, kidney, and broodstock (including lengths and otoliths) were obtained by field staff in accordance with project protocols.

The crew members included Richard Erhardt, Cheri Frocklage, Drew Inkster, Peter Carlick-Beck, Clint Callbreath, Michael Nole, Fabian Vance, Noreen Mclean, and Trisha Carlick. Trisha joined as the camp cook, showcasing her exceptional culinary skills, and bringing a sunny disposition and humor that resonated well with the Tahltan crew.

Gratitude to our returning crew members for their ongoing commitment and the lending of expertise to some new field staff on this project.

Special thanks to Kevin Steck and the team at Snettisham Hatchery for their invaluable support. We are grateful for everyone involved in facilitating support flights, providing fuel, propane, supplies, and groceries.

Mēduh, to DFO for allowing us to utilize the camp facilities. Anticipated fry release of 2 million is scheduled for the spring of 2024.

grade

Right: The newly placed Sockeye salmon eggs for the 2023/24 school program. A female salmon can lay between 2,000 and 10,000 eggs, but only about 1% will actually return in later years as a spawning adult (Pacific Salmon Treaty, 2024).

Salmonids in the Classroom

In 2023, the salmon classroom incubation program continued, now named the Tatl’ah School Salmon Program. The TCG Culture & Heritage and Language Departments have integrated the program into interactive school activities, utilizing the incubators. The Fisheries Department aims to expand its involvement in the three local schools.

On November 16th, Aquatics Protection Officer Naia Newton conducted a salmon dissection demonstration at the Iskut school for grades 4–8. The following day, Naia and Kerry Carlick led a school-wide event at Dease Lake school, engaging grades 10–12 in salmon dissections and preparing slides for grades 8 and 9 to view under a microscope.

Sockeye salmon eggs from Tahltan Lake were delivered to Dease Lake School on September 26. Once they reached the eyed stage, the eggs were distributed to Iskut and Tahltan Schools. Students will nurture the eggs to the fry stage, observing their development and learning about Pacific sockeye salmon biology, as well as the cultural significance to the Tahltan Nation. Fisheries Department staff visited the schools during winter to offer technical support to the teachers. The surviving fry are planned for release on May 31, 2024, with a gathering of students, teachers, and community members, contingent on fry numbers. If numbers are insufficient for a large event, TCG Fisheries Department staff will conduct the release.

Above: The 2022/23 fry that were being taken care of by staff at the Klappan Independent School in Iskut.

Above: The

2/3 class watching the 2023 eggs being deposited and learning more about salmon with Aquatic Protection Officer, Naia Newton.

Health & Safety – Short Term Training

The TCG Fisheries Manager, Kerry Carlick, meticulously organizes and delivers the yearly Fisheries Department staff training schedule to prioritize the well-being and safety of field staff during stock assessment activities. The training sessions have included a range of courses and certifications over the last two spring training periods. Furthermore, some staff underwent followups for PAL/FAC Certification and Passport renewals as necessary.

2023

• Bear Awareness & Shotgun Training

• Wilderness First Aide Certification

• Food Safe Certification

• Ice Rescue Certification (APO)

2024

• Occupational First Aide Certification

• Transportation Endorsement

• Working Safe In Water (WSIW) Certification

Our Aquatics Protection Officer (APO) is progressing towards meeting the criteria to become a Registered Professional through her scope of work and ongoing training. In conjunction with her previous responsibilities, she has been actively involved in a local water quality initiative led by Blaine Lindstrom from TFD Lands. Her contributions include assisting with water sampling and assuming the task of preparing the comprehensive 2023 report for the program.

Below: Salmon bears at Tahltan Lake.

Aerial surveys

CHINOOK AERIAL INDEX SURVEY

The Aerial Index sites for Chinook Salmon were not surveyed in 2023 due to poor weather/water conditions during the traditional time frame.

SOCKEYE AERIAL INDEX SURVEY

On September 10, 2023, the Stikine River Sockeye aerial survey was conducted by TCG Fisheries Director Cheri Frocklage and Manager Kerry Carlick. The survey flight was operated by Tundra Helicopters from Dease Lake, BC, departing around 09:30 and returning by 16:00. The weather was favorable, with clear skies and temperatures reaching 22°C, above the seasonal average. The survey results indicated increased Sockeye presence at numerous locations along the river.

The summary of results is as follows:

Summary

Chutine River 90

Scud River 356

Porcupine River 73

Verret Sloughs 32

Verret River 164

Bronson Slough 0

COHO AERIAL INDEX SURVEY

On October 30, 2023, the Stikine River Coho aerial survey was conducted by TCG Fisheries Director Cheri Frocklage and Manager Kerry Carlick, utilizing Tundra Helicopters from Dease Lake, BC. The flight departed around 09:15 and returned by 18:00. The weather was mainly overcast with no precipitation, offering excellent visibility for the survey. Temperatures ranged from -3°C to 5°C throughout the day. This year's survey revealed a notable presence of Coho Salmon at most sites, signaling a promising return of Coho to the Stikine Watershed.

The summary of results is as follows:

Summary

Craig River 3311

Scud River 410

Porcupine River 175

Verret Sloughs 35

Verret River 113

Katete 1713

Katete (West) 1147

Meetings

The Fisheries Managers diligently participate in a range of fisheries management meetings both in-season and during the winter months.

These meetings include, but are not limited to:

• Stikine River Salmon Management Committee

• Transboundary Technical Committee and Enhancement Sub-Committee

• Pacific Salmon Commission – Transboundary Rivers Panel (Kerry-TBR Panel Rep. Cheri-TBR Panel alternate)

• Pacific Salmon Commission – First Nation Caucus (Kerry now representing the TBR Nations on the FNC Executive Committee)

• G2G Meetings with DFO and TFN post and pre-season

• TCGFD/DFO – In season bi-weekly management meetings

• TCG – Tahltan Land Stewardship Plan

• TCG – Indigenous Protected Conservation Areas

• TCG/DFO – Tahltan Lake Dam Working Group

• TCG – BC/Tahltan Fish and Wildlife Working Group

• TCG – Major Project Reviews (Fisheries component)

• TCG – Directors Meetings

• TCG – Fisheries Department bi-weekly meetings

• TCG – Community Engagements

• TCG – Bi-monthly Lands & Fisheries Department meetings (newly established)

• TCG – Strategic Planning Meetings with Leadership and Board of Directors

2023 Stikine Salmon Harvests

*There are no means to identify Stikine bound Coho in the marine fishery

Above: Sheona Asp sampling during Fish Camp.

Watershed

2023 Escapements

The following table shows the Bilaterally agreed upon escapement goals for Stikine Chinook, Sockeye and Coho salmon, as set out in the US/Canada Pacific Salmon Treaty.

Stikine Chinook Stikine

(pre-season)

(in-season)

(MSY pre-season)

(MSY in-season)

Includes Little Tahltan

Stikine Sockeye Tahltan

Stikine Sockeye Mainstem

Est Feb 2023 Inc *3600 Broodstock

Est Feb 2023

Stikine Coho Stikine Not Yet Established N/A To Be Established by 2024

*MSY is the Maximum Sustainable Yield is the maximum level at which a natural resource (fish) can be routinely exploited without longterm depletion.

In 2020, the Transboundary Technical Committee (TTC) established a bilateral U.S. – Canada Stikine Sockeye Working Group (working group) to compile data and perform analyses in support of new MSY based escapement goal ranges. Members include Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) staff, Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) staff, Tahltan Central Government (TCG) staff, as well as an external consultant. Pursuant to Chapter 1 (1)(a) of the Pacific Salmon Treaty, and consistent with the recommendations of the Transboundary Panel Strategic Plan, the Transboundary Panel directed the TTC to complete a review of current spawning objectives for Tahltan Lake and Stikine River Mainstem sockeye salmon stocks.

The Stikine Sockeye Escapement Biologically Agreed Goal Review has been completed and findings were presented to the Pacific Salmon Commission –Transboundary Rivers Panel in February 2023.

The recommendations were adopted by the Panel and new Stikine River sockeye salmon escapement goals are now being used to manage the stocks.

There is a Chinook Biological Escapement Goal Review currently underway by the working group established by the Transboundary Technical Committee.

There is currently no means of accurately estimating Stikine Coho escapement or run size. The work to develop an accurate estimate of Stikine Coho is ongoing.

Below: The state of the weir following the emergency repairs.

The white bags on the river left side are bags of soil placed to stabilize the dam over the short term.

Tahltan Lake Dam Replacement

The Tahltan Lake Dam Working Group (TLDWG) was formed in 2021 to oversee the replacement of the deteriorating lake outlet weir, in use since 1959. Advancing from inception to the design phase, the project completed construction in May 2024.

Collaborating closely with the working group and project engineers, TCG Fisheries has actively participated in designing the new structure, organizing project logistics, coordinating Archaeology surveys, and enhancing on-site worker health and safety measures.

In 2023, the Tahltan Weir replacement project was actively pursued through on-site activities and deskbased work. Site operations commenced in March with an engineering team visit to assess the area. Subsequent visits were conducted to aid design and engineering tasks, alongside ongoing field surveys for the TCG Fisheries Tahltan Lake Water Balance Study.

In June 2023, TCG staff at the weir observed structural movement and increased erosion beneath the dam during the juvenile sockeye outmigration. An emergency stabilization program was required, lasting almost a month. The project engineering team and TCG staff were swiftly deployed to design and execute the necessary repairs. Despite the repairs being carried out during the adult sockeye return, fish passage to the lake and operational sampling were thankfully unaffected.

Archaeology plays a crucial role in Tahltan Territory projects, prompting Tahltan Fisheries to coordinate Archaeology surveys at the site. These surveys unearthed various artifacts, enriching our insight into the heritage resources and historical significance of Tahtaneh (Tahltan Lake). Comprehensive surveys were conducted within the new weir footprint, material borrow zones, and distant gravel and rock borrow areas. The TCG Archaeology team meticulously cataloged the findings, such as obsidian biface points and a substantial flake tool, enhancing our understanding of the site's historical use.

The TCG Fisheries team and Groundwater Solutions Inc is also progressing on the Water Balance Study for Tahltan Lake. The purpose of the study is to better understand the hydrology of the Tahltan Lake watershed and provide the tools to manage the discharge from the lake and to support further studies around the effects of climate change on the lake and the fishery. A key component of the water balance was a joint Tahltan Fisheries / Tahltan Archaeology site visit to Grass Lake in the Tahltan headwaters.

The team spent 3 days at site to conduct hydrology studies, a bathymetric survey of Grass Lake and excavations several archaeological sites. The site visit revealed several new archaeological sites on the periphery of Grass Lake with further artifacts being recovered. The bathymetric survey of Grass Lake revealed that the alpine lake is an important reservoir in the watershed with the potential to provide yearround flows to spawning areas.

The team is looking forward to the completion of the weir replacement during the summer of 2024 and moving forward to completion of the water balance studies and weir commissioning in 2025. The new weir structure will provide a much more stable platform for the operational work at site and will include improved flow control and fish passage features that will enhance the handling of fish and enable a move toward a more natural flow regime.

Above: Lesli Louie of the Tahltan Archaeology team cataloging artifacts at the borrow pit area behind the Tahltan Lake camp.

Above: A large biface obsidian tool excavated at the borrow pit.

Tahltan River Steelhead Project Summary

The 2023 season concluded the fieldwork for the Steelhead project in May. The final flight was conducted to pinpoint the Steelhead spawning sites and assess overwinter mortalities. Subsequently, data analysis commenced, marking the onset of the review and report writing phase.

As the report nears completion and undergoes final editing, a summary of the results is outlined as follows:

Tahltan River Steelhead overwintering sites, autumn and spring movements, and spawning ground reaches were determined using radio telemetry. Approximately 63 percent of the radio tagged fish overwintered in the mainstem Stikine River at sites located below the mouth of the Tahltan River, and it appeared that these sites were associated with open water leads. Reaches of the Stikine above the Tahltan mouth supported approximately 22 percent of the radio-tagged fish during the winter months, followed by the Tahltan River, where roughly 14 percent of the Steelhead remained. Over 75 percent of the tagged Steelhead entered and exited the Tahltan River between October and November, and the exiting behavior appears to correlate with descending water temperatures. Of the exiting Steelhead, 75 percent returned and exited the following spring between early May and late June. The average distance migrated from post tagging to spawning was 44 km (range: 6–105 km). There was no significant difference travelled between sexes. Steelhead spawned in the Little Tahltan River, mainstem Tahltan River, and Beatty Creek, sites, similar to those utilized for spawning Chinook salmon. The peak spawning time for Tahltan Steelhead was the third week of May. The estimated total run size of Tahltan River Steelhead is less than 1,000 fish based on historical Steelhead catch rates in the Canadian fishery contrasted with sockeye catch performance and in river run size estimates. It is feasible that sidescanning sonar will delineate a more precise estimate of Tahltan River Steelhead.

Climate Change Canada, TCGFD has installed a hydrometric station named “Tahltan River at The Mouth (08CE005).” This station is accessible on the Government of Canada website. Playing a pivotal role in water level monitoring, this equipment is crucial for overseeing the Tahltan River, a vital habitat for salmon species harvested by Tahltan fishers. Previously, the gauge at Tuya served as a proxy, but now real-time and accurate data on water levels is available. This data enables the tracking of trends like the spring freshet timing and low water periods, offering valuable insights for salmon management.

2023 Pacific Salmon Commission – Northern Fund Projects

In August 2022, TCGFD submitted 4 conceptual proposals to the Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC) Northern Fund for funding to carry out studies in the 2023 field season. Following detailed submissions in November, funding for 3 proposals was secured in February 2023. Additionally, an emergency proposal was submitted in May to access Stock Assessment augmented funds.

Once the report is complete, we will make it available for review to Tahltan members. The aim is to expand this work to the whole Stikine Watershed and Tahltan Territory.

1 Lower Iskut Fisheries Enhancement Study

2 Upper Stikine Chinook Habitat Conservation Study

3 Tahltan Lake Water Balance Study

4 Stikine Stock Assessment

5 Tuya and Tahltan Lake Limnology Study TCG provided technical support to these DFO Northern Fund projects.

Right: Grass Lake.

Left: Lesli Louie scouting archeology at Grass Lake.

Upper Stikine Chinook Habitat Conservation

The project aims to develop a strategic program to identify and mitigate significant impacts of climate change, particularly on Chinook habitat or access, initially influenced by wildfires. In 2023, monitoring and sampling of local river temperatures and turbidity levels commenced, revealing water temperatures above average and increased turbidity during the Chinook spawning period, consistent with community observations. Moving forward, the initiative will persist with turbidity data logging and potentially explore options for Chinook restoration/enhancement at the local/historical streams near Glenora.

Lower Iskut Fisheries Enhancement Study

This project aims to enhance and restore main-stem Lower Iskut sockeye salmon. Key objectives include refining project options and plans, creating a detailed summary of the current conceptual project and future options, facilitating collaborative discussions on implementation strategies, and organizing an online workshop. Additionally, the project explores possibilities for a future food fishery on the Iskut River, balancing conservation efforts with food security requirements.

Unfortunately, the completion of the Lower Iskut Fisheries Enhancement Study (LIFES) project and the Upper Stikine Chinook Conservation Study was impeded in the 2023 season due to circumstances beyond our control. However, our extension request for these projects was sanctioned by the PSC, and the pending work will be carried out during the 2024 field season.

Tahltan Lake Water Balance Study

The TCG Fisheries team and Groundwater Solutions Inc is progressing on the Water Balance Study for Tahltan Lake. The purpose of the study is to better understand the hydrology of the Tahltan Lake watershed and provide the tools to manage the discharge from the lake and to support further studies around the effects of climate change on the lake and the fishery.

Tuya

and Tahltan Lake Limnology Project

During the summer/fall of 2023, TCG Fisheries supported DFO in conducting limnology work at Tahltan Lake and Tuya Lake. At Tahltan Lake, water samples were collected to enhance the lake's characterization, focusing on macrophytes and chlorophyll levels at different depths. A visit to Tahltan Lake on July 3, 2023, involved a day of water sampling. However, a planned follow-up visit for further sampling on July 30 was disrupted by inclement weather, preventing the pickup of our APO, Naia Newton, at the floatplane base.

At Tuya Lake, DFO and TCG collaborated from September 14th to 19th, with Naia aiding in water sampling and deploying gill nets to study the local fish population. The focus was on kokanee salmon, established in 1992 after the first fry outplant. In 2023, the gill nets caught mainly longnose suckers, along with bull trout, arctic grayling, kokanee, and even a released burbot. All species caught were documented for future analysis.

The water samples collected at Tuya were analyzed at the camp to assess macrophyte concentrations, diversity, and chlorophyll levels. These samples provide insights into the lake's productivity and overall health. On the final morning, around 40 kokanee were sampled and preserved on ice for transportation to the Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo for pathological testing.

Funded by the Northern Fund with the Pacific Salmon Commission and led by DFO, this project underscores the significance of collaboration. By working together, greater achievements can be realized, and the evolving collaborative partnerships will be instrumental in yielding benefits in the years ahead.

The existing limnology methods employed at Tahltan Lake and other TBR Enhancement sites date back to the 1980s. To modernize these practices, new methodologies and technology will be introduced at Tahltan Lake this year. Dan Selbie and his team of experts will visit the site to introduce, establish, and test the new sampling protocols in collaboration with our lake staff.

New Hire – Keira Asp

Hello, my name is Keira Asp. My parents are Hankin and Kitty Asp; my grandparents are Theresa and Pat Etzerza, and Daisy and Ed Sr Asp. I come from the Tśimgalt’ēde family and the Ch’ioyone clan.

I grew up in Dease Lake and moved to Smithers in 2016. I enjoy being at fish camp with my grandparents and family during the summer, spending winter break in the snow, and exploring the Territory. Fishing has been a massive part of my life since I was little, my grandparents on both my mom and dad’s side have been fishing for many years. Through this, I have learned how to process fish in our traditional way and learned some of the language.

This past summer, I was employed as a Fisheries Technician for TCG. I had wanted to work in Fisheries for a couple of years and was excited when the opportunity arose. This has given me experience in a field that I would like to pursue as a career and lifestyle. Working with Fisheries also helped me become closer to my relatives, who have worked with TCG for many years. I graduated high school this past year and am studying Biology at University. Through this work experience, I hope to gain knowledge about the natural world and resources so I can bring it back to the Territory and help protect our traditional way of life.

Language

Pamela Labonte

Language Director

New Team Member

Lesli Louie joined our team as the Language & Culture Documentation Specialist in Spring 2023. This is a shared position with the Culture and Heritage Department in which Lesli shared her time supporting both Departments with her incredible talent, spirit, and dedication to language and culture. She has an unparalleled ability to connect with people and has the passion to not only connect with her Tahltan heritage but to also share it with others.

For her time spent with us in the Language Department, Lesli supported the Dictionary Project and worked with Tāłtān speakers and Knowledge Holders to document aspects of the language and culture through the collection of stories, songs, prayers for preservation, protection and sharing purposes.

Lesli Louie

Language & Culture Documentation Specialist

Orange Shirts

The Language team worked with the Communications and External Affairs Department to distribute orange shirts to membership for September 30th, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Orange Shirt Day. We began planning in Spring 2023 as we collectively worked on the t-shirt design and the language to include to ensure everyone’s input was considered.

Ka’a jāni asit’īn, which means ‘we are still here,’ was a powerful message chosen by the language team to represent on the shirt for this day.

In September, we distributed the shirts in seven locations in and out of the Territory and offered a mailout option for members who resided outside of those pick-up points. Everyone wore them for the Dictionary Launch on September 30th. We received many messages from members outside of the Territory who sent in pictures of themselves and their families wearing the shirts proudly on this significant day.

Above: Doyle Day, Chantel Quock, Chief McPhee.

Left: Tahltan Elders and dancers.

The Tāłtān Dictionary and App – LAUNCH!

Our amazing Language team released the Tāłtān Dictionary on September 30th, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Orange Shirt Day.

This was an incredibly powerful day chosen by the team to release the dictionary as we honour the past for all those who walked before and did the hard work, give gratitude for the work we are doing now in the present, and create space for all the future work that is yet to come.

The Tāłtān Dictionary builds on the foundations of all the work done in the past and is a legacy piece for the Nation. This important work was made possible through the immeasurable contributions of Tahltan Language Keepers and Knowledge Holders, Silent Speakers, language learners and teachers, and individuals who supported us administratively and otherwise working from behind the scenes. Together, these dedicated individuals have created a living document that will help document, maintain, preserve, and pass down the language to future generations.

This dictionary builds on the foundations of all the previous work, including legacy material from the Tahltan Children’s Illustrated Dictionary and Basic Tahltan Conversation Lessons with the audio recordings of Pat and Edith Carlick.

Following the launch, the team persisted in expanding the platform by incorporating additional words, example sentences, songs, prayers, and other content. This ongoing effort aims to enrich the language resources available through this platform and enhance its utility for users. The group also worked on the back-end work developing the Tāłtān Dictionary Mobile App that officially launched on March 27th, 2024. The Tāłtān Dictionary App is available to download for iOS (Apple) and Android users.

A notable feature of the app is its offline functionality, allowing users to access the language resources without requiring an internet connection. This capability is particularly advantageous for individuals in northern regions, enabling them to engage with the language while outdoors or in areas without Wi-Fi access. This App literally allows people to connect to the language in the palm of their hands.

Mēduh chō to all those involved for the immeasurable hours dedicated to this very special endeavor – past, present, and future. For this upcoming year, the team will continue to add to the language database by working with Language holders to document the language in all three Communities in the Territory and beyond.

Right: Mother Bluebell with daughter Adelyn.

Below: Verna Vance and Cheif McPhee.

Left: Regina and Morris Louie.

Below: Community members participating in Orange Shirt Day events.

Above: Pat Etzerza.

Left: Hayle Gallup.

Far Above: Tahltan dancers.

Above: Pamela Labonte.

Below: Tahltan Elders and Language staff.

Have you downloaded the Tahltan Dictionary App?

The Language Team is proud to share the news that the Tāłtān Dictionary App is now available to download for iOS (Apple) and Android users!

Please follow the directions provided to download the App AND watch the how-to-use video provided to learn how to navigate. Special App feature – once downloaded, you do not need an internet connection to use.

This App literally allows you to connect to the language in the palm of your hands. Mēduh chō to all those involved for the immeasurable hours dedicated to this very special endeavor – past, present, and future.

Please reach out to Pamela Labonte, Language Director for immediate questions or help. Also, be on the lookout in the coming weeks for upcoming drop-in sessions in Dease Lake, Iskut, and Telegraph Creek where people will be available to help download, navigate, and explore the App!

Soga edēnt’īn. (Take care of yourself)

Scan the QR code below and download from the App Store OR search the App Store for “Tahltan Dictionary”.

LINKS:

• Getting started video: youtube.com/watch?v=zJW4slJ-l_Y

• Download on iOS (iPhone): apps.apple.com/us/app/6471603801

• Download on Android: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.tahltan.dictionary

ICILDER

International Conference on Indigenous Language Documentation, Education, and Revitalization

ICILDIR is an international language conference hosted this year by The Language Conservancy (TLC), the organization we are partnered with for the development of the Tāłtān Dictionary Project. The conference was held in Bloomington, Indiana from October 12–14, 2023, and saw many of TLC’s partnered communities in attendance as well as guest speakers from around the world.

We were fortunate to have three people from our team, Kathy Cottrell, Patricia Louie, and Pauline Hawkins, attend the conference and connect with a broader community of language advocates working in similar spaces in their own Communities. It was an incredible opportunity for our team to meet other individuals in this shared and sacred space of language revitalization.

SD87 Collaboration

On the ground in Dease Lake, the team continued to build our relationship with the Dease Lake School and local District.

June was a packed month for our team. Every year, we support the Dease Lake School graduating class by commissioning a Tahltan artist to design and make graduation stoles. The past two years, Tlingit/Tahltan artist Una Ann has created the stunning stoles. Each one is personalized for the graduate with their last names sewn on with an encouraging message in the language that they can carry with them in the future – wrapping themselves in the language so to speak. This year the language featured on the stoll read “Ede Gah Sadesdih” which translates to “I am proud of myself.”

Fall then always brings us back to the beginning of the school year and is an exciting time packed with on the land learning. This past year our team was able to support at the Cranberry harvest, the medicine harvest, and the beaver dam visit. For the harvesting fieldtrips, Hayle Gallup visited each classroom and delivered a language lesson pertaining to cranberries and caribou weeds. On a beaver dam visit, everyone was surprised to see that the beavers moved back to the habitat and began building a new dam. On this trip the group explored language associated with beavers; thanks to the new online dictionary, we were able to find more language for the topic than was expected.

Internal Collaboration

The Fisheries Department and the Tatl’ah Coordinator teamed up to enhance the school-based fish program. They organized a school-wide salmon dissection day involving all students. While high school students dissected salmon in the lab, elementary students participated in language activities led by Hayle Gallup.

A Tahltan legend known as “The Salmon Girl” story was shared with the students. After the story, the students received a salmon anatomy lesson in Tahltan. After this, the younger students were given laminated salmon with missing innards. They were tasked with placing the innards in the body of the salmon. It was an incredible opportunity to add language into the fisheries program within the school.

Tahltan Dancing Support

This group was supported by the Language and Culture and Heritage Departments. The Tahltan dance group morphed into a community group, and we continued to see a large turnout to practices. In June, we practiced twice a week to prepare for the first group performance for the Community. The group performed at the Dease Lake School end of year awards ceremony. In the Fall, there was a 4-day-long button blanket workshop with guidance from Community Elders and members leading the workshop. It was incredible to see so many Tahltans be given the tools to create their own regalia and participate in their culture.

K’asbā’e T’oh (Ptarmigan’s Nest) Language Nest

On November 14th, K’asbā’e T’oh (Ptarmigan’s Nest) Language Nest re-opened in Tatl’ah (Dease Lake). In the Fall, we hired a Language Nest Support Worker, Merissa Gallup to support Nest operations with Kathy Cottrell, Nest Manager. She brings a wealth of Early Childhood Education experience and education. The Elders who also support the Nest operations are amazed with her work ethic and her ability to pick up the language quickly. In a short amount of time, she has fostered positive working relationships with the Elders and other language staff.

With the Nest now open, we are witnessing the intergenerational transmission of knowledge, language, and culture and build the foundations for lifelong language learning with the little ones. This next year will comprise of adding to our Nest team to continue to support the demands of on-the ground programming. Our commitment is to support all team members with professional development opportunities in this space as well as language learning opportunities so they can develop and increase their language proficiency levels to better support the Nest children and being able to create and maintain an immersive setting in the language.

Culture & Heritage

Mariko Waite Acting Culture & Heritage Director

During these past couple of years, our Nation and communities have faced immense challenges, marked by the loss of many Tahltan members. It has been an incredibly tough time for all of us. Despite the darkness, we hold onto hope for brighter days ahead.

As our membership grows and our people scatter across the globe, we understand that loss is an inevitable part of our journey. We share this pain not only within our community but also with neighboring Nations who face similar struggles. Regardless of where they reside, every Tahltan loss deeply affects us all.

Many of our members return home to be laid to rest among loved ones, honoring their right to find peace in familiar surroundings. As community members, we stand united in the belief that home is where the heart finds solace.

Let us come together not just during significant events, but simply to connect, share stories, and strengthen our bonds. We do not need a special occasion to gather; indeed, every moment spent getting to know each other is precious.

This past year, significant strides were made by the Culture & Heritage Department in preserving and promoting the rich heritage and traditions of our community.

We established ourselves as a repository under the Heritage Conservation Act and continued processing records and materials in the archives. For the repository, we built out several key documents for the intake and processing of archaeological materials to TCG Archives and Repository. To date, fourteen archaeologists have listed us as the repository on their archaeological permit applications. For the archives, we arranged at a high level approximately 50% (~200 Bankers boxes) of the Legacy Collection into record groups and thematic categories. Through this process, we deaccessioned 15 Bankers boxes of materials that fall outside of the collections policy.

More recently, we have been supporting the Border Project by creating inventories and custodial histories for specific archival materials for review by the legal team and contracted research company. This includes land claims and treaty records, cartographic materials, research records from Cheona Holdings Ltd., and the Allen Edzerza accession (George Asp’s collection of records from his work with the AOUT and TTC).

Right: Bluebell Quock.

Support for the Border Project

We played a pivotal role in the Border Project by creating inventories and building out custodial histories for specific archival materials. These materials, which include land claims, treaty records, cartographic materials, and research records from various entities, are undergoing review by the Lands & Regulatory Affairs Department, our legal team, and a sub-contracted research company.

Future planned Community Engagement

The Culture & Heritage Department has a plethora of topics to address with the community, including access policies, reviewing cultural protocols and guidelines. It is crucial to deliberate on how cultural discussions are managed, ensuring inclusivity in decision-making regarding historical and current practices. Infusing spirit into conversations, schools, homes, protocols, and procedures is essential.

As we move forward, we remain dedicated to safeguarding our heritage, fostering cultural understanding, and promoting the well-being of our community. Together, we continue to honor our past, work towards enriching our present, and hopefully influence the shape of our future.

Elder Flights

Acknowledging the significance of elder knowledge, we maximized the use of funds efficiently. As of this year (2024), we have reached the last year of available funding, totaling $72,000.

Our 2023 focus included partnering with the Turnagin Land use and occupancy study interviews, conducting excursions, and prep planning for final reports. We look forward to hearing from our Elders and knowledge keepers on possible locations for visits this upcoming year. We are also working closely with our interview team on brushing up on more formalities for these interviews going forward.

Above: John Nole with company.

Cultural Initiatives

From heritage policy development to cultural competency, our department has been proactive. We have drafted content for cultural competency, with plans to develop a curriculum for industry review. Additionally, discussions are underway for ancestral remains policy review, cultural liaisons program, health approaches, culture camp locations, sewing & drum making opportunities, and more.

Arch Monitoring Program

The Tahltan Standard Archaeology Program was initiated in June 2023, with students joining our Arch team for training. This program not only supports archaeological work but also reinforces our people's connection to our land.

Below: Sandra Marion and Sheila Quash.

2024 Looking Ahead

Repatriation of archaeological artifacts: We have been communicating with several repositories within BC to establish an understanding of the inventory of Tahltan archaeology. We have had a few responses to date, and we look forward to presenting this information to the Nation in the future.

Further arch monitoring training: We aim to enhance awareness and adherence to Tahltan Archaeological standards. In 2023 and 2024, there was no collaboration with Tahltan businesses for archaeological monitoring. TCG's archaeological monitors have been trained by Cordillera's archaeologist team following the Tahltan Standards. While Tahltan Businesses and third-party environmental companies have access to the drafted standards, practical training has not been provided thus far. Our goal is to collaborate with them in the future to address this gap.

Culture Camp – Shesley/Cold Fish Lake: We are hoping to work with our sister entities (Iskut Band and Tahltan Band) to establish a date, budget and hopefully announce these opportunities as soon as possible.

Above: Left to right: Louise Carlick, Wayne Dennis and Betha Louie.

DEPARTMENT MESSAGE

Health & Wellness

Cassandra Puckett Health & Wellness Director

In December 2021, the Tahltan Central Government approved the creation of a TCG Health & Wellness Department. The process from proposal to fruition requires many conversations at the Board level, with additional time needed to determine operational approaches before being able to take the steps necessary for recruitment.

In October 2022, the TCG posted a job for the TCG Health & Wellness Director position on various platforms. Interviews were held in November, with the successful candidate announced in January 2023.

The primary focus for the inaugural year of the TCG Health & Wellness Department was to conduct a study to determine the department’s financial, political, social, and operational feasibility. Feasibility studies are typically undertaken to justify an investment in a project or initiative and to support any decision-making process moving forward. As such, the development of this department required a purposeful, strategic, and concise approach to determining if the department should exist, what it will look like, how it will operate, and identifying potential funding opportunities.

Onboarding and Orientation

Being appointed the inaugural TCG Health & Wellness Director is humbling and exhilarating. Taking on the responsibility of shaping the first TCG Health & Wellness Department is a significant undertaking. Although officially assuming the role in January 2023, it was imperative to ensure the seamless continuation of the Education Department’s initiatives, projects, and student applications until the arrival and onboarding of the new Education Director, Stacey Hanik.

The arrival of Stacey Hanik in late February 2023 brought immense excitement. Spending a week in March collaborating with Stacey for knowledge transmission, onboarding, and orientation within the Education department revealed her profound passion for education, which will undoubtedly enrich TCG and the entire Nation. Starting in April 2023, my focus shifted entirely to advancing health and wellness through the formation of the TCG Health & Wellness Department.

Tahltan Nation Health Document Review

Setting the foundation for any successful department needs to take a phased approach. Over the past year, the TCG Health & Wellness Department has been in its formative stage, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and comprehending historical data. This process is essential for developing a clear pathway that aligns with our Nation’s governance structure. Additionally, it involves leveraging opportunities arising from TCG’s partnerships with industry, health organizations, and service providers.

A vital component of the formation of the TCG Health & Wellness Department is to ensure all historical engagements, frameworks, and strategic plans are reviewed and used as foundational work moving forward. This is an important task that will ensure the TCG is asking different questions than what have been asked in previous engagement sessions. Honouring the words shared by the Nation and the solid work already published and documented is essential. As many Elders have shared, you need to know where you have been to see where you want to go.

The historical work done by the Tahltan Band, Iskut Band, and the 3 Nations regarding health and wellness is plentiful. From the 2012 Getting Our Voices Back –Tahltan Leadership Forum to more recent engagement activities, there have been many advances in health and wellness in Tahltan Territory. It is always important to thoroughly understand what has been shared in the past to see where we are in the present and to support the determination of the future direction of the TCG Health & Wellness Department.

2023/2024 Feasibility Study Key Findings

The Tahltan Central Government Health & Wellness Department conducted a feasibility study to assess the department’s financial, political, social, and operational viability. The study aimed to justify the investment in the department and determine its structure, functioning, and potential funding opportunities. The TCG Health & Wellness Department report builds upon the knowledge gained from previous gatherings and the efforts made over the past decade. It represents a collective commitment to advancing health and wellness rooted in Tahltan culture and values.

Key Findings:

1 The Tahltan Nations’ relationship with Governmental bodies is central to the department’s success. Leveraging government reports, recommendations, and legislation will allow strategic advocacy and utilization of political pressure to prioritize the health and wellness of our Nation at the highest decisionmaking levels.

2 A unified Tahltan Nation approach, including the Tahltan Band and Iskut Band, is crucial to developing and implementing a successful Health & Wellness Department. This includes the formation of the Health Advisory and the TCG to support nation-based programs and services.

4 The preservation of Tahltan culture, values, land, and language forms the foundation for health and wellness, which can be further enhanced through knowledge sharing and the pursuit of a holistic balance across physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects.

Above-Right: Culture Camp at Glenora. July 2023.

Opposite-Left: Kitsu at Fish Camp. July 2023.

3 Health and wellness, as envisioned by the Tahltan Nation, is a dynamic state in which individuals, families, and communities thrive through relationships and connectedness with each other and all of Creation.

Establishing the TCG Health & Wellness Department would be most effective if a strong emphasis is placed on aligning with UNDRIP, DRIPA, and the TRC Calls to Action and employing political pressure to prioritize the health and wellness of the Tahltan Nation. Additionally, the department is encouraged to concentrate on forging partnerships and establishing trust and communication across our governance structure and within health teams while focusing on nation-based initiatives.

Health and Wellness Engagement Activities

The past year has been a whirlwind of activity and travel, marked by participation in numerous health and wellness conferences, networking events, and immersion in various health initiatives at a Provincial level through engagement with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA). This exposure has provided invaluable insights into how the Tahltan Nation can collaborate with FNHA, FNHC, and FNHDA to ensure that our health priorities remain at the forefront and receive advocacy at the highest levels.

Through networking with other First Nations in British Columbia, it became evident that Tahltan Territory faces unique challenges compounded by factors such as remoteness, healthcare workforce recruitment and retention issues, and other variables that intensify the complexities of addressing healthcare concerns.

Consistently, whether in FNHA, FNHC, or FNHDA-sponsored meetings, discussions with Tahltan Elders, or gatherings like the AGA, a central theme emerged: the importance of grounding all efforts in culture. There was a notable emphasis on healing at multiple levels—individual, familial, community, and Nation. Fundamentally, the consensus was clear: where there is trauma, healing through culture and tradition serves as the foundation for progress.

Left: Culture Camp at Glenora. July 2023.

TCG Vision of Health and Wellness

Based on the past years’ engagement and research, the TCG Health & Wellness Department’s final report to the TCG Board of Directors focuses on systemically advancing the collective commitments in health and wellness to drive, accelerate, and support increased positive outcomes for the Tahltan Nation. The focus is on leveraging and advancing change across multiple organizations, partners, and sectors, including focusing on the ‘how’ while being driven by the Tahltan Nation. The Tahltan Band, Iskut Band, and the TCG have a shared role – that is, system-wide – in developing approaches that promote Tahltan ways of health.

Tahltan health and wellness will encompass a vision of striving for a holistic balance of physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional wellbeing of individuals, families, communities, and the Nation overall. Using an overarching social determinant of health perspective and acknowledging the political, social and cultural contexts influencing our health and wellness is central to developing this TCG Health & Wellness departmental framework.

In closing, my hope and intention are to work towards supporting improved health and wellness outcomes for Tahltans grounded in traditional ways of being, knowing, and doing. As Tahltan people, we inherently know what we need to be well and have what we need in our land and culture.

That is not to say that our Western medical system does not have a vital part to play in health; it means that by bringing forward the old ways, we can walk in partnership with the current health system to honour who we are as Tahltan people. As has been said, if we

do not make time for our health, we will be forced to make time for our illness. I am committed to building the TCG Health & Wellness Department that reflects who we are as Tahltan people and honouring our past while looking toward our future.

Above: Natalia Dennis and Cynthia Asp. Fish Camp. July 2023.

Below: Summer evening on the Stikine, downstream of Telegraph.

Opposite: Mudfight at Culture Camp.

Glenora, July 2023.

The Pathway Forward

As we look forward to 2024, I am delighted to share the department’s success in securing multiple grants totaling $223,715 dedicated to advancing our holistic approach to health and healing. Among the exciting initiatives ahead are:

THE 21-DAY RECOVERY PROGRAM

In partnership with Kehke Pathways to Wellness, we are orchestrating a comprehensive on-the-land program spanning three weeks. Participants will engage in seven days of immersive on-the-land activities, followed by two weeks of workshops and ongoing support to ensure their journey receives robust assistance.

GRIEF AND LOSS WORKSHOP

We are arranging for a specialist in grief and loss to visit the Territory, fostering capacity building and knowledge sharing to provide support during times of loss. Recognizing the significance of healing within our homes, this workshop underscores the importance

ELDERS’ HOUSING INITIATIVE

Ongoing discussions with BC Housing are progressing towards establishing an independent Elders’ lodge within our community. Our phased approach to Elder Care begins with a focus on independent living, laying the groundwork for future expansion into more comprehensive care options as we collaborate with healthcare stakeholders and cultivate expertise within the Territory to meet staffing demands.

TAHLTAN GOVERNANCE

Emphasizing a nation-based approach within our governance structure and as a unified Nation is paramount. I have always stressed the strength we possess when united, particularly in matters of health and wellness. Health is a collective effort, and fostering collaboration for a cohesive health strategy is crucial for initiating healing processes. Collaborating with the 3 Nations on a Regional Plan and developing a Nation-based health plan/framework tailored to our priorities while respecting individual community autonomy in healthcare delivery is imperative. Recognizing everyone’s unique healing journey necessitates openness, understanding, and mutual respect for differing approaches, which is vital for the health and wellness of the Tahltan Nation.

“Establishing the TCG Health & Wellness Department would be most effective if a strong emphasis is placed on aligning with UNDRIP, DRIPA, and the TRC Calls to Action and employing political pressure to prioritize the health and wellness of the Tahltan Nation.”

DEPARTMENT MESSAGE

Education & Training

Stacey Hanik

Education & Training Director

The Education & Training Department came into being on August 15, 2018. At the 2017 Tahltan Central Government (TCG) Annual General Meeting, a resolution was brought forth which stated the following:

That the TCG collaborate with the other shareholders (Tahltan Band & Iskut Band) of the Tahltan Heritage Trust to begin accessing the interest funds from the trust on an annual basis and utilize such funds annually to help support Tahltan students and trainees. The funds should be made available to anyone with Tahltan ancestry in pursuit of employment & training certificates, high school upgrading, post-secondary studies, trades programs and any other reasonable programs that help Tahltan members become meaningfully employed in the workforce.

A special education and training board, made up of representatives of all three government entities and other Tahltan members should be established to create proper policies. Amendment – add a three-year clause to revisit this resolution.

From this resolution, an Education Advisory Committee was created and is currently comprised of Ann Ball, Freda Campbell, Maureen Johnstone, and Norma Louie. The advisory committee formulated the Education & Training policies, in addition to creating the application forms for short-term training courses and post-secondary/trades programs.

To summarize, anyone of Tahltan ancestry can apply for funding for Short Term Certifications, for PostSecondary programs and Trades training. Each student is allowed a maximum of $5,000 per year for shortterm training certifications and $10,000 per academic year, from September 1st to August 31st, for postsecondary and trade programs.

To qualify for funding, an applicant must:

• Be of Tahltan ancestry

• Be a confirmed registered member of the TCG

• Be registered on the TCG OnTrack employment resource website

• Be in good financial standing with the TCG, the Tahltan Band and the Iskut Band (if applicable)

• Be applying for a program that aligns with the program eligibility requirements outlined in the policy

Our department underwent significant transformation last year, with the addition of a new Director and Coordinator. This transition presented us with numerous challenges and learning opportunities. Consequently, our efforts have been primarily directed towards familiarizing ourselves with the department’s policies and procedures. Our aim has been to gain a comprehensive understanding of the department, recognize its strengths, pinpoint areas requiring improvement, and adapt where necessary.

The initial area we pinpointed for improvement was the necessity for a more hands-on, personalized approach. Our vision for this department extends beyond merely providing funding; rather, we aspire to provide a genuine source of support to our members. Considering this, we reinstated transcript requirements. While this had always been a prerequisite, it had been overlooked in recent years. Its reintroduction enables the Education & Training Department to provide better support to our members by enabling us to monitor our students more closely and to identify instances of struggle, while also reintroducing a crucial element of accountability that had been absent.

Furthermore, we introduced monthly check-in emails. These emails go beyond financial matters, encouraging open dialogue with our students. They demonstrate our commitment to listening and supporting them, underscoring our genuine concern for their progress and success. The success of this initiative is evident in the overwhelmingly positive response received from many students.

In February, we launched monthly Q&A Education sessions. As the deadlines for education applications for the 2024/2025 school year approach for the Iskut Band, the Tahltan Band and the TCG, we have recognized a common struggle among students and parents; namely, the overwhelming nature of the application process and a lack of clarity regarding available funds and administrative responsibilities. Our aim with these sessions is to mitigate this confusion.

While the above-mentioned changes may seem minor individually, collectively they contribute to our primary goal of fostering stronger and more successful students. Our commitment to their well-being and future success remains unwavering. This focus will not only persist but also expand through ongoing support and the introduction of new initiatives.

Above: Youth Trip: 2023 Tahltan Exploration Industry Training.

TCG Education & Training Student Funding

As we assess our sponsorships this year, we have noticed a decrease in the number of students we support. While we cannot definitively attribute this decline to any single factor, we suspect that it may be partly due to a higher number of students graduating last year. Additionally, the ongoing decline in the youth population over the years suggests that this trend may continue in the future. This leads us to question why our sponsorship numbers are down while sponsorship funds have increased. As witnessed Nationwide, the cost of living has risen significantly, encompassing everything from gas and food to rent. Naturally, course costs and tuition fees are no exception to this trend.

2023/2024 STUDENT FUNDING RECIPIENT BREAKDOWN

This year represents a milestone as we have distributed the highest amount of bursary funds in our history.

As of now, three out of the five listed bursaries below have been awarded, benefiting a total of 85 students. This achievement underscores the strength of our relationships with industry partners, enabling us to provide vital support to our students. These funds alleviate financial burdens, allowing students to concentrate on their studies, ultimately enhancing their educational success.

We are grateful to have the following contributions:

2023/2024 BURSARY CONTRIBUTIONS

The Tahltan Central Government (TCG), together with the generous support of our business partners, continue to offer academic bursaries to Tahltan students pursuing post-secondary education, trades and skill development bursaries. The TCG has been administering bursaries since the inception of the Education & Training Department in 2018.

To be eligible for a bursary, an applicant must be of Tahltan ancestry and a member of the TCG. Students do not have to be a registered status Indian under the Indian Act.

Students can be from anywhere, studying anywhere in Canada and in any accredited post-secondary institution or trade school.

Right: Syliss Inkster.

2023 Wrangler Training

In July, we had the privilege of co-hosting (alongside the Tourism Department) another training session, which was the first of its kind. Thanks to the tremendous success of the youth Nashville trip, Miller’s Outdoors Ltd. graciously donated a special Wrangler Training session exclusively for the youth of the Tahltan Nation.

On July 16th, nine Tahltan participants embarked on a journey to Prince George for an enriching Wrangler Training program. Over the course of six days, they acquired fundamental horse skills, learned about saddling, horse trimming, shoeing, gained proficiency in packing and tying diamonds, hauling awkward loads on pack horses, mastered skinning and caping techniques, received an overview of chainsaw operation, and honed their abilities in tent camp setup and outdoor cooking. The week concluded with a fun evening, featuring a dinner and a friendly competition among the students. Congratulations to Malakai and Frank, who earned the well-deserved bragging rights!

The event offered students a remarkable opportunity to not only acquire essential skills but also to understand the profound historical legacy of our people within this industry. As someone who has roots deeply intertwined with this field, I continue to draw upon the knowledge and tools I gained from similar experiences in my everyday life.

Left: Frank Tashoots and Syliss Inkster.

Below: Camp participants.

Far-Left: Richard Louie and son Lucious Tashoots.

Left: Malakai Day.

Above: Telegraph Creek.

Right: (Top): Anthony Gushlack, Nathan, Shane, Stacey, Drill Operators, Michelle, Trisha, Shea, Terri, Mark the Driller and Keanu.

Right: Keanu walking to the archeological site.

Middle-Right: Mark detailing rock samples – Nathan, Michelle, Terri, Shea and Trisha.

Below: Checking out the museum in Telegraph Creek – Michelle.

2023 Tahltan Exploration Industry Training

In June of 2023, the Tahltan Central Government Education & Training Department proudly hosted our second annual Tahltan Exploration Industry Training Initiative, marking another successful venture into fostering knowledge and expertise within the mining sector.

Welcoming a diverse cohort of eight attendees, many of whom had never set foot in the Territory, the event provided a unique opportunity for immersive learning and hands-on experience. Throughout the program, participants engaged in a series of activities, including core cutting sessions led by Galore Creek representatives Jessica and Christy, pad building facilitated by Julien from Norad Logistics, and in-person drilling and sampling demonstrations guided by Mark from Tahltech, renowned for his unparalleled enthusiasm and commitment to safety.

Additionally, the itinerary featured insightful tours of key industry sites, including the Red Chris Mine truck shop, administrative office, warehouse, and the Tahltan Nation Development Corporation yard, complemented by an illuminating underground tour courtesy of Barminco.

Beyond the confines of the mine, attendees embarked on an exploration of Telegraph Creek, immersing themselves in the local culture with visits to the museum, fish camp, and the archaeology site at Lavabeds, culminating in a memorable lunch at Tahltan. As the program ended, it was evident that all participants had not only enjoyed themselves immensely but had also gained invaluable knowledge and skills that will undoubtedly propel their careers in the exploration industry forward.

As we reflect on the growth and impact of this program year after year, it is essential to acknowledge that its success would not be possible without the steadfast support of our industry partners.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have contributed to making this event a reality.

A special recognition goes to Newmont, whose invaluable support and collaboration have been instrumental in our journey towards success.

Thank you to all our partners for their unwavering commitment and dedication to advancing education and training in the exploration industry.

Above: Terri, Shea, Anthony, Stacey, Michelle, Kievan.

Tahltan Central Government Partnership Initiatives

Contact North BC (CNBC)

Currently, Contact North is undergoing some changes within their operating structure. We continue to foster this relationship with the support of the currently posted position of Regional Learning Opportunities Coordinator (RLOC).

This position is integral to the overall success of the CNBC project, as this person oversees all three of our communities and provides support and supervision to each Community Learning Opportunities Guide (CLOG) within their respective regions.

The Education & Training Department, in collaboration with the Dease Lake Community Department acknowledge the importance of this role and thus determining the support vital to the overall success of this relationship.

For those who may not be familiar with the specifics of this relationship, here is a concise overview:

• The Province of BC invested approximately $1.5 million for a three-year Contact North BC (CNBC) project to offer programs and services across the traditional territories of the Haida, Nisga’a, Gitxsan, Wet’suwet’en, Tsimshian, Haisla and Tahltan Nations.

• The TCG and CNBC relationship has expanded education and training opportunities for Dease Lake, Iskut and Telegraph Creek students.

• Students can access any course offered online by BC public colleges and universities while accessing face-to-face and online support close to home through the community-based learning centres.

All three communities of the Tahltan Nation have collectively committed to participating in this project, designating suitable spaces to host CNBC. CNBC has furnished these spaces with all necessary equipment, including computers, wireless internet, and student support. Moreover, CNBC has pledged its support to the Tahltan Nation for programs such as the TNDC HEO program and various TCG initiatives.

Since its inception in the communities, Contact North BC has supported the following:

• 586 Course registrations from the three communities

» Of the 586 course registrations, 180 of the course registrations were at the post-secondary level

» The programming included courses from 12 different BC publicly funded post-secondary colleges/universities

• The courses/programs represent 260 unique individual students supported

British Columbia Emergency Health Services (BCEHS)

Through collaboration with Contact North, the Tahltan Band and the Iskut Band, we have joined forces with BCEHS to secure resources and funding for Emergency Medical Responder training within the Territory. The presence of only one ambulance driver underscores the critical importance of supporting this capacity without delay.

This collaboration was instrumental in facilitating the successful licensing of three Emergency Medical Responders in Territory. We extend our sincere gratitude to the BCEHS Foundation for their sponsorship and commend the tireless efforts of Caitlin Nicholson, without whom this achievement would not have been possible.

Our objective is to sustain this partnership and explore innovative avenues to train more community members in emergency response protocols.

Left: Telegraph Road (The Bird).

2024 Priorities

Moving forward, we aim to forge a strong relationship with the Dease Lake school and enhance interaction with high school students, fostering engagement and providing valuable educational support. Concurrently, we are committed to developing and implementing an entrepreneurial program, empowering our nation members with the skills and mindset necessary for success in the modern economy. Additionally, we recognize the importance of continually refining our education sponsorship application process to ensure it is robust and efficient. Moreover, our dedication extends to maintaining and updating our policies to reflect evolving needs and standards, enabling us to support students to the best of our ability and uphold excellence in education.

The Education & Training Department offers an endless fountain of possibilities in the Nation. As we continue to learn and progress in this department, our goals are simple –to support and maintain the growth and capacity of our Nation. We will continue to make this department strong and supportive and promise to give our students 110%.

Right: Trainer detailing sample sizes

– Keanu, Terri, and Shea.

DEPARTMENT MESSAGE

Employment & Business

Highlights

• The Tahltan Business Policy – Approved in March 2023, this policy serves as a guiding framework for business activities. The inaugural Tahltan Business Forum in March 2024, held in Smithers, provided a platform for 28 Tahltan businesses to showcase their services to TNDC, partners, and industry stakeholders.

• Title and Rights – In efforts to prioritize title and rights, as a union for the Red Chris mine nears completion, our department has been prioritizing our title and rights and our the importance of upholding the commitments in our Indigenous Business and Community Agreement (IBCA). We look forward to incorporating land acknowledgements into future collaboration agreements. This commitment underscores the significance of Indigenous rights in business partnerships.

OnTrack – A significant enhancement was made to the OnTrack platform in July 2023. The revamp included the introduction of a feature that enables users to upload their PDF resumes, while the essential skills portion was removed. Our department collaborates closely with the Membership & Genealogy department to facilitate proper registration of Tahltans with OnTrack and TCG membership approval; indeed, our department ensures seamless integration of Tahltans into the registration process for enhanced organizational support.

Our department actively promotes and advocates for Tahltan businesses within the Mining and Exploration industry; including, strengthening relationships with Mining and Exploration companies to foster business opportunities for Tahltan entrepreneurs. In addition, we provide advocacy for Tahltan employees who seek assistance, ensuring confidentiality and support in their interactions with industry partners and unions –our department handled 15 cases this year and 5 last year, maintaining the highest level of confidentiality and professionalism.

The Employment & Business Department works closely with the Education & Training Department to develop and implement specific training programs; including preparing Tahltan members for upcoming exploration field seasons, enhancing skill sets and readiness for industry demands.

“We look forward to incorporating land acknowledgements into future collaboration agreements. This commitment underscores the significance of Indigenous rights in business partnerships.”

OnTrack

OnTrack is fully owned by the TCG and is in partnership with the Essential Skills Group to be the Tahltans employment database, the Tahltan HR database.

We acknowledge your feedback and have implemented the following modifications to provide you with an optimized and streamlined process for applying to job postings that align with your preferences, ensuring maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

The revisions are as follows:

1 All references to assessments and assessment scores for members have been removed.

2 Members can upload their own resumes as well as leave the employment history resume if they do not have their own resume to replace it.

3 Members can search for job postings by employer and position.

4 Members can add certifications that are not currently listed. The added certifications will be displayed on the resumes generated by the platform, but not with your uploaded resume.

5 Member user guide will be updated to reflect upgrades to the OnTrack platform.

See “Tahltan OnTrack” on Page 93 for more information

Visit ontrack.tahltan.org to watch Tahltan success stories, discover opportunities and identify essential skills

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!

Discover your perfect career

Now the Community and Environment Coordinator at Red Chris Mine, Chantel Quock began her career as a summer student, working as an entry level assistant with Galore Creek She began her studies with funding from the Tahltan Central Government and the Tahltan Band, then won scholarships from Red Chris While working full time, Chantel took courses online and earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Practice from Royal Roads University

View this and other success stories at: ontrack.tahltan.org

HARDWIRED FOR SUCCESS

Tahltans have always known that we have a unique skill set and problem-solving is in our blood. Tahltans who work in resource development know that these skills are transferable to the workplace. The resource development industry needs workers with a vested interest in their projects. OnTrack showcases our skills and connects Tahltan job-seekers with opportunities.

IN CONTROL OF YOUR FUTURE

By creating your own profile in the OnTrack database, Tahltans are able to create a resume and connect with Tahltan-exclusive employment opportunities. After completing an essential skills assessment, you will automatically be notified of new jobs that match your career interests and essential skills.

GET ON TRACK

Learn about the jobs you qualify for, regardless of formal education. Tahltan members can earn certification and qualifications for their skills, identify opportunities for education and training, and follow career building paths.

Membership& Genealogy

BY-ELECTIONS

Dekama / Quock 2023

Shannon Frank Information & Membership Director

October 18, 2023: Nominations closed with Freda Campbell being the only candidate and winning the position by acclimation of Quock (Dekama) Family Representative.

Thud ga 2023 By-election

October 18, 2023: Nominations closed with three candidates Emma Carlick, Dayle Creyke, and Hayle Gallup. The election ended with Dayle Creyke winning the position of Thud ga Family Representative.

President 2024

May 26, 2024: Nominations closed with three candidates Oscar Dennis Sr, Rick McLean, and Beverly Slater. The election concluded on May 26th at 5pm pst with Beverly Slater elected into the position of President.

Membership Update Campaign

We are consistently updating our membership year-round however, with the upcoming by-election for President we ran a membership update campaign in addition to our regular efforts. Our incentive for updating was a chance to win an iPhone 15 Pro, incentivizing our membership paid off with hundreds of updates pouring in. Charlie Callbreath of Terrace BC was the lucky winner, congratulations Charlie. Please keep an eye out for future opportunities to win great prizes by staying updated with TCG.

A Call to Update

Scan the QR code to update your contact information so we can best inform you about elections, IBAs, employment, training, scholarships, and other critical information for you and your family.

The Membership Department is small with myself and Darcie Louie working for us ½ time. Darcie is an incredibly valuable to the department with great work ethic, people skills, and drive. Shirley Nehass-Lindstrom is our TCG Receptionist / Administration Assistant and all though not an official part of the Membership Department she is appreciated member of the TCG team supporting all our activities. Meduh, Darcie and Shirley, for your amazing work and continued diligence.

Highlights

ARCHIVE DEPARTMENT COLLABORATION

In cooperation with the Archive Department, we have been working to streamline operations with significant overlap between Archives and Membership. Both Departments share space in Dease Lake and since the Fall have committed to meeting regularly to push through initiatives and support each other to accomplish overarching departmental goals.

DATABASE

We upgraded our membership database platform and migrated the data to the updated system, we continue to work toward a comprehensive rebuild of the system as our needs evolve.

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT

We remain supportive of all TCG Departments, Tahltan Membership at large, Board Members, Iskut & Tahltan Bands, Affiliates, and Partners by providing information for a variety of information requests such as.

Membership: confirmation letters, confirmation for preferential hiring and education, demographics, statistics, contact information, quarterly elder reports, and projections.

While collaborating, researching, planning, and executing events on a multitude of projects and initiatives across our organization and supporting comparable projects with our affiliates and partners.

We have also been conducting interviews with knowledge keepers to further bolster our research and evidence collection.

BRANDING

Working with the Communications Department to procure, purchase, and manage equipment, technical gear, and swag for the team and community events.

Digital Records

Records in the system: Active Membership:

Records examined in the last year: approx. approx.

TAHLTAN MEMBERSHIP DEMOGRAPHICS

6,000 3,983 1,500 7,28 3,983

Tahltans out of Territory: Tahltans in Territory:

Total: = 10 Tahltans 3,255

TAHLTAN DEMOGRAPHICS BY AGE

2,738

423

2024 Looking Ahead

Membership is continuing to develop more comprehensive and accessible tools for membership to manage our nations vital statistic information as well as contact update information, name changes, births, and deaths.

Use the QR codes below to access our Memberships digital forms:

Not yet registered as a Tahltan member or Associate?

Need to update your information?

2025 EXECUTIVE AND BOARD OF DIRECTOR ELECTIONS

Preparations for the 2025 Full TCG Governmental election have begun, with this election taking place summer of 2025.

It is important to note that the voter list is delivered to our elections management company 2 months prior to the vote.

Do not wait until the last minute to update, stay current and ensure your ability to vote in next years election.

Continued support of all TCG Departments, TCG Board, Iskut & Tahltan Bands, Tahltan Membership, Social Cultural Working Group, Tahltan Nation Development Corporation, Newmont: Red Chris & Brucejack, 3 Nations, and Emergency Management Committee.

Elder Mona Carpentier. Whitehorse. October 2023.

Multimedia

Adam Amir Multimedia Director

The Multimedia Department documents events, stories, and issues important to the Tahltan Nation. We support TCG initiatives by producing various multimedia,particularly videos; by gathering knowledge and recording knowledge collection; and by building a library of content. We search out and chase down multimedia about Tahltan and Tahltan Territory too. We maintain a comprehensive audio-visual production kit and the skills to use it, along with a catalogue and archive of multimedia.

You see our work in the newsletters and reports like this, across TCG’s website and social media, in presentations and in the press. We provide multimedia and creative guidance for TCG's physical and digital deliverables and assist with community engagements via coverage, participation, and tech support.

Since our launch in 2021, we have developed a vision and strategy for the department, a production kit and system, and a library of hard drives, all while managing multiple multimedia projects at various stages of production. We now aim to draw upon the library and archive to create legacy pieces, returning our research and knowledge collection to membership. We’re also exploring new ways of creating and collecting content, documenting stories, and profiling people, the land, and our moment in time. We’re seeding cameras with kids and colleagues, offering entry-level tools and training to youth, collecting cellphone clips and commissioning musicians, illustrators, and artists, all to feed into greater

projects, seeking the kaleidoscopic view necessary to depict a nation.

We have launched projects with partners too. At the time of writing, we’re developing projects with celebrated wildlife camera-trapper and photographer Peter Mather, discussing story angles with Mesilinka, an award-winning Indigenous production company producing a documentary for the Knowledge Network, and teaming up with Biodiversity Pathways, a research consortium, for the wildlife summit this May.

Over just two weeks last month (March 2024), we had two production companies and a professional photographer shooting wildlife stories in Territory. As Tahltan stories, wildlife, and land draw ever more interest and attention, we are working with the Departments of Culture & Heritage, Communications & External Relations, Lands, and Tourism to develop a Media Policy as well.

From April 1, 2023 to April 1, 2024, we covered a variety of subjects across Tahltan Territory and beyond.

These included:

Ȗ Youth Training Trip

Ȗ Language Gathering at the Klappan Turnoff

Ȗ Pleasant Camp

Ȗ Lands Engagements in each community

Ȗ Wrangler Training

Ȗ Land Use Study flights: Turnagain

Ȗ Elders and Knowledge Collection Flight: Metzantan

Ȗ Elder Interviews (Dease Lake)

Ȗ Cultural Safety shoot: Lower Stikine, Lower Iskut, Great Glacier

Ȗ Stikine Museum interviews

Ȗ Cultural Safety shoot: Edziza

Ȗ Archeology Training

Ȗ Elders and Knowledge Collection Flight: Klappan and Cold Fish

Ȗ Tahltan Lake dam rebuild and archaeology

Ȗ Grassy Lakes archaeology scout

Ȗ Annual General Assembly

Ȗ Fish Camp

Ȗ Elder Interviews (Fish Camp)

Ȗ Fisheries Sampling

Ȗ Culture + Literacy Camp

Ȗ TSI Youth Rep knowledge collection (Fish Camp)

Ȗ Late summer in Klappan (Didene to Spencer Flats + beyond)

Ȗ Truth and Reconciliation Day Orange Shirt hand out (Coordinator training)

Ȗ Eva Callbreath fieldnotes acquisition interview

Ȗ Dictionary Launch, Truth and Reconciliation Day

Ȗ Elder interviews (Telegraph)

Ȗ Northern Indigenous Lodge Network project, feasibility visit, Destination Canada

Ȗ Elders Council meetings and engagements with the Lands Deptartment

Ȗ Fall sus (black bear) harvest

Ȗ Elder Flight: Stingy Mountain

Ȗ Section 7 Signing

Ȗ BC Cabinet and First Nations Leadership Gathering

Ȗ Roundup: Leadership meetings with industry, Youth visit

Ȗ Tahltan Night Reception

Ȗ Land stewardship planning methodologies interview

Ȗ Guardians Predator Management: Trapping

Ȗ Wildlife camera trap training

Ȗ Business Forum (Smithers)

Ȗ Tahltan startup business profile

Ȗ All Native Hockey Tournament (by Lori Stang)

Some of this coverage resulted in multimedia profiling an initiative, others in multimedia packages for presentations and reports Some will support greater projects or other needs later All enter our multimedia archive and content library as a record and resource for future use

Along with coverage, we create multimedia for events, such as the Student Funding testimonials video for the Annual General Assembly, a second dictionary work video for the Dictionary Launch on Truth and Reconciliation Day, and backdrops for major events, such as the Section 7 Signing, Tahltan Night reception, and more.

After capturing multimedia, we must manage it. In addition to the assets we produce, from photos and video clips to digitized old media, we assist other departments with media management. We collect and back up drone and camera trap memory cards from Fisheries technicians and the Guardians, phone photos and clips from staff and partners, and all variety of media.

We also search out any multimedia regarding Tahltan and Tahltan Territory. To date, we have collected materials in all sorts of media: archival articles and maps, books, brochures, cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, Hi8, MiniDV, VHS. We’ve worked from slides and negatives and photo albums, cabin walls and phone feeds. We dig online and in used bookstores, university libraries and casual conservation, asking where that photo came from, where similar photos might be?

Below: Tahltan Lake.

Once we have found materials, we take care digitizing them, ensuring preservation of the original while creating digital copies. The next step is coordinating catalogues with the Department of Culture & Heritage’s Archives, with the aim of making the collected media searchable and shareable with membership at large. Our goal is to ensure present, and futures generations can access and learn from all these materials regarding the Nation and Territory.

We are always researching, searching and collecting. We welcome anything you would like to send along, from a book title to an old newspaper clipping (or photocopy) to a link.

What’s Coming?

PARTNERSHIPS: PETER MATHER

Peter is a photographer and filmmaker from Whitehorse, who has spent decades following caribou, bears, wolverines and the people of the North. His photography has been published in National Geographic, Canadian Geographic, the New York Times, and Smithsonian Magazine, among others. Peter spent decades working with the Gwich’in and helping them fight to protect the calving grounds of the Porcupine caribou herd. Over the past three years, he’s worked on stories about salmon, bears and the Champagne-Aishihik residents of Klukshu in Southern Yukon. In Whitehorse, he coached young Tahltan soccer players.

Peter is represented by National Geographic Image Collection and Minden Images. He is a Panasonic Lumix global ambassador and a fellow with the International League of Conservation Photographers. Last year, he produced the internationally awarded documentary, “Kings of the North.”

The Last of

This year, he came down to visit on the invitation of the Wildlife Department, to provide us a collection of camera traps and train our departments in using them. He was so struck by the nature, stories, and community here, he’s asked if we’d like to partner on projects going forward. We’re planning long-term camera trapping with the Guardians, especially on wolves, and a profile of Tahltan Lake. We’re developing ideas around chinook and caribou projects as well, even groundhogs too! Send dreams or ideas.

Peter’s among the most-talented camera trappers alive; we’ve been fans for a long time. He’s also agreed to share his work with us, adding to our content library, helping us build at the highest level. He is excited to contribute to the book as well, and to coordinate projects aligned with it.

For his introduction here in the Annual Report, Peter shared a few photos from previous projects in the Yukon as well as a few from his first fieldtrip working with us, training us and the Guardians in camera trapping and scouting out project ideas.

Above:

the Yukon River Salmon. Photo taken by Peter Mather, off terriroty.

Preserving Our Tahltan Culture

We are happy to help members interested in sharing their personal photos and videos as well. We invite any members with Tahltan culture, events, family, music, and other moments of the Nation’s history captured on old media (e.g., slides, film, photos, cassettes, VHS, CDs, DV tapes, DVDs) to contact us. We can support digitization and very much hope to include this sort of thing—the Tahltan Nation as documented by Tahltan–in the growing library of multimedia. We are establishing protocols around permission, terms of use and levels of access as well.

We also invite members with stories, histories, memories, culture, lifeways, or places they are interested in sharing, to contact us. We are happy to co-create videos, photo essays or other creative projects together.

We need help describing all we are collecting too, especially naming people in old photos, films, and videos.

Tourism

DEPARTMENT MESSAGE

Alex Buri Tourism Director

Last year, we took significant strides in developing and investing in tourismrelated assets within Tahltan Territory, aiming to align these developments with the Nation’s broader goals of selfdetermination, cultural visibility, and asserting Tahltan presence throughout the Territory.

Building upon our past initiatives, we’ve delved into strategic conversations about economic diversification and the infrastructures necessary to support such ambitions. These discussions encompass the role of ecotourism, the impact of diverse investments on our economy, and how these endeavours relate to the economic objectives of TNDC. We’ve questioned the priorities driving our investments beyond profitability—emphasizing Tahltan ownership, land use, and visibility of Tahltan rights and title, and managing the flow of visitors to our Territory. These conversations lay the groundwork for capitalizing on future opportunities, driven by the increasing global interest in Indigenous tourism experiences.

Tourism

Major Initiatives

Northway Acquisition under New Economic Entities

The acquisition of Northway Motor Inn, finalized after a year of negotiations and due diligence. This strategic move not only enhances Tahltan presence but also secures control over essential services within Tahltan Territory. The creation of new economic structures was pivotal in facilitating this acquisition, ensuring TCG’s nonprofit status remained intact while segregating governance from business operations. The new board of directors, independent from TCG, are now steering Northway’s day-to-day operations. This acquisition was financed through the economic diversification funds secured via the Shared Prosperity Agreement.

Northway itself has been a cornerstone in the region since the early 1980s. As the only major accommodation along a 650 km stretch of highway between Stewart and Watson Lake, it provides essential services to a vast area. The hotel has historically been vital for hosting Elders, members, and partners of the Nation, as well as playing a key role in emergency management.

The Tourism Department, with the support of our legal and accounting teams, was responsible for leading the due diligence, negotiations, purchase execution, creation of the new economic entities, transition to new ownership, and the interim management of the hotel as we seek to build a new management team to lead the growth of the hotel’s operations.

Below: Northway staff.

Tāłtān Signage Project

Launched in March 2023 and scheduled for completion in December 2025, the Tāłtān Signage Project represents a collaborative effort between multiple TCG departments to enhance the visibility of Tāłtān language, culture, and significant cultural sites across the Territory. With a $1M grant from the BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, this initiative has advanced through initial planning, inventory, and communications stages with key stakeholders, building upon the work already completed by past signage projects.

Community input on where such signs should be located and what types of signs should be prioritized will play a critical role in ensuring the project’s success, alongside determining the stories and information these signs will convey. This process underscores the project’s dedication to not just enhancing site visibility but also serving as an educational resource and source of pride for the Nation.

Key Highlights:

• Funded by a $1M grant from the BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.

• Aims to strengthen the visibility of Tāłtān cultural sites across the Territory.

• Comprehensive inventory and GIS mapping of existing signage completed.

Community engagement sessions to be planned for establishing priorities around signage content and placement, emphasizing Tāłtān language and heritage.

• Ongoing collaboration with local bands and key stakeholders to ensure alignment with community values and visitor management considerations.

Northern Indigenous Lodge Network

A new initiative this year was the Northern Indigenous Lodge Network project, a collaborative effort between TCG, the Yukon, and the Northwest Territories to explore the potential of an Indigenous-led lodging network. This initiative holds promise not only for enhancing tourism and addressing accommodation shortages but also for broader community benefits, such as hosting gatherings and youth initiatives, depending on what we wish our priorities should be for such a development.

The network was conceived to tap into the growing demand for authentic Indigenous tourism experiences, with a $250,000 grant from Destination Canada to support a feasibility study. This study explored the viability of creating a network of lodges that are not only Indigenous owned but also deeply ingrained in the unique cultural heritage of each community or region involved.

The collaboration between the Yukon, NWT, and TCG highlights the importance of regional partnerships to better operationalize and market Indigenous tourism, leveraging the global demand for Indigenous tourism to foster community development and revenue generation. Key components of the project include extensive stakeholder and rightsholder engagement, market studies, and global case studies of similar lodging network models to ensure a viable business model that aligns with community aspirations.

At this stage, TCG has only committed to being part of the feasibility study which we will assess to determine whether we wish to continue with this project. The next steps, should we wish to pursue them, would be the development of a site-specific business plan in conjunction with community engagement and approval, and then sourcing funding before moving into development. The project’s success will depend on community support and buy-in, and if there is an appetite for such a project.

Right: Telegraph Road (The Bird).

Key findings from this past year’s feasibility study include:

• GLOBAL DEMAND AND MARKET SHORTAGE: There is a global demand for authentic Indigenous tourism experiences and a significant shortage of such market-ready experiences – and a significant shortage of guest accommodations in our northern region –highlighting a unique opportunity for this project.

• COMMUNITY BENEFITS: To be successful, such a project should be tailored to each Nation’s or community’s unique priorities, promising economic, social, and cultural benefits for the local communities.

• ECONOMIC VIABILITY: The project has the potential to tap into the significant revenue stream from the global demand for Indigenous experiences, underpinning its economic viability.

SUPPORTIVE NETWORK FOR OPERATIONS:

To support the operation of these lodges, a network offering centralized booking, consistent standards, training, and marketing support was proposed. This model facilitates operational efficiency and enhances the appeal of these lodges to tourists.

• PHASED DEVELOPMENT APPROACH: Recognizing the varying readiness levels of communities, the project advocates for prioritizing development in communities that are prepared, with a phased approach for others. This strategy ensures a tailored and sustainable development path for each community involved and can serve as a model for future Indigenous communities that wish to join the network.

Looking Ahead

The key focus for the year ahead will be ensuring the successful transition of the Northway under new ownership and setting the hotel, the new economic entities, and the new management up for success. At the same time, the Tourism Department will continue to refine its strategic goals with the TCG Board and the Nation when it comes to economic diversification and what role, exactly, tourism development can play in its long-term future.

Dease Lake Community

Christina Callbreath

Dease Lake

Community Director

In 2023, we enjoyed a fantastic year filled with fun and memorable activities. I organized crafting sessions, outdoor excursions, skill-building opportunities, and more. Our meeting room was busy hosting crafting sessions, movie nights, meetings, and Elder luncheons. Additionally, the gym remained popular among Dease Lake residents, with 2234 visits recorded last year.

In sourcing activity ideas for Dease Lake, I regularly consult feedback obtained from community meetings. I am keen on partnering with community members and collaborators who can contribute their expertise. If you have activity suggestions or interests you wish to explore, feel free to reach out for a discussion. Together, we can endeavor to organize and implement them where feasible.

2023 Accomplishments and Highlights:

Ȗ Elder Lunches

Ȗ Tahltan Dancer Hobiyee Trip

Ȗ Winter Cultural Festival and Dease Daze with Tsema Igharas TWILD

Ȗ Mother’s Day luncheon

Ȗ Ballet classes w . Jen Wonder

Ȗ Movie nights

Ȗ Easter coloring contest

Ȗ Purchase of art supplies for Dease Lake School Youth Counselor

Ȗ First Pride Walk and BBQ with People’s Haven

Ȗ Aboriginal Day w People’s Haven

Ȗ Graduation trip to Ecuador

Ȗ Fly Fishing course with Elliot Brown

Ȗ Peach canning

Ȗ Traditional Medicine gathering with Fannie Lindstrom

Ȗ Beaded Pop Sockets w Stephanie Asp

Ȗ Going M I .L .E S Youth Conference with Tahltan Band

Ȗ Essential Oil class w Dana Caljouw

Ȗ Youth and Adult paint classes

Ȗ Fencing with Naia Pennington

Ȗ Halloween Dance with School District 87

Ȗ Healthy Living Leader Training

Ȗ Ladies Christmas Tea

Ȗ Winter Ball

Ȗ Youth Cooking lessons

I have successfully secured several grants that have been crucial in funding programming and learning opportunities. Some of the funding I have obtained includes:

First People’s Cultural Council – $16,648

• Friday Night Arts and Crafts: Octopus bags, tus’la sewing bags, rattle making, drawing and painting Tahltan shapes, beaded knife sheaths, canvas hunting packs with Penny Louie and Carmen Dennis, Orange Shirt Day wreaths, yoke/vest workshop with Una Ann Moyer

BC Parks and Recreation

– Family Day Grant $1000

• Family Day Sliding Party

ISPARC – Rise Equipment Grant $5000

• Baseball equipment for community

• T-Ball Tuesday equipment and supplies

• Field maintenance

Sparc BC – Welcome Home Kit Grant $5000

• Welcome Home Kits

2024 ISPARC – Healthy Living Leader Grant $1000

• 8 pairs of snowshoes

2024 ISPARC – Equipment Grant $1759

• Floor hockey equipment

2024 BC Parks and Recreation – Family Day Grant $1000

• Family Day Sliding Party

In the upcoming year, I plan to pursue additional grant opportunities to further enhance our offerings in art, crafting, and various activities. I am excited to engage with all participants and attendees in these planned events. Stay informed by looking out for posters and online updates that I will be sharing regularly.

Above: Elders Luncheon.

Staff & Contacts

# DEPARTMENTS/TITLES

Executive

1 President

2 Vice President

3 Secretary Treasurer

Board of Directors

1 Cawtoonma Family Rep.

2 Eth’eni Family Rep.

3 Etzenlee Family Rep.

4 Good-za-ma Family Rep.

5 Quock (Dekama) Family Rep.

6 Shoe-Kawk/Howd-A-Ghtte (Shukak) Family Rep.

7 Simgaldtada (Ts'imgalt‘ēde) Family Rep.

8 Stikine Claw/Thicke Family Rep.

9 Thud ga Family Rep.

10 Carlick Family Rep.

Administration/Staff

Beverly Slater president@tahltan.org

Heather Hawkins vicepresident@tahltan.org

Sandra Marion secretarytreasurer@tahltan.org

Curtis Rattray cawtoonma@tahltan.org

Lily Belhumeur etheni@tahltan.org

David Rattray etzenlee@tahltan.org

Annita McPhee goodzama@tahltan.org

Freda Campbell quock@tahltan.orgq

Mindy Henyu shoekawk@tahltan.org

Kimberly Marion simgaldtada@tahltan.org

Colleen Parker stikineclaw_thicke@tahltan.org

Dayle Creyke thudga@tahltan.org

William Brown carlick@tahltan.org

1 Administration – Chief Administrative Officer John Thomas CAO@tahltan.org

2 Administration – Events Coordinator Shawna Benoit eventscoordinator@tahltan.org

3 Administration – Receptionist Shirley Nehass receptionist@tahltan.org

4 Administration – Tahltan Leadership Council Vacant TLCadmin@tahltan.org

5 Administration – Executive Assistant Victoria McLean executiveassistant@tahltan.org

6 Communications – Director Vacant communicationsdirector@tahltan.org

7 Communications – Technician Bobby Whang web@tahltan.org

8 Communications – Coordinator Vacant communicationscoordinator@tahltan.org

9 Culture & Heritage – Acting Director

10 Culture & Heritage – Coordinator

Mariko Waite culturedirector@tahltan.org

Mariko Waite culturecoordinator@tahltan.org

11 Culture & Heritage – Archivist Ursula Abramczyk archivist@tahltan.org

12 Culture & Heritage – Archive Assistant Kailene Louie archive.assist1@tahltan.org

13 Dease Lake Community – Director

Christina Callbreath deaselakedirector@tahltan.org

–

25 Health – Director Cassandra Puckett healthdirector@tahltan.org

Lands & Regulatory Affairs – Director Connor Pritty landsdirector@tahltan.org 27 Lands & Regulatory Affairs – Coordinator Shawn Ducharme lands@tahltan.org 28 Lands & Regulatory Affairs – SER Coordinator Blaine Lindstrom sercoordinator@tahltan.org 29 Lands & Regulatory Affairs – Assistant Roxanne Ball landsadmin@tahltan.org 30 Language – Director Pamela Labonte languagedirector@tahltan.org 31 Language – Nest Manager

Kathy Cottrell kathy.cottrell@tahltan.org

35 Tourism – Director Alex Buri tourismdirector@tahltan.org 36 Wildlife – Director

Lance Nagwan wildlifedirector@tahltan.org 37 Wildlife – Guardian Clements Brace guardian2@tahltan.org

38 Wildlife – Guardian

Richard Louie guardian4@tahltan.org 39 Wildlife – Predator Technician

Derek Louie predatortech1@tahltan.org

TCG Organizational Chart

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT BOARD

FAMILY REPRESENTATIVES

Carlick

Cawtoonma

Eth’eni

Etzenlee

Good-za-ma

Quock (Dekama)

Shoe Kawk/Howd-A-Ghtte (Shukak)

Simgaldtada (Ts’imgalteda)

Stikine Claw/Thicke

Thud ga

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT | VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER

Elders Council

Complaints Committee

Finance Committee

Governance Committee

HR Committee

Youth Council

OPERATIONS

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

Administration

Communications

Culture & Heritage

Dease Lake Community

Education & Training

Employment & Business

Finance

Fisheries

Lands & Regulatory Affairs

Language

Membership & Geneology Mulitmedia Tourism

ANNUAL REPORT 2023/2024

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Photo Credit: Adam Amir