Tahltan OnTrack

Tahltan Exploration Industry Training

In April, the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) held the first ever Tahltan Exploration Industry Training (TEIT), open to Tahltans nineteen and older that were interested in connecting with their roots and learning about opportunities available in the mineral exploration industry, such as in-territory core cutting, drilling, and archaeological standards training.

Attendees learned first-hand from the TCG Culture & Heritage, Education & Training, Employment & Business, Fisheries, Lands, Language, and Wildlife Departments. Members received all flights, meals, accommodation, transportation, and training provided by the TCG.

This first-of-its-kind training program was enthusiastically supported by Industry Partners and Tahltan Businesses. It offered not only an overview of the mineral exploration industry, but teachings on Tahltan culture and the land from Tahltan Elders. It gave participants a sense of pride, belonging, and confidence. Eight adult students, who had not previously been involved in the mineral or mining industry, or who may not have been back to territory, were taken on a tour of the Red Chris Mine to gain a more in-depth understanding of the industry and different opportunities offered within. The students were generously provided accommodation by Newmont at their Bear Paw Camp, which included full catering and janitorial services over the duration of the 5-day program. TCG’s Language Department worked to develop the unique opportunity for students to become more aware of their own culture and identity with respected Elders Pat and Theresa Etzerza, who eased students from the beginning and started them off on the right foot.

We had tremendously positive feedback from students involved in the program which would not have been successful without the support of all of the TCG departments involved in its planning and delivery.

A huge thank you to our industry partners, including; Tahltech Drilling, Norad (Rugged Edge), Dylan Hunko from Enduro Metals for his expertise and teaching in geotechnical drilling and core cutting; Northern Labour Services Occupational First Aid (OFA) 3; and to Newcrest for taking the students and TCG representatives on a tour of the Red Chris Mine. Mēduh!

SHANE DENNIS

Terrace, BC

“The core cutting, I liked that. And family, meeting a lot of new family. I didn’t realize how long I was out of here. I got nephews that are full grown.” JADE SLYK JADE SLYK

Terrace, BC Terrace, BC

“I’ve never been to Telegraph or Dease Lake or Iskut, “I’ve never been to Telegraph or Dease Lake or Iskut, so this is... amazing!.” so this is... amazing!.” NATASHA KOOTENHAYOO

Edmonton, AB

“I have never been here, first time. It’s pretty exciting. Pretty long days packed full of a lot of stuff to learn and see. Kind of exhausting but worth it.”

ADAM GREENWAY

Nanaimo, BC

“It feels good [to be back]. This experience showed me that there are so many opportunities available for us within our Nation. With the information and experience we gained on this trip I can say for certain that I am incredibly motivated to make the transition into mining and exploration. I will be able to provide my family with a stability that is hard to find in other sectors.” DARIUS MCCOOK

Kwadacha (Fort Ware), BC

“It’s nice to be home. I want to come back. Corecutting or drilling, either/or. One of those things that I’ll be comfortable with. It’s good to be home, I want to come back a month from now. It’s nice country. It’s nice up here, nice people. Options, options are endless.” BENJAMIN GUSHLACK

Edmonton, AB

“I was last here about fourteen years ago. All the exploration, mining, all the opportunities that are offered up here by the Tahltan Nation, so many opportunities, it’s really exciting. Hopefully I can make a future up here. The drilling looks really cool.”

BRYN KIRKPATRICK

Halifax, NS NIKITA JADE QUOCK

Chilliwack, BC