2022 Summer Newsletter

INTRODUCTION

Message from the President 1

Message from the Vice President 3

Save the Dates 5

ANNOUNCEMENTS

New Tahltans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Condolences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2022 Graduates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

New Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

UPDATES

Opening of the Tatl’ah Fitness Centre 27

Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Conference 29

Premier’s Visit to Tahltan Territory 35

Section 7 Agreement Signing 43

2022 Elections and Annual General Assembly 51 Annual General Assembly Awards 57

TAHLTAN ONTRACK

Tahltan OnTrack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

TAHLTAN STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE

TSI Introduction 63

TSI Website 65

TSI Foundational Efforts and Initiatives 66

TSI Youth Representative Update — Kyle Risby 68

DIRECTORS ’ REPORTS

Lands – Nalaine Morin 77 Wildlife – Westin Creyke 79

Fisheries – Cheri Frocklage 81

Language – Pamela Labonte 87 Culture & Heritage – Sandra Marion 91 Education & Training – Cassandra Puckett 105

Employment & Business – Ann Ball 107

Membership & Genealogy – Shannon Frank 109

Dease Lake Community – Christina Callbreath 110 Tourism – Alex Buri 111

PERSONAL PROFILES

Elder – Hilda Mason 114

Culture – Rocky Jackon 115

Healthy Active Tahltans – Megan Ryan . . . . . . . . 117

Inspiring Young Tahltans – Ocean Van Mierlo . . . . . . 119

Inspiring Young Tahltans – Faro Burgoyne 121

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.

Message from the President

Chad Norman Day

President, Tahltan Central Government

Tahltan Nation, I hope you have been enjoying all that summer has to offer, including time spent with family, friends, and loved ones. Thankfully, we have had the opportunity to gather this season and visit with each other as COVID19 restrictions have finally lifted. This has meant many reunions and reconnections over the last months which we can all celebrate and be joyful about.

The summer season has brought with it significant opportunities for the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) and our Nation. In June, I travelled to Toronto with a delegation of TCG staff, the Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC), and sixteen Tahltan Youth for the 2022 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Conference, where I gave two keynote addresses on behalf of our Nation. This offered us a platform on the world stage to share our concerns and successes with Leadership from the mining industry, government, and other Indigenous groups from around the world, as we continue on our journey for the recognition of Tahltan rights and decision-making for Tahltan lands.

I was honoured to watch Tahltan Youth as they listened, learned, and participated in meetings, gaining knowledge about the industry and opportunities available to them as Tahltan people. Our Youth are the future stewards of our lands and people. I was so thankful to be able to share this experience with them and will be exploring many more opportunities for our Youth in the coming years, not only in our province and Canada, but internationally as well.

In June, we also celebrated the signing of the first ever Section 7 Agreement between the TCG and the Province of British Columbia. This is a noteworthy achievement for a multitude of reasons and a significant step, and opportunity, on our reconciliation journey. This agreement recognizes Tahltan rights and title and requires shared decision-making on the Eskay Creek Revitalization Project. It is unique not only in British Columbia and Canada, but can serve as a case study for Indigenous groups around the world who are fighting for recognition of their rights and for a voice in matters concerning their territory. It is our intention that this agreement serve as a jumping-off point for future shared decision-making on land use activities in Tahltan Territory. For the first time ever in history, Tahltan people will have to give consent for this project to move ahead and have our decision be recognized by the Province and the Federal Government.

Also in June, Premier John Horgan made the first visit to Tahltan Territory by a Premier in over thirty years. He joined me in touring our communities to visit schools, industry, and meet with local Leadership

and Tahltan people. I was able to speak to him about issues of concern in our territory for Tahltans, which he could see with his own eyes. Premier Horgan referenced the Tahltan Nation as a strong partner in a statement following his visit and recognized our inherent right to make decisions on our territory and serve as stewards, as we have since time immemorial. Mēduh to everyone who came out and participated, and to all those behind the scenes who helped plan this very important visit.

This year, we were so happy to be able to be together again for our Annual General Assembly (AGA), which included elections for the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) Executive and Family Representatives to serve on our Board of Directors. I was so grateful to be able to see so many Tahltans in territory over the summer, to share laughs, stories, and make new memories together.

Tahltans had their say and voted in record numbers. I would like to express my gratitude to each one of you who have put your trust in me to continue to lead our Nation as President of the TCG. I am truly humbled. I will continue to work tirelessly to strengthen our Nation and to protect our culture, land, and people. My next term will be focused on bringing services and infrastructure to Tahltan Territory, and on the well-being of our people and Youth. I am super excited to work with the TCG team to create a Health Department for our Nation that can focus on the mental and spiritual wellness of our people.

The election has brought some changes within our Board of Directors, including the executive members, and I look forward to working with our new team. I would like to thank all those who have served our Nation who will no longer be a part of our Board, including Ken Edzerza, Adrian Carlick, Alice Hamlin, Ann Marlene Ball, Amanda Jo Quash, Arlene Corcoran, Lee Marion, Kimberly Marion, Melva Quock, and Teneal Nole. Mēduh for all your service to our people. Our AGA

was a success thanks to the hard work of our TCG team who managed to come together and organize the event in half the time as restrictions lifted and we were able to make a decision to plan for an in-person gathering. Mēduh to everyone who gave their time to make the event happen, and to everyone who joined us to learn more about important work being done, share their opinions, vote (either in-person, by phone, or online), and enjoy the many activities and meals that were offered.

I am excited to watch the TCG continue to grow and expand as we welcome new staff members to our team. We have brought on a new Tahltan Stewardship Initiative (TSI) Youth Steward, a new Summer Guardian, and a new coordinator in the Communications & External Relations Department. I am also thrilled to announce the hiring of our new Lands Department Director, Connor Pritty, who we look forward to working with on our many conservation, management, and protection initiatives. Welcome Connor!

As we move forward into the months ahead, and as I have always done on behalf of our people, I will continue to fight for recognition of Tahltan rights by provincial and federal governments. We will succeed in establishing our territory as one with world-class wildlife and fisheries management and strong environmental mitigation measures, ensuring that no major project goes ahead without Tahltan consent. We will work together to build our communities and create a better future for the generations to come.

In closing, as always, I extend a loving welcome to all new Tahltans who have recently been born. You are our future, and we work hard every day for each and every one of you. For the Tahltans we have lost, I share my sincerest condolences to those left behind and pray for you in your grieving process. We are here together, for each other, and we will raise you all up and keep you strong as we move forward on our journey together.

Message from the Vice President

The four-day AGA was a great event full of updates and review. I want to thank our TCG staff for delivering another successful AGA. All of your hard work and dedication to our citizens does not go unnoticed. Every year the door prizes and entertainment are very much appreciated.

Following the election, my family and I had a few days of excellent fishing in the Stikine River, and we were able to harvest our winter supply of enacoga, now half dried and jarring. Shortly thereafter, we had our first TCG Board meeting.

Heather Hawkins

Vice President, Tahltan Central Government

Greetings Tahltans!

Summer 2022 was definitely one for the books. A lot of wonderful work has been done and is still in progress. To begin, I would like to acknowledge and thank the previous Vice President, Ken Edzerza, for his service on the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) Board of Directors and to our Tahltan people.

I was so very elated when I learned about the TCG election results. It really is a privilege to be entrusted by the Tahltan people to protect our Tahltan rights and title over our entire territory. I am very grateful for your support, and I will not let you down.

As a new board, we had a couple of days of great introductions and a review of where our government is at in all levels of productivity and internal engagement, communications with industry, and areas that are in development to serve our citizens at the best capacity.

Most recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a site tour with our new Lands Director, Employment & Contracting Director, Tourism Director, and Shared Engagement Agreement (SER) Coordinator. We visited thirteen different sites. These site visits are to ensure that the engagement and relationships with our government are happening and productive so that our Tahltan people benefit from all opportunities that these projects can offer. It was great to see the Tahltans that are employed at these sites. We fully intend on ensuring that our voices are heard in the creation of policy on what areas can be staked in our territory.

MESSAGE FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT

LILITH NICOLE JACKSON

Kaitline Scott & Gavin Jackson

June 5, 2022 6lbs 3oz

WILLOW FLORENCE DAY

Alfred Day & Sabrina David

July 11, 2022 7lbs 9oz

BLAYKE REMI ROSE FARMER

Emily Peacock & Nick Farmer

June 25, 2022 6lbs 7oz

Marylee Quock & Nate Alexcee

August 5, 2022 6lbs 9oz

Miranda & Grant Moore

June 24, 2022 9lbs 3oz

June 30, 2022 8lbs 7oz

NAOKAH DAWN LLOYDWALTERS

Natasha Callbreath & Joe Lloyd-Walters

July 22, 2022 9lbs 3oz

HAVANA RITA BRII JEWELS DIONNE LOUIE

Victoria Louie & Randal Wesley

July 11, 2022 8lbs 7oz

ELIZABETH DINAH DINGWALL

Carlene & Ian Dingwall

June 8, 2022 7lbs 1oz

DECKLYN GRAYCEN GARY ALEXCEE

IKE MICHAEL TYSON MOORE

KOA VAUGHN WILLIAMS

Denise Nole & Johnny Williams

ANASTASIA STEEL MARYANNE EDSTROM POOTLASS

Trinity Pootlass & Ryley Edstrom

September 6, 2022 6lbs 3oz

Condolences

DONALD PEREGOODOFF

March 1993 – May 2022

LEO JOHNNY JR

July 1962 – July 2022

MINNIE BALL

August 1945 – July 2022

GERALD EDZERZA

January 1930 – July 2022

NATASHA GORDON-WILLIAMS

April 1979 – May 2022

CHRISTINA BOOMER

February 1998 – July 2022

LATEASHA MOORE

September 1992 – July 2022

GEORGE CAMPBELL JR

January 1968 — June 2022

SHANE MCPHEE

April 1975 – June 2022

ECCO WATSON

May 1983 – July 2022

BELFRY HAINES

February 1953 – July 2022

JEDREK EMIL DENDYS

What did you graduate with?

A Bachelor of Arts, with a focus on Political Science from the University of Victoria.

Where do you live?

Vancouver, BC and Whitehorse, YT.

Who is your family?

My mom, Jeanie McLean, and my dad, Emil Dendys, are both Tahltan. My Grandma on

NATHAN JACKLE

What did you graduate with?

High School Diploma, North Peace Secondary School.

Where do you live?

Fort St John, BC.

Who is your family? Howd-A-Ghtte Family.

DONOVAN AARON ASP

What did you graduate with?

High School Diploma, Oak Bay Secondary School.

Where do you live? Victoria, BC.

Who is your family?

My parents are Eldon and Michelle, and my older brother is Waylon. My grandfather was George Asp and I am a member of the Etzenlee family.

TEAGAN YOUNG

What did you graduate with?

High School Diploma.

Where do you live? Calgary, Alberta.

Who is your family?

I am the great-granddaughter of Evelyn Rattray, who is part of the Wolf Clan and the Etzenlee family.

My mom’s side is Thelma (Asp) Norby, and my grandma on my dad’s side is Lila (Brown) Corcoran.

What are your plans for the future?

In Vancouver, I work for Sedgwick Strategies; a consulting firm that specializes in relations and communications between Indigenous governments and large projects.

What are your plans for the future?

I have been accepted into the Bachelor of Applied Science at UBC Okanagan Campus for this fall. This path will lead me into an engineering degree.

What are your plans for the future?

I’ll be attending the University of Victoria in the Fall, where I will be working towards a degree in biology and psychology.

What are your plans for the future?

My plans for the future are attending the University of Calgary's Faculty of Science with hopes of completing a biology degree. After that, I am not quite sure what I will do - either work towards becoming a doctor, a marine biologist, or something in the field of conservation.

KEELIN MCNEIL

What did you graduate with?

High School Diploma, Reynolds Secondary School.

Where do you live?

Victoria, BC.

Who is your family?

My parents are Jason McNeil and Deirdre McNeil, my siblings are Neikko and Shandri McNeil, and my grandparents are Lovetta Bob and Max McNeil.

JORDYN NALAINE MORIN

What did you graduate with?

I have just graduated from a university transitions program called University College Entrance Preparation Program (UCEP) located in Witset, BC.

Where do you live?

Witset, BC.

Who is your family?

I come from the Tses'kiye (Crow) Clan. I am from the Louie and Morin (Creyke) family.

YAHLAYLA JOE

What did you graduate with?

High School Diploma, St Joseph High School.

Where do you live?

Sylvan Lake, AB.

Who is your family?

I am part of the Moon family. My grandma is Yvonne Moon.

What are your plans for the future?

I have been accepted into the Arts & Sciences program at Camosun College to finish some prerequisites before going into the Nursing program in 2023. I am excited to graduate and look forward to what the future holds for me.

What are your plans for the future?

I will attend the Environmental Resources of Technology program at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology at the Merritt campus in the fall. I see a bright future in front of me now.

What are your plans for the future?

Starting September 1st of this year, I will be attending the University of Alberta for a dual degree program in Education and Native Studies.

JENNIFER TUTON

What did you graduate with?

High School Diploma, Vanier Secondary High School.

Where do you live?

Whitehorse, YT.

Who is your family?

My family are the Callbreaths. My great grandma was Jean Jamieson.

What are your plans for the future?

I am going to the University of British Columbia Okanagan in the fall where I want to study Indigenous Studies and go to law school after or get into journalism and help Indigenous people.

CADEN WALLACE-BOOTH

What did you graduate with?

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Electrical Engineering from the University of Manitoba.

Where do you live?

I was born in Whitehorse, YT, but currently live in Winnipeg, MB.

Who is your family?

My great grandmother is Mona Nehass Carpentier, mother of Debra Wallace, mother of Doreen Wallace-Booth.

ANNA STANG

What did you graduate with?

A degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alberta.

Where do you live?

Fort St. John, BC.

Who is your family?

My three siblings; Alexa, Taylor, and Jared Stang, live in Alberta along with my parents Lori Johnstone-Stang and Neil Stang.

What are your plans for the future?

I am currently employed by Skeena resources as a Junior Project Engineer working on the Eskay Creek Mine Revitalization Project. My plans for the future are to continue working in the mining industry, see more of the world, and make a difference in sustainable resource management.

What are your plans for the future?

I recently moved to Fort St. John, and I am excited to start a teaching job here in the fall.

ISAAC O’BRIEN (RICHARD ISAAC O’BRIAN)

What did you graduate with?

High School Diploma, Vanier Secondary High School.

Where do you live?

Whitehorse, YT.

Who is your family?

My grandmother is Millie Johnstone (née Edzerza) and my grandfather is David Johnstone.

My mother is Maureen Johnstone and father is Rick O’Brien (Kwanlin Dün First Nation). My great grandparents were Grace Edzerza and George Agouta Edzerza. I am of my grandmother's Clan, Etzenlee. I am of the Wolf Clan.

What are your plans for the future?

I will be attending the Gustavson School of Business Bachelor of Commerce program at the University of Victoria in September. I hope to use the skills and knowledge from this degree to open and run my own business in the future. I find many things about money remarkably interesting and want to pursue many paths with this degree, learning even more about cryptocurrencies, the stock market, and learning the ins and outs of finance within the real estate industry. I also want to create and run Youth camps to help young entrepreneurs learn the 'how-tos' of creating their own business, as I first became passionate about entrepreneurship through a course I took as a teenager.

Above: Created by Tahltan/Tlingit artist Una Ann. Eagle feather with the words “Engha Sadesdih – I am proud of you”. The feather has been utilized in School District 87's Feather Ceremonies and given to students who are being recognized/honoured in those ceremonies.

Congratulations to the 2022 graduates from Dease Lake School! We are proud of your achievement and wish you the best of luck on your future adventures.

GRADUATES OF DEASE LAKE SCHOOL

Randi Ball

Nathan Borzak

Lucien Carrier

Braiden Danielsen

Burton Dennis

Daylynn Hillbach

Connor Nole

Kianna Quigley

Ryan Quock

GUEST GRADUATES

Shayleen Henyu

Caden Jakesta

Louie

New

21 Connor Pritty – Lands Director

Kierstin Dolata – Communications & External Relations Coordinator

Kamaria VanTunen – Summer Guardian

Makayla Russell – Tahltan Stewardship Initiative Youth Steward

New Staff Connor Pritty

Connor Pritty Lands Director

Dear Tahltan Nation,

It is with great pleasure that I may formally introduce myself to all of you. My name is Connor Pritty, and I was born and raised in the Province of Ontario; however, I have resettled my roots to the beautiful mountains and rivers of the West Coast. I spent the first part of my life studying and practicing professionally as an environmental consultant in Ontario. My educational background includes a multidisciplinary setting in Environmental Management and Civil & Environmental Engineering. I have worked extensively in Canada’s engineering and environmental regulatory processes, establishing a substantial foundation of knowledge around environmental assessment in Canada.

Previously, I was the Director of Lands for two First Nation communities across Canada, leading multiple federal and provincial regulatory assessment processes, explicitly focusing on Indigenous Rights Impact Assessments. I pride myself on providing strategic and operational oversight to communities concerning mitigation, monitoring and accommodation of natural resource development projects in Canada.

When I am not working, you can find me enjoying some of my many hobbies, from snowmobiling, fishing, and hunting to turning wrenches on my vehicles from time to time. I am an environmentalist at heart and believe that the decisions of those who walk the lands, drink the waters and breathe the air today will ultimately determine what future generations will have tomorrow.

I look forward to continuing to progress the many conservation, management and protection initiatives the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) has pursued over the past decade; while persistently advancing the embodiment of Tahltan-Based Consent into all decision-making processes within Tahltan Territory. Once again, I am incredibly grateful and honoured to be the new Director of Lands for the TCG, and I look forward to listening, learning, and growing together over the years to come.

Sincerely, Connor Pritty

"I look forward to continuing to progress the many conservation, management and protection initiatives the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) has pursued over the past decade; while persistently advancing the embodiment of Tahltan-Based Consent into all decision-making processes within Tahltan Territory."

New Staff Kierstin Dolata

Kierstin Dolata Communications & External Relations Coordinator

"I have had a life-long desire to visit Tahltan Territory after my grandpa shared countless stories of his adventures in what he considered to be the most beautiful place on earth – in spite of the bugs. I look forward to visiting and meeting as many of you as I can."

Hello, everyone! My name is Kierstin Dolata, and I am thrilled to join the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) as Communications & External Relations Coordinator.

Originally from Secwépemc traditional territory, I have since lived in England, Brazil, New York City, and Portugal, where I completed my Masters of Arts (MA) in Archaeology. My focus always remained on the Pacific Northwest Coast. After becoming pregnant with my first child, I moved closer to family in the traditional lands of the Tsleil-Waututh, Kwikwetlem, Musqueam, Squamish, and Stó:lō Nation, where I remain today with my three children, husband, and German Shepherd.

My work in Archaeology and background in research led me to my previous role at the Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre. There I worked as Project Coordinator on several cultural site protection projects and provided cross-departmental support as a researcher. I was particularly interested in analyzing provincial policies and legislation related to heritage conservation and to what extent these align with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to work for the Tahltan Nation. I have been enthusiastically following the ground-breaking work of the TCG. I am extremely passionate about work that supports Tahltans in advancing Aboriginal title and rights and protecting your land, wildlife, and cultural heritage. I look forward to learning from you and would be grateful for any opportunity to hear more about Tahltan culture and values.

I have had a life-long desire to visit Tahltan Territory after my grandpa shared countless stories of his adventures in what he considered to be the most beautiful place on earth – in spite of the bugs. I look forward to visiting and meeting as many of you as I can.

Mēduh.

New Staff Kamaria VanTunen

My name is Kamaria VanTunen, but many know me as Kammy. I am from Iskut and also from the Tałtan Nation. I belong to the Wolf Clan, pronounced Ch’iyōne in our language.

I enjoy the outdoors and love being out on the land. This is why I believe the Tałtan Wildlife Guardian position is a perfect fit for me. I enjoy hunting with my Husband Jesse, one of our favorite pastimes. I believe it is very important to protect our wildlife to enjoy and sustain our lives for future generations to come.

I also think education in this field is important - so important that I plan on returning to school in 2023. I will be studying at the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George, BC to continue in my Bachelor of Science Program in Biology. My plan is to become a wildlife biologist and bring my knowledge back to the territory.

I also think education in this field is important - so important that I plan on returning to school in 2023. I will be studying at the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George, BC to continue in my Bachelor of Science Program in Biology. My plan is to become a wildlife biologist and bring my knowledge back to the territory.

Kamaria VanTunen

Summer Guardian

New Staff

Makayla Russell

Hi there, my name is Makayla Russell. I was born and raised in Terrace, BC which is where I currently reside. I had my son here in April 2020, and he is a huge part of my life. Another big part of my life is my paternal grandmother, Rose Marie Jakesta-Russell. Growing up, she would tell me stories of her father, Alfred Jakesta and his time in Telegraph Creek.

I am a recent hire of the Tahltan Stewardship Initiative (TSI) Youth Stewardship Program, where I am working under the Lands Department. I applied for the job because I wanted to learn about land stewardship as a career path. In 2021, I was introduced to the forest industry. I took a twelve-week course exploring different branches within the industry and worked with a consulting company over the summer. Some days were tough and long, but I loved that the job sparked curiosity in me. I quickly realized there was so much to learn, and many of the people in the natural career sector want to teach.

Not only am I learning how to protect and preserve the prosperity of land and resources for generations ahead, but I am also given the safe space to learn and embody Tahltan culture through the work I do. I look forward to meeting more of you and I hope I can help the communities in meaningful ways.

"Not only am I learning how to protect and preserve the prosperity of land and resources for generations ahead, but I am also given the safe space to learn and embody Tahltan culture through the work I do. I look forward to meeting more of you and I hope I can help the communities in meaningful ways."

Makayla Russell

Tahltan Stewardship Initiative Youth Steward

Opening of the Tatl'ah Fitness Centre

The Tahltan Central Government (TCG) and President Chad Norman Day led the negotiation for the purchase of the BC Building in Dease Lake. Inheriting long-term tenants for half of the building, this sound investment also brought an opportunity to renovate the other half for community use and empowerment, and a five-acre property offering ample room for expansion.

It was decided that the additional space indoors would be used for the Tatl’ah Fitness Gym, Dease Lake Youth Centre, Dease Lake Learning Centre, and TCG Archival Room, with a few additional offices to spare.

The community gym opened its doors on June 30th to the Dease Lake Community and the Tahltan Nation. Operated by the TCG, it features cardio equipment, such as elliptical trainers, stationary bikes, steppers and treadmills, and strength training equipment, including dumbbells, kettlebells, weight plates, and more. A special thanks

to TCG’s Dease Lake Director who worked with contractors and on logistics to ensure this project was successful.

If you have not had a chance to visit the facility yet, we encourage you to stop by and take advantage of this great community resource!

Another exciting addition to the TCG will be the recently rented office space from the Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC) in Dease Lake. With the continued growth of the TCG Team and increased operations, there is a need for additional workspaces.

TCG will be renting the upper level of the TNDC office, comprised of approximately 1,400 square feet. It has five enclosed offices, seven cubicle-like workspaces, and space for staff parking out front. We will share more news on this in the weeks ahead.

OPENING OF THE TATL’AH FITNESS CENTRE

Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Conference

In June, President Chad Norman Day accompanied by a Tahltan delegation of representatives from the Tahltan Central Government (TCG), the Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC), and for the first time, a cohort of sixteen Tahltan Youth, attended this year’s Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Conference in Toronto, Ontario. One of the world’s premier mineral exploration and mining conventions, PDAC celebrated its 90th year in 2022.

Tahltan Youth attending from five different provinces and territories were offered an experience to learn about some of the opportunities available to them in Tahltan Territory and to witness the TCG and TNDC discussing best practices, successes, challenges, and the start of a new era of legally recognized, consentbased decision-making in Tahltan Territory. They were also welcomed into meetings and other events with several Tahltan Nation partnerships.

Youth and the TCG team were also excited to have had the opportunity to attend a Blue Jays baseball game in a box sponsored by Skeena Resources and enjoy a delicious breakfast sponsored by Galore Creek at the Fairmont Royal York in downtown Toronto. They were kept busy throughout the trip with other activities like visiting the Royal Ontario Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, the CN Tower, and the Hockey Hall of Fame.

President Day led two keynote addresses during he conference — “Free Prior and Informed Consent: Navigating the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples," and alongside TNDC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Paul Gruner, “Empowering Indigenous Entrepreneurs: Increasing Industry Participation Through Procurement, Employee Training, and Retention.”

Meeting with major mining companies in Tahltan Territory, President Day emphasized the need to work together to hold the Province of British Columbia accountable for reinvesting more of the resources generated in Tahltan Territory into northern priorities, including wildlife and fisheries management, health and safety issues, infrastructure, and better roads and highways.

Nalaine Morin, TCG’s Lands Director was also highlighted in the PDAC online conference on June 28th and 29th where she discussed Indigenous cultural awareness and how traditional values, teachings, and knowledge have influenced the mineral industry and contributed to the success of the Tahltan Nation.

Continuing forward on the path of reconciliation, the TCG and TNDC worked to share the Tahltan story and future priorities with leaders in the mining industry, government, and other Indigenous groups from around the world, while empowering Tahltan Youth through first-hand knowledge and experience.

PROSPECTORS AND DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION OF CANADA (PDAC) CONFERENCE

PROSPECTORS AND DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION OF CANADA (PDAC) CONFERENCE — PHOTOS

Tahltan Central Government Shines on the World Stage

DEASE LAKE, BRITISH COLUMBIA, JUNE 17, 2022 –The Tahltan Central Government (TCG) was involved in marking another key moment on its journey advocating for Tahltan jurisdiction, title, rights, and sovereignty on the world stage. President Chad Norman Day attended this year’s Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Conference in Toronto, Ontario. Celebrating its 90th year in 2022, PDAC is regarded as one of the world’s premier mineral exploration and mining conventions.

President Day was accompanied by a Tahltan delegation of representatives from the TCG’s staff, the Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC) and, for the first time ever, a cohort of sixteen Tahltan Youth. This was an opportunity for Tahltan Youth to experience and learn firsthand about some of the opportunities available to them in Tahltan Territory, and to witness the TCG and TNDC discussing Tahltan best practices, successes, challenges, and the beginning of a new era of legally recognized consent-based decision-making in Tahltan Territory. The historic consent-based decision-making agreement signed between the Tahltan Nation and the Province of British Columbia earlier this month marks the first application of Section 7 of B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

President Day led two keynote addresses during the conference. The first was speaking on "Free, Prior and Informed Consent: Navigating the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.” The second panel, joined alongside TNDC CEO, Paul Gruner, discussed “Empowering Indigenous Entrepreneurs: Increasing Industry Participation Through Procurement, Employee Training and Retention.” President Day met with all of the major mining companies in Tahltan Territory and emphasized the need to work together to hold the Province accountable for investing more of the resources generated in Tahltan Territory

into northern priorities like wildlife and fisheries management, health and safety issues, infrastructure, and better roads and highways. The Tahltan Youth, stemming from five different provinces and territories, were also welcomed into meetings and other events with several Tahltan Nation partnerships.

TCG’s Lands Director, Nalaine Morin, has also been highlighted in this year’s online PDAC conference, which will be held from June 28th to 29th, 2022. She will be discussing Indigenous cultural awareness and how traditional values, teachings, and knowledge have influenced the mineral industry, and contributed to the successes of the Tahltan Nation.

“The Tahltan Nation is leading the way forward on the journey of reconciliation and recognition of Indigenous title and rights, not just in British Columbia but on the world stage at PDAC,” said President Chad Norman Day. “I was honoured and proud to bring along so many outstanding and passionate youth with us this year. TCG and TNDC worked together to empower and include our young people, and I thank them for representing our Nation in a good way. I am so happy to have spoken and shared our story and future priorities with leaders in the mining industry, government, and other Indigenous groups from around the world. Mēduh to all those who made this possible and to all of the Tahltan delegates who joined us on this memorable experience.”

Premier’s Visit to Tahltan Territory

Following the signing of the Section 7 Agreement in Victoria, B.C., Premier John Horgan travelled to Tahltan Territory on June 9th-10th to meet with Leadership from the Tahltan Central Government (TCG), Iskut Band, and the Tahltan Band. Joined by Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, and Nathan Cullen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and MLA for Stikine, Premier Horgan’s visit was the first premier visit to the region in over thirty years. The Premier visited schools in Dease Lake and Iskut and spoke to local Leadership and industry about how work is being done to ensure that the natural resources sector is brought to market in a responsible and sustainable way.

President Chad Norman Day and Premier Horgan discussed issues of concern in Tahltan Territory including wildlife management, land stewardship, jade and placer operations, highways and roads, infrastructure needs, and other health and safety concerns. President Day emphasized the need for and importance of delegating more authority and resources to the Tahltan people to ensure priorities in Tahltan Territory are properly addressed.

Premier Horgan also met with Chief Marie Quock of the Iskut Band and Councillor Richard Jackson from the Tahltan Band who shared the priorities and challenges of their respective communities. The Premier toured Tahltan communities, industrial projects, and other areas of importance to Tahltans by air, road, and on the ground to hear the concerns of community members.

PREMIER’S VISIT TO TAHLTAN TERRITORY — PHOTOS

Premier John Horgan Makes Historic Visit to Tahltan Nation

Article from Terrace Standard | Michael Bramadat-Willcock Published Jun 10, 2022

B.C. Premier John Horgan met with leadership from the Tahltan Central Government (TCG), Iskut Band and the Tahltan Band in northwestern B.C. June 9-10, including stops at Dease Lake, Telegraph Creek, Iskut, and the Red Chris Mine.

“We stopped by schools in Dease Lake and Iskut, where I was able to speak with young people about their communities and aspirations for the future,” Horgan said in a written statement on Friday (June 10).

“I heard from local leadership and industry about the good work that is being done to bring natural resources to market in a responsible and sustainable way.”

The visit comes after the province entered into the first consent-based decision-making agreement under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act) with the Tahltan Nation to reopen the Eskay Creek underground mine site as an open-pit mine.

The project will be the first of its kind to meet the consent standards set out in Section 7 of the Declaration Act for an environmental assessment. Horgan said the agreement represents a new chapter in the “long and storied history” of mining and natural resource development in Tahltan Territory.

The Tahltan Nation asserted its jurisdiction, Aboriginal title and rights enshrined in the Constitution Act, 1982 throughout Tahltan Territory in a written statement on Monday (June 13).

TCG President Chad Norman Day said the visit helped “reiterate and emphasize” the importance of delegating more authority and resources to the Tahltan people to make sure priorities in northern B.C. and Tahltan Territory are being properly addressed.

“The Tahltan people have a voice and the world is increasingly listening,” Day said.

“We as a Tahltan Nation continue to assert our collective rights in our homeland and need to see some significant changes to the way the wealth taken from Tahltan territory is redistributed and invested back into our homeland where it was extracted from.”

Horgan toured Tahltan communities, industrial projects, and other areas of concern from the air, by road and through visiting areas on the ground where he met community members and heard their concerns.

As the first premier to visit the region in more than 30 years, Horgan was joined by Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, and Nathan Cullen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and MLA for Stikine.

Chief Marie Quock from the Iskut Band and Councillor Richard Jackson from the Tahltan Band were also in attendance for the premier’s visit and shared the challenges and priorities from their communities.

At Newcrest’s Red Chris Mine the delegation was greeted by employees, and included local Tahltan artist Huey Carlick with some of his students. At the entrance to the Red Chris Exploration Decline sits Carlick’s design of the naghā (wolverine in Tahltan), the name granted to the decline as part of an employee naming competition.

Carlick presented a version of his naghā painting to the Premier, after explaining how he conceptualized and created the piece of art. The painting has a wolverine in it, the mountain represents Red Chris Mountain and the claws of the wolverine which is digging a tunnel representing the underground project.

“We are proud of our relationship with the Tahltan Nation and are deeply grateful for our partnership and Tahltan guidance on our Red Chris project,” Gaunt said.

“Newcrest has greatly appreciated the premier’s and broader provincial support managing the COVID-19 pandemic and now with positioning B.C.’s mining industry as key to supporting the global transition to a green economy.”

Day and Horgan discussed issues in Tahltan territory surrounding wildlife management, land stewardship, jade and placer operations, highways and roads, infrastructure needs and other health and safety concerns.

Successful achievements of the Tahltan Nation over the years were recognized, including the rebuilding of Telegraph Creek following devastating wildfires a couple of years ago, economic development by the Tahltan Nation and continued capacity growth of the Tahltan governments and the Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC).

“For thousands of years, the Tahltan have mined obsidian for their families and for trade. Today, mining continues to play a significant role in the local economy,” Horgan said.

“The natural abundance of minerals in Tahltan Territory are creating good local jobs, supporting communities and helping to power B.C.’s economy.”

Mining accounts for almost 3,000 direct and indirect jobs, having attracted approximately $1.8 billion in international investments to the region from July 2018 to March 2021, according to the province.

“We recognize the inherent rights of the Tahltan to make decisions on their territory and to serve as stewards, as they have done since time immemorial,” Horgan said.

“The impact of this agreement extends far beyond northwestern B.C. When investors look to B.C., they will see a jurisdiction where shared decisionmaking with Indigenous Peoples is vital to predictable and sustainable development.”

Red Chris General Manager Jon Gaunt joined Horgan, Day and Quock in an address to employees about the evolution of the Red Chris Mine and its relationship with the Tahltan Nation.

PREMIER’S VISIT TO TAHLTAN TERRITORY — MEDIA

OFFICE OF THE PREMIER

Premier's Statement on Meeting with Tahltan Central Government

June 10, 2022

Lindsay Byers Press Secretary Office of the Premier

“Over the past two days, I have had the opportunity to meet with leadership from Tahltan Central Government, Iskut Band and the Tahltan Band. I was joined by Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, and Nathan Cullen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and MLA for Stikine.

“Together, we travelled through Tahltan Territory in northwestern B.C., including stops at Dease Lake, Telegraph Creek and Iskut. I am grateful to the Tahltan for hosting me, as the first premier to visit the region in over 30 years.

“We stopped by schools in Dease Lake and Iskut, where I was able to speak with young people about their communities and aspirations for the future. I heard from local leadership and industry about the good work that is being done to bring natural resources to market in a responsible and sustainable way.

“For thousands of years, the Tahltan have mined obsidian for their families and for trade. Today, mining continues to play a significant role in the local economy, providing almost 3,000 direct and indirect jobs and attracting approximately $1.8 billion in international investments from July 2018 to March 2021. The natural abundance of minerals in Tahltan Territory are creating good local jobs, supporting communities and helping to power B.C.’s economy.

“Earlier this week, our government took a historic step forward in partnership with the Tahltan Central Government. We entered into the first consent-based decision-making agreement under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. We recognize

the inherent rights of the Tahltan to make decisions on their territory and to serve as stewards, as they have done since time immemorial.

“The Eskay Creek project will be the first of its kind to meet the consent standards set out in Section 7 of the Declaration Act for an environmental assessment. It represents a new chapter in the long and storied history of mining and natural resource development in Tahltan Territory.

“The impact of this agreement extends far beyond northwestern B.C. When investors look to B.C., they will see a jurisdiction where shared decision-making with Indigenous Peoples is vital to predictable and sustainable development.

“The Tahltan Nation is a strong partner. Together, we are demonstrating reconciliation in action with real benefits to the Tahltan Nation and all British Columbians.”

Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement on his trip to Tahltan Territory:

“The Tahltan Nation is a strong partner. Together, we are demonstrating reconciliation in action with real benefits to the Tahltan Nation and all British Columbians.”

Section 7 Agreement Signing

History was made this year with the signing of the first ever Section 7 Agreement between the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) and the Province of British Columbia in June 2022. The consentbased decision-making agreement under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) is the first of its kind in British Columbia, honouring Tahltan jurisdiction in land management decisions in Tahltan Territory and recognizing Tahltan title and rights. So, what exactly is it?

Historically, decisions based around land management in B.C. were in the hands of the Province, who while required to consult with Indigenous communities impacted by proposed works, were not obliged to adhere to their decisions, recommendations, or requests. In other words, no actual consent was required for a proposed project to go ahead. An important step in advancing reconciliation, this Agreement, which relates specifically to the Eskay Creek Project, creates a process where both the TCG and B.C. will independently assess the Project and TCG’s free, prior, and informed consent is required before it can proceed.

DRIPA provides a mechanism for the Province to recognize in law, Indigenous jurisdiction, and decision-making power within the provincial statutory decision-making framework. Section 7 of the Environmental Assessment Act provides the enabling legislation required for this decision-making agreement. The TCG and B.C.’s signing of the Agreement marks the first time in history this enabling legislation has been utilized.

The two governments are working to change the traditional approach to environmental assessments and permit authorizations. The intent is to create a sustainable model for mining and world-class environmental practices and standards.

Demonstrating that reconciliation, environmental sustainability, and economic development are not mutually exclusive, the consent-based, decision-making agreement supports strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards as guided by the Tahltan people. It will also help position B.C. as a preferred destination for ESG investors, reflecting the ability to co-create regulatory certainty for major projects.

With the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples legislation in recent years, these types of agreements are likely to become more common throughout Canada. This Agreement represents a significant opportunity that can be used as a model to help advance reconciliation within B.C., Canada, and around the world. The efforts and willingness to collaborate and try this new approach have been recognized as something to be celebrated.

B.C. Recognizes Tahltan Jurisdiction in Land-Management Decisions

Article from Global News | Richard Zussman | Published June 6, 2022

In the first ever consent-based decision-making agreement under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, the B.C. government has agreed to recognize the Tahltan Central Government‘s title and rights within its territory.

On Monday, the province said the agreement will advance reconciliation and provide clarity for the Eskay Creek Revitalization Project in northwestern B.C., which aims to reopen a mine there as a gold and silver open-pit operation.

The government has been negotiating with the Tahltan since June 2021 under its UNDRIP legislation.

“Today marks an exciting step forward in the evolution of the relationship between the Tahltan Nation and the Province of British Columbia,” Tahltan Central Government president Chad Norman Day said.

“The Tahltan Central Government has been clear on behalf of all Tahltan people that there will be no world-class mining jurisdiction in Tahltan Territory without robust Tahltan stewardship which must include world-class wildlife and fisheries management, strong environmental mitigation measures and recognition of our 1910 Declaration.”

Monday’s agreement lays out a shared intent to create a model for sustainable mining and updated environmental practices and standards.

The project would produce 2.45 million ounces of gold and 70.9 million ounces of silver over the course of its approximate 10-year operating life.

In passing UNDRIP legislation in 2019, the province can recognize Indigenous jurisdiction in law and decisions within the provincial statutory decisionmaking framework.

The Tahltan territory is 95,933 square kilometres, or the equivalent of 11 per cent of B.C.

Tahltan Nation has Final Say on Proposed $600-Million Gold Mine

Article from The Globe and Mail Justine Hunter | Published June 6, 2022

A proposal to reopen a northern British Columbia mine that once produced the world’s highest-grade gold will legally require the consent of the Tahltan Central Government, under a pact signed between the First Nation and the province.

Skeena Resource’s Eskay Creek $600-million revitalization project will need three levels of government approval to reopen the mine, according to Monday’s agreement –which is the first to be reached under B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), enacted in 2019.

The project must first go through a B.C. environmental assessment and possibly a separate federal environmental review, unless Ottawa accepts the provincial review as its own. If it passes those hurdles, the Tahltan’s 4,000 members will hold a ratification vote to determine if the mine, which was closed in 2008, will reopen.

The Tahltan Nation’s traditional territories span 11 per cent of B.C., including the mineral-rich “golden triangle” in the northwest corner of the province.

Chad Day, president of the Tahltan government, said at a news conference in Victoria that he expects that the agreement will lead to a more prosperous future for his community. But, he added: “The Tahltan people will ultimately decide whether or not this project goes through.”

In a province with few treaties, the majority of B.C.’s land base remains subject to Indigenous rights and title claims. The clarity around the environmental-review process should be reassuring to investors, Premier John Horgan told reporters.

“We recognize the inherent rights of the Tahltan to make decisions on their territory. The Tahltan recognize that they are part and parcel of British Columbia and Canada, and working together, we can do extraordinary things,” he said. “That will of course, mean less uncertainty, more reconciliation. It will remove restrictions to economic growth, and will help us to build investor confidence.”

DRIPA is B.C.’s vehicle to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which states that resource developments require the “free, prior and informed consent” of affected Indigenous peoples. When DRIPA was passed into law, the province was emphatic that it does not grant First Nations veto power over resource development. However, it does promise redress and restitution when a project is approved without Indigenous consent.

The environmental review for the Eskay Creek mine will be conducted under the province’s assessment process, but it will be governed under the umbrella of Section 7 of DRIPA, which requires the consent of the Indigenous governing body before the province can exercise its statutory power to make a decision.

B.C.’s environmental assessments typically take between three and five years to complete, and the process for Eskay Creek is now in the early stages. The province is asking Ottawa to accept the provincial environmental assessment process as its own, which would mean the project would only go through a single review. Both levels of government would each need to issue a decision based on the review’s findings.

Murray Rankin, B.C.’s Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, said the Tahltan have given advance consent to the process, but the environmental review itself is unchanged.

“There’ll be the certainty upfront that’s created through this: We know where the Tahltan Central Government stands on the project,” he said.

Skeena Resources is still working on its feasibility study for bringing the mine back online, said Justin Himmelright, the company’s senior vice president of external affairs and sustainability, in the news conference.

Reopening the mine would require a $600-million capital investment, and would create up to 500 jobs and deliver about $730-million of direct tax revenue to the province, he added. The site already has road access, permits for a tailings pond and access to hydroelectric power.

“So today, the project has all of these great assets that are the legacy of the previous project. The part that has been missing from the Eskay Creek project is … it has never achieved formal consent from the Tahltan Nation. And so it’s a very, very important step,” Mr. Himmelright said.

“The Tahltan have embraced a wide range of entrepreneurial ventures including aviation, road construction, IT management, power line construction, clean energy and engineering. Many Tahltan members work in the mining industry. The First Nation has been strategic in what projects it will embrace, however, and has blocked a string of coal mines that would have operated in what it regards as sacred land."

The Association for Mineral Exploration, in a statement, welcomed Monday’s agreement.

“AME supports the modernization of the laws that regulate exploration and development activity in B.C. and applauds the clarity agreements such as this can provide,” president and CEO Kendra Johnston said.

PRESS RELEASE

Tahltan Central Government, B.C. Make History Under Declaration Act

VICTORIA – Tahltan Central Government and the Province have entered into the first consent based decision-making agreement under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act). This agreement honours Tahltan’s jurisdiction in land management decisions in Tahltan Territory, in recognition of Tahltan’s title and rights within its territory. The agreement advances reconciliation as well as provides clarity and predictability for the Eskay Creek Revitalization Project.

“Today marks an exciting step forward in the evolution of the relationship between the Tahltan Nation and the Province of British Columbia,” said Chad Norman Day, President of the Tahltan Central Government.

“Reconciliation is not achieved with just one step. It requires ongoing innovation, collaboration and leaning into discomfort. For the Tahltan people, strengthening and preserving our culture, values and independence is why we keep pushing forward on this journey. The Tahltan Central Government has been clear on behalf of all Tahltan people that there will be no world-class mining jurisdiction in Tahltan Territory without robust Tahltan stewardship which must include world-class wildlife and fisheries management, strong environmental mitigation measures and recognition of our 1910 Declaration. The Tahltan Nation and the Province have a long journey ahead walking and living on the path to reconciliation and we look forward to building on our relationship together. I thank all of those who have worked on this historic agreement which better recognizes Tahltan jurisdiction over our homelands. It has been generations in the making. Mēduh.”

“This historic step shifts B.C.’s legal decision-making framework to respect First Nations jurisdiction,

recognize the inherent rights of the Tahltan, and provide a clear, stable, and sustainable path for everyone to work together. This is reconciliation in action, in the real world,” said Premier John Horgan. “The Tahltan Nation is a strong partner. By working together, we are delivering on the promise of reconciliation, supporting predictability for business, and encouraging responsible investment in B.C.”

This agreement outlines consent-based decisionmaking related to the environmental assessment of the Eskay Creek Revitalization Project.The agreement helps advance reconciliation with the Tahltan Nation, while providing certainty for the Eskay Creek Revitalization Project.

“As an already developed mine site with existing road access, waste management facilities, nearby access to green power, and robust economics, Indigenous consent is an essential step in an efficient approval process for Eskay Creek,” said Justin Himmelright, Senior Vice President, External Affairs and Sustainability, Skeena Resources. “We look forward to working with our Tahltan partners and the governments of British Columbia and Canada to bring this iconic project back into production.”

The consent-based decision-making process outlined in the agreement demonstrates that reconciliation and economic development can go hand-in-hand, by supporting strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards as guided by the Tahltan people. This agreement positions B.C. as a preferred destination for ESG investors and is a tangible demonstration of successful collaboration with First Nations on decisions that affect them and their territories. It reflects the ability to co-create regulatory certainty for major projects.

Section 7 of the Declaration Act provides a mechanism for the Province to recognize in law Indigenous jurisdiction and decisions within the provincial statutory decision-making framework. Section 7 of the Environmental Assessment Act provides the enabling legislation required under the Declaration Act for the decision-making agreement between Tahltan and the Province.

QUOTES:

Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation –

“This agreement is the first consent-based agreement for decision-making ever to be negotiated under the Declaration Act. It is a tangible example of the Province’s commitment to changing our relationship with Indigenous peoples. Together, the Tahltan Central Government and the Province are leading the way toward a new model for advancing free, prior and informed consent.”

George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy –

”Through this consent agreement, we are weaving together the processes of two governments, with both Tahltan knowledge and western science informing our shared environmental assessment decision-making and supporting collaborative and ecologically sound economic development. We are breaking new ground in how the provincial government, First Nations and companies can work together – recognizing jurisdiction for decisions in a Nation’s territory. We are creating regulatory clarity and greater certainty for investors, while protecting our natural environment for the generations to come.”

Josie Osborne, Minister of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship –

“This agreement is a remarkable milestone for the Province and the Tahltan Central Government, and a powerful example of what can be achieved when we work together. We will build on this progress as we develop a path forward with First Nations towards collective stewardship, fair and timely decisions and a resource management system that supports reconciliation, environmental sustainability and lasting economic benefits for British Columbians.”

2022 Elections and Annual General Assembly

The 2022 Annual General Assembly was held from July 1st to July 4th at the Dease Lake Arena coinciding with the Executive Committee and Family Representative Election.

Successfully held in person for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, attendees had the opportunity to receive financial, departmental, and project updates, and learn more about work being done by the Tahltan Heritage Trust, the Tahltan Nation Development Corporation, and the Tahltan Stewardship Initiative. Members also enjoyed meals and entertainment that included a range from language puppet and comedy shows, movie nights, music, sports, and crafts. Childcare was also provided for those with young children who wished to attend the event.

Voting for the elections was available in person, over the phone, or via the internet, and voters took advantage of each option. The new Executive Committee and Family Representatives, who will serve on the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) Board of Directors, were announced on the evening of July 4th. The Executive Committee saw Chad Norman Day successfully re-elected, with a total of 569 votes, after having served the Tahltan Nation as TCG’s President for the past eight years. Heather Hawkins was elected as the new Vice President winning 521 votes, and Sandra Marion became the new Secretary-Treasurer with 456 votes.

The Family Representatives elected include Bill Brown for the Carlick Family, David Rattray for Etzenlee, Annita McPhee for Good-za-ma, Kimberly Marion for Ts’imgalteda (Simgaldtada), and Mindy Henyu for Shukak (Shoe kawk/ Howd-A-Ghtte), who were elected by acclamation and Jodi Payne for Cawtoonma with 67 votes, Lily Belhumeur for Eth’eni with 71 votes, Clarence Quock for Thud ga with 36 votes, and Natasha Callbreath for Dekama (Quock) with 106 votes. The Stikine Claw/Thicke seat is currently vacant and will move to a by-election.

The new TCG Board of Directors will serve for a period of three years.

Chad Norman Day Reelected President of Tahltan Central Government

Article from The Interior News | Binny Paul | Published Jun 5, 2022

Tahltan Central Government (TCG), the political arm of the northwest B.C. First Nation, announced its newly elected executive committee following a general election that took place last week.

The July 4 announcement will see Chad Norman Day continue in his position as TCG President. Day, who has been serving as president for eight years, said he will continue to advance issues of importance to the Tahltan people including the preservation and strengthening of Tahltan culture, stewardship of lands, wildlife and infrastructure among other core issues.

“In my next term, I will focus on our homeland more than ever and seek to bring a better way of life for all Tahltans,” said Day, adding, “There will be no further major projects or economic growth for the province of British Columbia until these goals are achieved.”

Day said he will be “even more assertive and aggressive than before” on behalf of Tahltan rights and work towards creating a health department, new opportunities for Youth, and strong advancement of Tahltan title and rights through the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Heather Hawkins was elected Vice President and Sandra Marion was elected Secretary Treasurer. Family Representatives on the Board are: Bill Brown was elected for the Carlick Family, David Rattray for the Etzenlee Family, Annita McPhee for the Good-za-ma Family, Kimberly Marion for the Ts’imgalteda (Simgaldtada), Mindy Henyu for the Shukak (Shoe Kawk/ Howd-A-Ghtte) Family, Jodi Payne for the Cawtoonma Family, Lily Belhumeur for the Eth’eni Family, Clarence Quock for the Thud ga Family, and Natasha Callbreath for the Dekama (Quock) Family. The Stikine Claw/ Thicke seat is vacant.

PRESS RELEASE

Tahltan Central Government Announces 2022 Election Results

DEASE LAKE, BRITISH COLUMBIA, July 4, 2022 – This evening, the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) announced to its membership the results of its 2022 Election including the announcement of its new Executive Committee and Family Representatives. This team will serve on the TCG Board of Directors for the next three years.

For the Executive Committee, Chad Norman Day was successfully elected as President of the TCG. He has been serving the Nation for the past eight years. The Tahltan Nation selected Heather Hawkins as its Vice President and Sandra Marion as its Secretary Treasurer. For the Family Representatives, Bill Brown was elected for the Carlick Family, David Rattray for the Etzenlee Family, Annita McPhee for the Goodza-ma Family, Kimberly Marion for the Ts’imgalteda (Simgaldtada) Family, Mindy Henyu for the Shukak (Shoe Kawk/ Howd-A-Ghtte) Family, Jodi Payne for the Cawtoonma Family, Lily Belhumeur for the Eth’eni Family, Clarence Quock for the Thud ga Family, and Natasha Callbreath for the Dekama (Quock) Family. The Stikine Claw/ Thicke seat is vacant.

“The Nation has spoken. I am honoured to be elected to serve for another term. I look forward to continuing to advance issues of importance to the Tahltan people including the preservation and strengthening of Tahltan culture, and stewardship of our lands, wildlife, and well-being. We will focus on infrastructure and services for Tahltan people and work together to create the changes we all want to see. In my next term, I will focus on our homeland more than ever and seek to bring a better way of life for all Tahltans. There will be no further major projects or economic growth for the Province of British Columbia until these goals are achieved. I will be even more assertive and aggressive than before on behalf of Tahltan rights. This includes the creation of a Health Department, new opportunities for Youth, strong advancement of Tahltan title and rights through the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and more. Mēduh to the new Board of Directors who will be serving our Nation this year and to all Tahltans who voted in this year’s election,” said Chad Norman Day, President of the Tahltan Central Government.

Annual General Assembly (AGA) Awards

The AGA featured an award ceremony on Saturday evening, where, for the first time, the various achievements of Tahltans were recognized and celebrated by the TCG, the Tahltan Band, and the Iskut Band. Congratulations to all of our award recipients on your noteworthy accomplishments!

We were pleased to present the following awards:

COMMUNITY AWARDS

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

AWARD

Feddie Louie Tahltan Band Council (TBC)

Mary Quock

Iskut Band Council (IBC)

Alice Hamlin

Tahltan Central Government (TCG)

YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD

Shaymus Nole Tahltan Band Council (TBC)

Frank Tashoots Iskut Band Council (IBC)

Hayle Gallup

Tahltan Central Government (TCG)

LEADERSHIP SERVICE AWARD

Rocky Jackson Tahltan Band Council (TBC)

Marie Quock Iskut Band Council (IBC)

Chad Norman Day Tahltan Central Government (TCG)

COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD

Darla Creyke Tahltan Band Council (Telegraph Creek)

Kena Louie Iskut Band Council (Iskut)

Sonia Dennis Tahltan Central Government (Dease Lake)

EMPLOYMENT AWARDS

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Teneal Nole Tahltan Band Council (TBC)

Terry Lynn Nole Iskut Band Council (IBC)

Sandra Marion Tahltan Central Government (TCG)

MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Tracy Woods-Dennis Tahltan Band Council (TBC)

Henry Carlick Iskut Band Council (IBC)

DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

Pamela Labonte Tahltan Central Government (TCG)

MOST IMPROVED EMPLOYEE

Gerald Quash Tahltan Band Council (TBC)

Cheralene Johnson Iskut Band Council (IBC)

Westin Creyke

Tahltan Central Government (TCG)

OUTSTANDING CONTRACTOR

Norman Day Tahltan Band Council (TBC)

Jennifer Mlazgar, CPA Iskut Band Council (IBC)

Kala Hooker Tahltan Central Government (TCG)

Left: Jerry Asp with his Leadership Legacy Award

ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY (AGA) AWARDS

MILESTONE AWARDS

TAHLTAN BAND COUNCIL

Isabel Reid

20 years in 2017

Christine Ball

20 years in 2014

ISKUT BAND COUNCIL

Joe Dennis

20 years in 2015

Henry Carlick 20 years in 2019

Mamie Dennis 20 years in 2020

Jolene Hawkins 20 years in 2022

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

Cheri Frocklage 30 years in 2019

Glenda Reid 20 years in 2015

Richard Jackson 30 years in 2021

Debra Dennis 20 years in 2016

Patrick Louie 20 years in 2018

Annabel Nole 30 years in 2017

CHIEF AND COUNCIL AWARDS

ISKUT BAND COUNCIL COUNCILLOR APPRECIATION

Norma Louie 2019 to 2021

Teena Louie 2019 to 2021

TAHLTAN BAND COUNCIL COUNCILLOR APPRECIATION

Curtis Rattray 2020 to 2022

Freda Campbell 2020 to 2022

Brian Quock Jr 2020 to 2022

Peggy Abou 2019 to 2021

Sherry Woods 40 years in 2016

Lola Etzerza 40 years in 2019

Richard Jackson 2020 to 2022

Maggie Dennis 30 years in 2022

Angela Dennis 30 years in 2020 Marie Quock 40 years in 2018

Annabel Nole 2019 to 2021

Lorraine Callbreath 2020 to 2022

TAHLTAN BAND COUNCIL CHIEF APPRECIATION

Carmen McPhee

2020 to 2022

NATION AWARDS

TCG BOARD OF DIRECTOR APPRECIATION

Chad Norman Day

President of Tahltan

Central Government

July 2019 to July 2022

Ken Edzerza

Vice President of Tahltan Central Government

July 2019 to July 2022

Adrian Carlick

Secretary Treasurer of Tahltan

Central Government

July 2019 to July 2022

Alice Hamlin Carlick Family Representative

July 2019 to July 2022

Jodi Payne Cawtoonma Family Representative

July 2019 to July 2022

Teneal Nole Eth’eni Family Representative

January 2022 to July 2022

Ann Marlene Ball Etzenlee Family Representative

July 2019 to July 2022

Amanda Jo Quash Good-za-ma Family Representative

December, 2020 to July 2022

Arlene Corcoran Quock (Dekama) Family Representative

July 2019 to July 2022

Lee Marion Shoe Kawk/ Howd-A-Ghtte (Shukak) Family Representative

July 2019 to July 2022

Kimberley Marion Simgaltada (Ts’imgalteda) Family Representative July 2019 to July 2022

Sandra Marion Thud ga Family Representative July 2019 to July 2022

Leadership Legacy Jerry Asp

Advancement of Title & Rights Nalaine Morin

Tahltan Entrepreneur of the Year Kimberly Marion with KICA

ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY (AGA) AWARDS

Tahltan OnTrack

The

Central Government

THIS IS OUR LAND.

WE ARE THE LAND

The Tahltan Stewardship Initiative (TSI) will support our Nation in asserting self-determination and fulfilling our inherent stewardship responsibilities for Tahltan Territory. The TSI will help us to build our capacity, engagement, governance, and stewardship plans.

This vital work is needed to ensure we take care of our territory now and for future generations.

Now, we have a say in decisions that matter for our people in accordance with our values and knowledge. We decide how to protect our culture, care for our lands, water, air, fish, and wildlife. We decide how to sustainably manage our territory.

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

Vision Statement

The vision of the Tahltan Stewardship Initiative is for the Tahltan Nation to fulfill its inherent stewardship responsibilities for all lands, water, air, wildlife, fish, and natural resources within Tahltan Territory. We will accomplish this vision through the work being done on our projects including the Tahltan Stewardship Plan (TSP) and direction from Tahltan membership. The TSP is being developed for Tahltan Territory and will be based on Tahltan knowledge and worldview on how to properly care for our land.

A Stewardship Planning Advisory Committee will be started very soon, and we encourage those interested in joining this group to reach out to get involved. Through this group, Tahltans with on the land experience and technical expertise will be reviewing and collaborating with us. This group will make recommendations and advise on how to look after Tahltan Territory now and into the future.

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

TAHLTAN STEWARDSHIP

INITIATIVE WEBSITE

Get Involved!

If you do not have a lot of time to commit but would like to contribute – you can. There are many ways for you to stay informed and be a part of this important work. Visit: tsi.tahltan.org at any time to learn about each of our projects, connect with project team leads and members, complete project surveys and mapping exercises, watch previous engagement sessions, and more – whenever it works for you!

Interested in learning more or getting involved?

Ȗ Reach out to us: communications@tahltan.org

1980s

The Tahltan Ancestral Study with Elders

2003

Out of Respect Report 2013

The Shared Decision-Making Agreement with the Province of British Columbia

2016

Wildlife Department formed within the TCG

2018–2021

The Collaborative Stewardship Framework with the 3 Nations and the Province of British Columbia

2020

Fisheries Department formed within the TCG

1987

Resource Development Policy

2005

Formation of the Tahltan Heritage Resources Environmental Assessment Team (THREAT)

2015

Lands Department formed within the Tahltan Central Government

2017

The Klappan Plan and the Klappan Management Board

2019

Culture & Heritage Department formed within the TCG

Each of these projects and efforts has helped to advance our Nation and support our unified goals founded on the principles of mutual respect, recognition, and reconciliation of Tahltan title and rights. Together, we work to protect the environment, safeguard our culture and heritage, ensure shared revenues and other benefits from sustainable development, and strengthen the well-being of our Tahltan Nation family.

TSI Youth Representative Update

Kyle Risby

TSI Youth Representative

Summer as the Tahltan Youth Advisor on the Tahltan Stewardship Initiative (TSI) took me to Tahltan Territory and beyond. I travelled with Youth to Toronto as a chaperone to the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Conference. While in Toronto, the Youth and I took in the city’s museums, the Hockey Hall of Fame, the CN Tower, President Day’s keynote speaking event, and a Blue Jay’s game with Skeena Resources. I too represented Tahltan at the Indigenous Partner’s Success Showcase in Vancouver where I saw successful partnerships building the Canadian economy and the importance of relations and storytelling. I finished my summer north in Tahltan Territory, where I explored new places and learned from Tahltans and our Elders about land stewardship and their concerns for future generations.

Our TSI Elder Representative, David Rattray, told me at the very start of the project that I had to connect with Tahltan land by learning from Tahltans on the land.

In June, I came into the Territory to participate in a TSI team retreat at Bear Paw Lodge. During this retreat we made drums and played hand games while connecting as a team, enjoying meals, and discussing the Tahltan Stewardship Initiative. On our

last day, David Rattray facilitated a sweat beside the lake and I practiced my storytelling with our team. I shared the story of “The Blind Man and The Loon”, who made a deal that gave the Loon its white collar. I shared stories of “How Raven Taught Tahltans to Catch and Preserve Salmon”, and "How Raven Made Lakes by Making a Deal with the Snipe Bird." I believe our stories can help express our worldview in our decision-making, policies, and law that shape our Tahltan experience.

After our retreat, I facilitated a day meeting with our Elders at their retreat before the Annual General Assembly (AGA). Here I retold the stories and listened to our Elders share stories about our deep relationship with Tahltan land. Listening to the stories from Elders, I learned Tahltans’ relationship with the land is powerful and it filled me with pride to experience and listen to our Elders share personal stories of the land and relations.

After the adventures of the AGA, I went out for a paddle with friends to Cascade Falls and began taking in Tahltan Territory’s natural beauty. I was lucky enough to catch a fish and enjoy laughs with friends while paddling to the falls.

After the AGA, I went to Telegraph and fish camp where I had a blast! Witnessing Tahltans pull nets and harvest fish, I could feel the love and joy the salmon brought to our people’s spirits. I spent time at different fish camps connecting with families and listening to their land-related concerns for future generations and stewardship desires. During my time at fish camp, I was put to work helping pull nets, clean fish, cut wood for smoking, and other related tasks for camp to prepare fish for canning or inaguga. I fell in love with fish camp and the energy our salmon bring our community.

Afterwards, I participated in discussions with Leadership from Iskut and Telegraph regarding our TSI. Our community made clear from the Elders’ retreat, the community dialogue at the AGA, and through our local Leadership, that water stewardship is important to our Nation and our way of life.

Water has become a natural discussion for our TSI team, and I continued to learn about the importance of water in Tahltan Territory by learning on the land. I spent time backpack hiking around Tahltan Territory, learning from local hunters and their relationship to the land. After walking around and seeing the reality of our glaciers and the different water flows impacted by climate change, it has become clear our water will be a driving factor in the health of our wildlife, fisheries, and land. Ultimately, our traditional Tahltan uses of the land, such as fishing, hunting and gathering, and all other aspects of culture and heritage, are all connected to water. Water stewardship and governance are not only connected to our culture and heritage, but as our old stories of Raven and Dene explain, there is a relationship between water and the animal and aquatic friends that are our family.

Learning, I believe, requires relationships. With our stories we can learn about our different relationships between each other and with the land and animals. In the fall, the TSI will host generational stewardship events where our Youth, adults, and Elders will come together to discuss Tahltan stewardship. Our goal is to create a space focused on sharing opinions and goals for stewardship. Our stewardship is rich because we work together and for each other. We empower one another and work towards Tahltan consensus in decision-making.

The TSI has a Stories Working Group that is attempting to apply stories that shape our world view and convey the voices of our communities to our TSI projects. Through generational stewardship we can share personal stories of the land that conserve Tahltan oral history and culture.

The TCG supports the Tahltan Youth Council – a respectful and open space for Youth to connect both in and out of territory. Our goal is to provide opportunities for Tahltans to connect with culture, heritage, and the land while they find their passion for Tahltan advocacy. Keep your eyes out for Youth Council posters and events this fall!

Youth or members with questions about the TSI or the Youth Council can reach out to me, Kyle Risby, at tsi.youthrep@Tahltan.org.

RISBY

Directors’ Reports

77 Lands, Nalaine Morin

79

Wildlife, Westin Creyke

81 Fisheries, Cheri Frocklage

87 Language, Pamela Labonte

91 Culture & Heritage, Sandra Marion

105 Education & Training, Cassandra Puckett

107 Employment & Business, Ann Ball

109 Membership & Genealogy, Shannon Frank

110 Dease Lake Community, Christina Callbreath

111 Tourism Director, Alex Buri

Lands Director Report

Nalaine Morin Lands Director

I have had the opportunity to work with many people from the Nation as well as representatives from government and industry who supported the work of the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) in ensuring that we were meeting the principles of our 1987 Resource Development Policy, other important Tahltan laws and the interests of our Tahltan people.

I hope that the work we have done over the years continues to be a strong foundation for the department and the TCG as our lands and resources are an important part of who we are as Tahltans.

I am pleased to provide an update on Lands Department activities including our work on the Tahltan Stewardship Initiative (TSI), administration, lands governance, and major projects. It continues to be busy. I thank everyone on the team for their work on these projects.

TAHLTAN STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE

• The TSI Steering Committee met in Iskut at the Bear Paw Lodge in June for a retreat. We participated in several group activities and discussed next steps for projects.

• The TSI team have added a new Youth Stewardship Officer. Makayla Russell started on July 26th with a project orientation and an orientation to the Lands Department. She participated in several project related meetings for Tahltan Heritage Resources Environmental Assessment Team (THREAT) and the TSI.

• Interim reporting for the Canada Nature Funds grant was completed, submitted to Canada and accepted by Canada, fulfilling some of our grant requirements. The grant supports the TSI project which includes the Tahltan Stewardship Plan, the Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas and other projects in collaboration with other departments within the TCG.

GOVERNMENT TO GOVERNMENT

• An information sharing agreement is being negotiated with the Province. This agreement template was drafted with the 3 Nations Working Group and will provide specific guidance and confidentiality measures for Tahltan knowledge shared with the Province.

• The Lands Department is working on an updated system to track referrals processed and is developing dashboard reports to manage the resourcing required for referrals. We are working on a permitting efficiency pilot with the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation.

• The project will lead to better certainty for Tahltan decision making and improved processing times for referrals.

• The Lands Department is working with the Province on identifying areas in Tahltan Territory for Tahltan conservation. Meetings will be occurring with Tahltan community members to help identify conservation areas that are reflective of Tahltan community needs.

It has truly been a privilege and an honour to work for my Nation for the past fifteen years in various roles supporting land stewardship and the recognition and protection of Tahltan rights and interests.

• An Order in Council (OIC) under Section 7 of the Environment and Land Use Act established in 2020, amended in 2021 and extended to 2023 (new OIC) to defer permitting placer and hard-rock jade operations. In 2022, through the Placer/Jade Collaborative Working group with BC, Kaska and Liard First Nations, a recommendations report was developed. The recommendations are currently under review, and they include: Information sharing, revenue, reclamation, access, areas for restriction of activities, compliance, and clean-up of legacy sites.

MAJOR PROJECTS

• Galore Creek Project: The Tahltan Heritage Resources Environmental Assessment Team (THREAT) has participated in a series of workshops with the company on aspects of the project including tailings impoundment, regulatory process, road alignment, and water quality. Through the workshops, THREAT members made recommendations to the Galore Creek team and these recommendations are currently being addressed by Galore.

• Eskay Creek Revitalization Project: A project description is close to being finalized. The Section 7 Agreement has been approved and work is underway to implement the Agreement including setting up the first senior officials table meeting. The first decision for the environmental assessment process will be the “readiness decision”. Before the decision, a draft process order and the application information requirements document must be completed. Both documents are currently in development. Community meetings are being planned in the near future.

• Red Chris Mine: THREAT is reviewing regulatory applications for the thickener and pre-production of the mine. These applications are for activities or changes to the project that will improve overall water management and support works required for the block cave. Design work for the block cave mine is ongoing. Newcrest is undertaking work to develop an application to amend the Environmental Assessment (EA) Certificate and associated permits required for the block cave mine. The EA process will have a consent agreement negotiated for the TCG.

• KSM Project: Seabridge is developing the Glacier Creek fish habitat area at Glacier Creek. The Seabridge environmental team provides an update to the Lands Department and representatives from the Fisheries Department on a monthly basis.

• Bruce Jack Mine: The environmental team from Bruce Jack met with the Lands Department to provide a project update and a wildlife management plan update. Currently, work is underway to upgrade the road at Bruce Jack as well as a number of the camp locations.

• Silvertip Mine: Couer filed an amendment application for the Silvertip Mine to return to operations. A team of THREAT members led by Shawn Ducharme have reviewed and provided comments to a number of permit amendments including the Mines Act and effluent permits for the mine.

• Kutcho Project: Monthly project update meetings have been established with the Kutcho environmental team and representatives from both the Tahltan and Kaska Nations. A draft technical agreement which will outline a joint approach to technical work on the project is being developed.

FORESTRY

• Forest Woodland License was issued in early 2019 to Tahltan Nation. The woodland license area is managed through a joint venture between the Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC) and Northpac, called Tahltan Forestry.

• Tahltan Forestry worked with the Lands Department on a forest stewardship plan in 2019. The plan incorporated Tahltan values and exceeds provincial requirements.

• In 2021, the work was done to establish the first two cutting blocks. Two cutting permits were approved.

• Harvesting logs from these blocks started in 2022. The two current blocks are near Bobquin. Tahltan Forestry is harvesting from the first block and will transition to the second block in the fall.

• Logs are going to Houston, BC to Canfor for processing. Wood is also being exported out of Stewart.

Wildlife Director Report

Westin Creyke

Interim Wildlife Director

We are now halfway through our summer field season and beginning to transition into the hunting season.

The guardians continue to carry out multiple sampling programs throughout the summer, including water quality sampling around Dease Creek placer claims, Biogeoclimactic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) (habitat mapping) sampling, and grizzly bear hair snaring (Galore Creek). Additionally, we have completed post-calving surveys for Level-Kawdy, Edziza, Tseneglode, and Spatsizi caribou herds.

Moving forward, the guardians will continue the water quality sampling program and complete this year’s round of Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network (CABIN) sampling (aquatic invertebrates).

Upcoming guardian training includes wildlife camera monitoring, ecosystem wetland BEC training, and chemical immobilization training. Once training is completed, the guardians will move into patrol mode with the start of moose season.

The Wildlife Accord is near completion, and we are moving forward with the intent that it be signed. With the regulation changes in the Peace Region, we are expecting a greater influx of hunters this fall. As part of the Wildlife Accord, we are preparing for this hunting season with another year of daily patrols and a joint monitoring plan with the guardians and the conservation officer service which includes joint patrols and road checks. We now have a new full time Conservation Officer (CO) in Dease Lake and will have other temporary COs in the area during hunting season.

Our department expansion is underway; we’ve hired an auxiliary guardian and are in the process of hiring four Predator Management Technicians. The primary responsibility of the Predator Management Technicians will be to implement the Predator Management Plan. We are planning to have the Predator Management Technician positions up and running after we complete community engagement regarding the Predator Management Plan. These technicians will be trained in wolf and bear trapping as well as chemical immobilization. Our intentions are to decrease pack sizes and collar wolves throughout the winter then target pups during the spring and grizzly bears in calving areas.

Finally, congratulations to the winners of the harvest survey draws: Brian Quock (1st place – spotting scope), Eugene Etzertza (2nd place – binoculars), and Wade Day (3rd place – range finder). We are aiming to have our harvest surveys online for next year.

RELEASE

Tahltan Central Government Makes Significant Investment in Predator Management

DEASE LAKE, BRITISH COLUMBIA, June 28, 2022 – Under the Predator Management Framework, which includes the Tahltan Predator Management Plan and the Tahltan Predator Management Policy, the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) is supporting the Tahltan people in fulfilling their inherent stewardship responsibilities for wildlife in Tahltan Territory, in alignment with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, by taking predator management into their own hands.

The TCG’s Wildlife Department will be hiring four full-time predator management staff to support the program, which includes animal monitoring and population control, data collection, wildlife research, and working with Elders and Knowledge Holders. This is a historic investment which will prioritize predator management in Tahltan Territory by its own members. The TCG Wildlife Department will also increase its efforts to work closely with other wildlife stakeholders who understand and support predator management initiatives.

The Predator Management Framework responds to dwindling ungulate species populations and increased conflict between community members and predatory species. Culturally important to the Tahltan people and primary food sources, ungulate species are being protected by restoration programs and initiatives across the country developed between Indigenous, provincial, and federal governments with a primary focus on caribou.

Previous research has revealed the impact predatory species have on ungulates. Wolf densities cannot exceed 6.5 wolves per 1,000 km² for stable caribou populations, while for recovering populations, that number is reduced to 3 wolves per 1,000 km². Alarmingly, it is estimated that there are 15 to 24 wolves per 1,000 km² in Tahltan Territory.

The Tahltan Predator Management Framework incentivizes Tahltan members to exercise their hunting rights to harvest predatory species, such as wolves and grizzly bears that pose a high risk to ungulates. Reviving and strengthening cultural hunting practices, protecting a culturally significant species, increasing local safety, and providing monetary incentives for harvesting will benefit current and future generations of Tahltan people as the Nation works to recover dwindling ungulate populations.

“Our Predator Management Framework is yet another example of the Tahltan Nation asserting our rights and title and leading the way in stewardship of our territory, as we have done since time immemorial,” said Chad Norman Day, President of the Tahltan Central Government. “We are using Tahltan knowledge and western science to help develop a world-class wildlife management regime in our homeland. Relying on our own data will allow us to respond immediately to an urgent situation, while exercising our rights and jurisdiction over Tahltan Territory. We continue to push the Province to make improvements to wildlife management and will be increasingly pushing back on economic development in our homeland until this important work is done.”

A provincial ban on grizzly bear hunting in 2017 that once removed an average of 100 grizzly bears annually, has eliminated a means of predator control without consideration for the resulting consequences for locals and ungulates. Moose, for example, require 35 calves for every 100 cows in stable populations. Our moose populations now have less than 30 calves per 100 cows. Studies have shown that bears are responsible for roughly half of moose calf mortality. This is an example of why Tahltans must take responsibility for their own predator management as provincial and federal regulations have failed to consider regional differences and address the concerns of the Tahltan people.

Fisheries Director Report

Cheri Frocklage Fisheries Director

The summer months are flying by so quickly. It is mid-August as I pen this Newsletter update for you and the realization that the autumn days are not so far off is starting to soak in. Where, oh where, did the summer go?

A lot has happened over the past few months. Our Field staff are back to near normal, pre-COVID participation in the stock assessment projects. As always, I extend my deepest gratitude to the men and women who make up the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) Fisheries Department that return to their respective posts year after year to provide their expertise, knowledge, and time to count the salmon, gather the samples, and compile and report out the data. Without you, the co-management of our salmon resources would not be possible. Mēduh, and as our Fisheries Manager Kerry Carlick would say, “Bless your heart.”

I would also like to extend my thanks to all the members of our Tahltan Nation that were able to attend the TCG Annual General Assembly (AGA) this year, and for all the one-on-one side conversations and questions that were brought to me following the Fisheries Department presentation. Mēduh for your interests. Mēduh for your comments and questions, Mēduh for your guidance, input, and direction provided in the discussions. Thank you to my staff that attended and manned the Fisheries Department booth to answer questions and provide information to our members over the course of the AGA. I was very proud of you all.

I am providing a brief update on Canadian Harvests & Escapements to date and a more detailed report on field projects will be provided post-season when the projects are all completed.

ESCAPEMENT:

Little Tahltan Chinook – Total escapement 565 large, 650 jacks – weir pulled August 15th

Tahltan Lake Sockeye –Ongoing escapement 50,819 as of August 16th

HARVESTS:

Lower Stikine Commercial Fishery – 5,944 sockeye – closed for mainstem stock migration (low forecast), set to re-open late August for the coho fishery

Upper Stikine Commercial Fishery – 226 sockeye

First Nation Fishery – 5,658 sockeye, 269 large Chinook, 117 jack Chinook, 89 Chinook released

My sincere thanks to our Tahltan Nation members that conducted their food fish harvest in compliance with the Fisheries Department direction to conserve and protect our King salmon stocks. I am fully aware that it is a big ask of our people to forgo our right to harvest in the name of conservation. I appreciate your cooperation in protecting and stewarding these stocks for our future generations.

In mid-July, after receiving several accounts of questionable conduct by some of our members and following a long chain of internal conversations with local Leadership, we reached out to the Department of Fisheries & Oceans Canada (DFO) and requested the assistance of their Conservation and Protection (C&P) Officers. We were very impressed with their

response time and within a couple of days, two C&P officers were here and visited the camps and net sites accompanied by our TCG Fisheries Guardian, where they were greeted warmly by most of our members. My gratitude to the DFO Officers, we appreciated your time and willingness to assist. We will be following up on these discussions with local leadership and with the DFO C&P officers over the upcoming months. We are looking to build upon this relationship and increase their presence in our fishery given that the issues seem to persist. We will also be looking into further guardian training for Margaret under the DFO Guardian Training Initiative. Further information and updates on this will be provided in future Newsletters.

Left to right:

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Fisheries Officer Joseph Humphries, TCG Fisheries Guardian Margaret Asp, DFO Fisheries Officer Kevin Laarman

Fish Camp

Language Director Report

Pamela Labonte

Language Director

The Language team had a blast being together as a group at this year’s Annual General Assembly (AGA)–check out some of our photos from the week! We truly enjoyed connecting with familiar faces, meeting new ones, and sharing all the positive initiatives happening in the Language Department. At our table, we provided a basic introduction template so people could learn how to introduce themselves in Tāłtān. We were so happy when people shared language with us as they passed through. We also had a Language Tent set up outside of the Recreation Centre where people could come and relax, learn some language, and hear stories about the past. Our presentation showcased all the amazing work we are doing, and we had a very positive response to all we have accomplished this past year. We are already looking forward to next year’s AGA.

TĀŁTĀN DICTIONARY PROJECT

Phase one and two of the project are complete, which entailed profound, coordinated efforts of language documentation with Tahltan speakers. Again, Phase One entailed documentation in each community in territory (Tatl’ah - Dease Lake, Tlēgōhīn - Telegraph Creek, and Łuwechōn – Iskut), and Phase two continued with documentation in Terrace to broaden the scope. To date, we have close to 6,000 entries from the two Rapid Word Collection (RWC) events from both phases. Phase Three is underway and includes a core Tahltan group who are working on processing the documented language. The group is in the training stages to learn how to process information collected by working with the specialized software program and other processes in place. This phase will take some time to review all language collected. We will continue to share progress reports through each of the subsequent stages.

MENTOR APPRENTICE PROGRAM (MAP)

While the dictionary is about documentation, the TCG MAP is about creating meaningful space for developing fluent Tāłtān speakers. This program is designed to develop fluent speakers by providing a unique opportunity for language learners to develop advanced proficiencies and to allow for Mentors to pass language and traditional cultural teachings through the generations.

We launched an online application process for potential MAP participants that was communicated through TCG communication channels. The MAP launch date will be planned for later in the fall once all applicants have been vetted and approved for the program based on a standardized application process. An on-boarding orientation is being planned for all MAP participants (Mentors and Apprentices) to kick off the initiative.

TCG Mentor Apprentice Program (MAP)

FALL 2022 PROGRAM LAUNCH DATE!

This custom MAP provides structured programming to facilitate the development of fluent Tāłtān speakers in a unique immersion setting between a Mentor and an Apprentice.

Who are eligible TCG MAP Participants?

• Must be a TCG Member aged 18+

• All applicants must have a Mentor(s) -Tāłtān speaker(s) –who is equally as committed to the TCG MAP Successful applicants are those who can demonstrate full commitment to the time and dedication required for successful program outcomes

• Part time participant – up to 20 hours per week

• Full time participant – between 21-35 hours per week

Right: Mentor Apprentice Program (MAP) poster

If you are a Tahltan member and require assistance obtaining your Members Only Section password, please contact: 250-7713274 | 1-855-TAHLTAN (824-5826) | receptionist@Tahltan.org

How to Apply as an Apprentice:

Interested participants will be considered through a standardized application process. For additional information and to apply for the TCG MAP: tahltan.org/map

Link to MAP webpage

Application deadline: September 13, 2022

Contact:

Pamela Labonte Language Director languagedirector@Tahltan.org

"This program is designed to develop fluent speakers by providing a unique opportunity for language learners to develop advanced proficiencies and to allow for Mentors to pass language and traditional cultural teachings through the generations."

Tatl’ah Language Programming Coordinator Updates

Dhakāle Hayle Gallup

Tatl’ah Language Programming Coordinator

Over the summer months our language team has been involved in several projects. First, Tahltan speakers, dedicated language champions from each of our three communities, and I have created a language working group. This working group was established so our fluent speakers are at the heart of all our projects in language. Speakers help come up with phrases, help us spell, and give their input into the work that we are doing. Our group meets once a month in one of the communities – we take turns hosting. Through the working group, the Elders and I supported the Dease Lake Graduation ceremony through prayer and gifting the students with a graduation stole sewn by Tlingit/Tahltan artist Una Ann. This stole had the phrase “esgha sadesdih” which means “I am proud about myself," in our language. We wanted to wrap our young people in the language, hold them up, and

celebrate their accomplishment. Also, Our Tahltan Dancing group had support from Tū’desē’cho Wholistic Indigenous Leadership Development (TWILD) board member Ts emā and artist Una Ann in designing and sewing regalia just before school closed for the summer. Slowly but surely, our group is preparing themselves for performing. I look forward to completing our regalia this fall with the support of some local sewing talent. And I am most grateful for all the support that we have been given thus far for our group of emerging dancers.

Our Elders had a blast supporting the National Indigenous People’s Day events in Dease Lake. We handed out name tags and facilitated games in the language such as language bingo. We also utilized this game at the Dease Lake Literacy Camps. The Youth have been enjoying learning language in this way. We have been blessed to find and use the beautiful resources created by the late Louise Framst. Her legacy in language lives on every time we use these resources.

Throughout the summer, I have been working hard at preparing the portable (located on the Dease Lake School grounds) to serve as the Language Centre in Tatl’ah - Dahdẕāhe Hodes ide Kime . This building will function as my office space, classroom, and the meeting place for most language initiatives in our community. We look forward to sharing the grand opening details in the next Newsletter.

I am continually blessed with all the incredible projects, initiatives, and relationships that have come out of this role as the Tatl’ah Language Programming Coordinator and am incredibly proud of our language team for all that they do.

Soga edent’īn, Dhakāle Hayle Gallup

“I am continually blessed with all the incredible projects, initiatives, and relationships that have come out of this role as the Tatl’ah Language Programming Coordinator and am incredibly proud of our language team for all that they do."

Culture & Heritage Director Report

Sandra Marion Culture & Heritage Director

Dẕenēs hoti’e Tahltans, we have had a very busy summer. Our department thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the 2022 Annual General Assembly (AGA) in Dease Lake, BC. We met and had an opportunity to chat with a lot of our members. Since that relationship building experience, we have received a couple of donations of photos to the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) Archives.

The first donation we received was from Harlan Inkster which was a photo collection from 1946. He had mailed us his photo albums and we scanned the photos and mailed them back to him. The second donation we received was actually from Lynne Smythe. She mailed us a file from Ontario that had hard copy photos and information about all the Tahltan artifacts that are housed in the Smithsonian. We always knew that the Smithsonian held a large number of artifacts but now we have an actual inventory of those said artifacts. Łan Mēduh to both of these members for their donations. We greatly appreciate everything.

We are currently in the process of hiring a Culture & Heritage Coordinator. The successful candidate will be responsible for organizing the cultural liaison positions as well as supporting my department in building out a step by step guide for a dance group that also includes tips on structuring a sewing group. The goal is to build smaller dance groups in each community, so that when we come together as a larger dance group, we can perform in unison, with minimal effort.

Above: Knife and sheath from Tahltan Collections in Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

Above: Hand-written book entry by George T. Emmons, The Tahltan Indians, from Tahltan Collections in Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

Above: Shoulder bag/Bandolier bag from Tahltan Collections in Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

Above: Bone scraper from Tahltan Collections in Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

Above: Alex Mutts and Bill Fagan with Cassiar Candles

Above: Olin and his Gray Wolf - Caribou Mtn. Camp

Above: Bill and Spence at Todagin Lake - Base Camp for Sheep and Goats

Above: Sheep Hunting on Thunder Mtn

Above: Lee watching Mountain Goats on the big Likc near Todagin

Above: Johnny and Olin with Spence's Bull Caribou at Caribou Mtn

Above: Frank and Jack glassing the Basins for Rams

Above: Cold Fish Lake with Eaglenest Range in Background

Above: Moose-horn Camp on beautiful Todagin Lake

Above: Lee with old Sue above Kluea Lake

Above: Ram Country

Above: Placing the Cache at Two-Mile

Above: Guides on the Sky-line above the Spatsizi River

Above: Bill working over a big Bull Caribou at 200 Yards - Caribou Mtn

Above: Camp on Cold Fish Lake - waiting for Russ Baker's Plane

Above: Four-Mile Camp - Grizzly Country

Above: Four-Mile Camp - Grizzly Country

Above: Spence in our Tent at Two-Mile

Above: Bill Cole working over a Bull Caribou on Caribou Mtn

Above: Pack Train Fording the Big Klappan

Above: Spence and Bill at 8-Mile Camp

Above: On the Shores of Todagin Lake

Above: Bill's big Osborne Caribou

Above: Jack and Spence in typical Stone Sheep Country, Todagin Creek

Above: Bill at ease - Two-Mile

Above: Moosehorn Camp - Base for Sheep and Goats

Above: Moosehorn Camp - Base for Sheep and Goats

Above: Bill's Guide, Johnny, points toward Sheep CountryAbove: Olin's Bull Moose - Caribou Mtn

Above: Olin's Gray Wolf and Caribou - Caribou Mtn

Above: Our Camp Equipment waiting on the Banks of the Stikine River, Telegraph Creek, B.C.

Above: Pat Carey lands at Cold Fish Lake with Junkers Plane from Fort St. James

Above: Typical ram ranges near the headwaters of the Stikine Riverthe home of Ovis Stoanei

Culture Camp 2022

Education & Training Director Report

The course list included Occupational First Aid Level 1, Transportation Endorsement, Occupational First Aid Level 3, Fall Protection, Aerial Lift, Traffic Control Person, S100 and S185, Chainsaw Level 1 (two sessions), Chainsaw Level 2, and Dangerous Tree Assessor. These courses were in partnership with Tribal Resource Development Corporation (TRICORP), Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC), Wild Timber, Tahltan Forestry, and Contact North BC. Caitlin and the team provided fantastic support with registration, communications, and general administrative support.

Dzēnes hoti’e! Summer is always filled with so much physical activity, whether it be travelling, fish harvesting, or enjoying all that the outdoors has to offer. In Education and Training, summer is filled with a flurry of new applications, our academic year-end reporting, and preparation to meet Tahltans during the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) Annual General Assembly.

Cassandra Puckett Education & Training Director

With the new 2022/2023 academic year fast approaching, we are continually amazed at the scope of educational pursuits across the Tahltan Nation. From medical doctors to engineers and so much more, the TCG Education and Training Department continues to be inspired by the commitment and determination of our Nation's members.

In April and May of this year, we were finally able to host a Bootcamp Training Program. We offered eleven short-term certification courses focused on training that would be most beneficial for current employment opportunities. Additionally, we wanted to ensure we provide some wildfire training in preparation for the upcoming summer months. We had fifty-nine successful students obtaining 108 certifications with an investment of $156,178.18.

We also partnered with the Dease Lake Community Director, Christina Callbreath to host a Canadian Firearms Safety Course. While the Education Department did not provide financial support, we could provide support in the advertising, registration, and all other associated tasks required when hosting a successful training event.

Whether through in-kind contributions, such as equipment usage, letters of support and employment outcomes, financial or otherwise – every organization involved was instrumental in creating a successful training initiative. We look forward to continuing to evolve this program to best suit the needs of the Tahltan people in the territory while supporting and building capacity for all who wish to participate.

In June 2022, I was able to accompany sixteen Youth and some staff from the TCG to the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) in Toronto. The Youth practiced networking skills and had a frontrow seat at two-panel discussions featuring President Chad Norman Day. One of those panels also featured Paul Gruner from TNDC. The Youth visited the Royal Ontario Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, the CN Tower, the Hockey Hall of Fame, and attended a Blue Jays game. These trips provide an excellent opportunity for our young people to embrace and experience things they usually would not have access to.

As summer is the end of the department reporting year, I would like to share some of our overall numbers from the 2021/2022 academic year. The TCG sponsored a total of sixty-five students across

the three categories of education – short-term certification, post-secondary, and trades training. We do not count boot camp students in these statistics as they are considered community training program initiatives. Our policy requires students to apply to federally funded programs, such as the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training program and/or their Band. Students only need to apply to these programs if their program and school are eligible. Due to this policy, we have seen investment in an additional thirty-four Tahltan students.

Utilizing federally funded programs first means we will continue increasing our sources of revenue for future generations. This is one way we ensure the longevity and sustainability of our education program.

Overall, here is a breakdown of educational investments in Tahltan Nation members in education and training:

Category $ Amount

TCG $307,970.21

Bursary Program $110,000.00

Bootcamp $156,178.18

External $ 428,244.30

Total $1,002,392.69

I am incredibly proud and excited to see an overall investment of just over one million dollars in education and training across the Tahltan Nation. This is no small feat, and I raise my hands to all the students moving forward in education.

The TCG Education and Training Department is committed to supporting Tahltan students and doing our part to support their success. We all know inflation has increased drastically over the past year, so we have adjusted the TCG living allowance to reflect those rising costs. I researched the cost of living for students and examined the living allowance standards via provincial and federal student loans. The living allowance is now $1,700 plus $300 per month for dependents. Students who access Band funding can now apply with the TCG and receive a top-up living allowance if they are full-time students.

Employment & Business Director Report

approval and as stated, requires membership with the TCG prior to this approval. Note – you do not have to be a Status member to gain Tahltan Central Government membership as it is based on your Tahltan Ancestry! TCG membership registration can be found on our Tahltan.org website.

Ann Ball Employment & Business Director

OnTrack has been very successful with job postings and members applying to be part of the platform. We would like to continue to have our Tahltan members share this process with other Tahltans who may not be aware of the platform as it will assist them in obtaining employment. We also want to ensure that our membership knows to reach out to Lily Sembsmoen, OnTrack Specialist, at otspecialist@tahltan.org. Lily will be here to assist you through the registration process. She will also be available to help write and update your resumes. Her cell is 867-334-8340. Again, for anything pertaining to OnTrack, she will be there to assist, whether it is getting registered on OnTrack, resume writing, business registration, or being added to the OnTrack Facebook group, please reach out to her for assistance. We are using OnTrack to ensure our TCG membership has preferential hire via job postings to the OnTrack platform.

As stated, the OnTrack platform will become essential for preferential hire in the coming years so please encourage all Tahltans and associates to register at OnTrack.tahltan.org. It takes a few business days for

The Business Policy is progressing, and we are now working with a third-party accounting firm to ensure that the ideas for the policy can be implemented in a fair and inclusive manner. We must ensure that we are not just adding barriers for our Tahltan businesses instead of giving them opportunities. This is a very important policy for our Nation and we want to ensure that the process is fair and transparent, and several different options have been researched throughout this process. The TCG now has over 70 registered Tahltan businesses with 28 having been registered since February 2022.

The 2022 exploration season is underway for many of our industry partners. Most will be out of their sites by mid-October. The season started off strong and then cut back for many exploration companies due to the markets. We will be sending out our TCG statistics forms by November to all exploration companies to gather statistics on how many Tahltans were hired on each site; with that are the stats on how many Tahltan businesses were hired and, of course, their stats on Tahltan hires.

Tahltan Exploration Industry Training that was held April 25th - April 30th. This was the first time this training has occurred in Territory, and it was very successful. There were eight students in this program, and we are pleased to share that all eight of these participants obtained jobs within Tahltan Territory during the summer exploration season upon completion, and two students obtained full-time employment. We consider this a very successful program with huge added value to our Tahltan people.

Collective bargaining is continuing with the Red Chris Mine and the United Steelworkers Union. There is not much to update on yet, but it is important to make sure our Tahltan membership knows that this is going forward. The Tahltan Central Government is taking a firm stance to protect our Impact Benefits Agreement with the Red Chris Mine.

Please feel free to reach out to me any time regarding both employment and business. Help your fellow Tahltans and have them register for OnTrack to have access to preferential hire at ontrack.tahltan.org. You can send me an email at employmentdirector@tahltan.org, or phone me at 778-772-6355 for anything I am able to assist with.

Membership & Genealogy Director Report

Shannon Frank

Membership & Genealogy Director

For additional information please contact:

Shannon Frank

Director of Membership & Genealogy membershipdirector@tahltan org

Roxanne Ball

Membership Clerk

roxanne ball@tahltan org

Fellow Tahltans. A call out to update.

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

What do I need to do exactly? Simple.

1 Go to the TCG website.

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

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

4 Fill out and click Submit

How often should I update my information?

We need you to update your contact information regularly so we can keep you informed. We distribute updates not only regarding elections, but also with critical information for you and your family, such as Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) votes, employment and training opportunities, scholarships, education, and much more.

Are there any other reasons to update my information?

Yes! And this is especially true for:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dease Lake Community Director Report

• Elder Luncheons. The Elders really enjoy gathering and visiting, so I am aiming to have lunches twice a month.

• A peach canning workshop. There was a great turnout at the Community Hall to learn fruit canning and jam making.

Now that the summer is starting to wind down and community members are returning to town and looking into settling back into work and school, I am focusing on bringing more courses and workshops to Dease Lake. Some of the things in the works are a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) course, a babysitting course, Fitness Training and Fitness Trainer, and furniture chalk painting.

Be sure to watch for posters or call me at the new building. Our new phone number is 250-771-3087.

Hello Everyone! I hope everyone is enjoying the wonderful summer days. It has been a really nice summer at work, and it is so nice to see all the people that have been returning to the territory to visit and fish!

Christina Callbreath Dease Lake Community Director

Some of my highlights from this summer include:

• Annual General Assembly entertainment planning where I organized fun activities outside of the meetings for adults and Youth. These included a lake wiener roast and swimming, movies and crafts, and a comedy show with Auntie Beechress.

• National Aboriginal Day where I worked with Sandra Marion and People’s Haven to organize events to celebrate our Aboriginal heritage.

• Traditional Medicine picking at Pyramid Creek. We picked Balsam bark, Hudson Bay Tea, Caribou Weeds, and Dandelion roots.

• A Youth movie night where we watched Lightyear, the new Buzz Lightyear movie.

Tourism Director Report

While scouting these regions based on feedback and guidance from membership, we are looking for areas that could not only be suitable for tourism but those that should be protected and highly managed, as well, for cultural or environmental reasons.

Along with the site visits, we held in-person community meetings in May and plan to hold a second round of meetings early this fall along with an online survey to be sent out to all members. During the Annual General Assembly (AGA), we also conducted an in-person survey with just under sixty people polled. Based on feedback collected thus far, a few ideas and concerns have stood out:

• The need to focus on tourism management, not just development. For example, regulating visitor numbers and access to sensitive areas;

It’s been a busy summer and great to finally spend significant lengths of time in the territory, getting to know the communities and outlying regions. The two goals this summer have been to evaluate the tourism potential of key areas and to engage with communities to incorporate their thoughts and feedback on developing and managing tourism.

Alex Buri Tourism Director

For site visits, we have focused on evaluating the more accessible and well-known regions off the main road corridors of Highway 37 and Telegraph Creek Road — Spatsizi, Ice Mountain, Sheslay/Nahlin, and the Lower Iskut River. Viability assessments were based on evaluating ease of access, the cost to develop, visitor demand, and the area’s significance and importance to Tahltans. For example, one option could be to develop the hot springs along the Iskut River which are close to the highway and could be used by both Tahltans and visitors alike for numerous purposes.

• The importance of reopening historic trails and creating access to the backcountry for Tahltans to promote more use and occupation; and,

• The desire to maintain the unique quality of life in the communities in the face of any tourism development.

In terms of tourism investments and acquisitions, we currently have two opportunities in front of the Board and hope to be making a decision soon on our first strategic investments. When it comes to investment opportunities, we are looking at transportation companies, lodges, retreat centers and facilities that could be used both for visitors and Tahltans alike. Any investments we make now will be designed to fit into our overall tourism strategy that will be submitted to the Board this winter, outlining key initiatives for the next three years.

Hilda Mason

The bonds created through taking care of family are some of the deepest humans can develop. Day in and day out, Hilda (Edzerza) Mason cooked, cleaned and cared for her younger siblings as they grew up in remote Atlin, B.C. in the 1950s. Growing up with no electricity or running water, the whole family worked hard to ensure the family was well taken care of. Hilda always helped out with her family throughout her life because that is the Tahltan way.

Hilda Mason is a Tahltan Elder who is part of the Etzenlee Family and the Wolf Clan. Her parents are Grace and George Edzerza and her grandparents are Walter Creyke and Coonishma, and George and Mary Edzerza. She has two children, two grandsons, one great-grandson and currently lives in Victoria, B.C..

Born in Telegraph Creek, B.C. in 1940, Hilda spent three years there before the family moved first to Lower Post and then to Atlin, B.C. in the 1950s. She was the ninth oldest out of eighteen children who grew to adulthood and spent her teenage years helping her mom care for her siblings and cooking for her dad during hunting season when he was guide outfitting. She cooked food provided from the land like moose, caribou, and vegetables grown from the garden. She washed the entire families’ laundry with a gas-operated machine - eleven sets of sheets a week and everyone’s clothes. When it broke down, she quickly learned how to repair

the engine. It was not all hard work though, as she loved riding horses and played baseball in the summer, skated in the winter, and sang folk songs with her family around the campfire.

Hilda moved to Vancouver in 1960 with her sister Louise to attend chef’s training. When she graduated, she moved to Teslin to work as a cook and used some of her wages to supplement her younger siblings’ education. She then worked a few different jobs in Northern B.C. before landing in Whitehorse where she raised her two children and was a chef for the Edgewater Hotel.

In Whitehorse, while her two children were young, Hilda decorated weddings cakes and made cakes for special events. She taught herself how to sew and moved from sewing clothes for the family to sewing wedding gowns, bridesmaids’ dresses, and Sourdough Rendezvous costumes. When Hilda's two children went to school full time, she returned to cooking part time at the Edgewater Hotel and then took on the flight kitchen where she was responsible for providing all the meals for up to six flights a day.

After her son finished school in 1986, Hilda and her husband, Jim Mason, moved south to Vancouver Island to operate Shoal Bay Lodge for the summer and in 1988 moved to Victoria where she owned and operated the Old English Pie Shop. Their days would start at three AM to prepare the pies for their commercial customers. She operated the shop for many years before starting a catering business where she would serve events of up to 1,000 people.

In 2010, Hilda started creating her own soaps, creams, and salves out of traditional Tahltan medicine like caribou weed, balsam bark, pine pitch, and spruce pitch. She utilizes the healing power of each traditional plant - using caribou weed to stop bleeding and heal bug bites and she has an amazing story of how pine pitch helped her heal her failing kidneys.

From Atlin to Victoria, Hilda has lived in areas from the remote wilderness of Atlin and Lower Post to the city centres of Vancouver, Whitehorse, and Victoria where cultures collide. She remembers first arriving in Vancouver for cooking school and had to learn how to operate a dial phone and use the bus system. With determination and her Tahltan work ethic, taught to her by her parents, she perfected the craft of cooking and provided for her family just as she did back in those cherished days when she grew up with her large family.

Rocky Jackson

to Terrace, B.C., where he graduated high school. At fourteen, he picked up playing guitar and singing by learning from other Tahltan friends in Telegraph Creek where they learned to play music by ear from records of 1960s music like “Hello Josephine” which helped create that Tahltan groove.

In 1979, Rocky moved to Vancouver where he worked different jobs and practiced music. He played music at coffee houses and events around the city with his friends and learned different musical cultures from others. He remembers playing music with a bass player from Winnipeg, Manitoba, who taught Rocky to listen to the bass, not to get ahead of himself and to catch the rhythm. Now, when Rocky plays music, he hears that bass and it has shaped his music ever since.

Richard “Rocky” Jackson is the man behind many classic Tahltan songs like “Run Simon Run” and “Tahltan Swing”, which bring so much joy to people inside and outside of Tahltan Territory. He says Tahltan music gets the people going and there is nothing like the healing energy of a crowd when the tunes are playing, the smiles are shining, and the people are grooving.

Richard Jackson is a Tahltan man who is part of the Quock family and the Crow Clan. His Tahltan parents are Margaret (Maggie) and Richard “Dick” Jackson. His grandma is Matilda Quock, and his great grandmother is Lucy Quock (Dachama). He currently lives in Telegraph Creek, B.C.

Born in 1954 and raised in Telegraph Creek, Rocky grew up spending time on the land, hunting, fishing, gathering berries, and learning some Tahltan traditions/customs along with some of the language from family. He spent thirteen years there before moving to Whitehorse and Lower Post where he attended residential school and eventually moved

In 1990, Ronnie Carlick was the Chief of the Tahltan Band and contacted Rocky to ask him to come home to help in Telegraph Creek while Rocky’s friends in Vancouver said to go home to help his people and that it would probably make him more creative with his music. He moved back and started working with the Tahltan Band and in 1996, was elected to council which he has been on ever since. He says that moving back home was the best thing for his creative side as he embraces his roots and began creating his own music where he built a folk, soft rock, country type vibe.

Rocky and four others started the Tahltan Country Music Jam in 2003 at the Six Mile fish camp in Telegraph Creek. He and three of his friends started a band in 2014 and played social dances, weddings and fundraising events inside and outside of Tahltan Territory where they entertained people with their “Tahltan” music. The importance of music for Rocky goes beyond simply listening to music as it is a healing process for him. When the music is playing, he is extremely focused on the good energy and feeling that the music brings to everyone as it provides a healing aura that has helped him so much during his life’s journey. Moving forward, he wants to help others heal with music and through sharing his story about challenges in life. This Tahltan has embodied the sound of music and has protected the tradition of getting together around a common beat to let each other’s energy heal just as Tahltans have for thousands of years.

Megan Ryan

Following your passion sometimes means facing tough decisions. At twenty-four years old, Megan Ryan was weighing her options of either pursuing school and developing her role as a store manager or continuing on her path of becoming a figure skating coach. She followed her heart and decided to pursue coaching the sport she fell in love over two decades ago where she finds fulfillment.

Megan Ryan is a twenty-eight-year-old Tahltan member who is part of the family Howd-A-Ghtte and the Crow Clan. Her parents are Edward Jr. Ryan and Trina Goodwill, and her Tahltan grandparents are Edward Ryan and Alma Beatrice Brooks. Megan lives in Chase, B.C. with her fiancé and two stepsons.

Born and raised in Smithers B.C., Megan started skating at only six years old when she joined the Learn to Skate program which brought her through basic skating drills and skills development. She also played multiple sports including volleyball, basketball, track and field, snowboarding, and cross country running. She spent four years in the Learn to Skate program before transitioning into figure skating at age nine.

The first four years of Megan’s figure skating were spent in Smithers before her family moved to Kamloops, B.C. when she was thirteen. In high school she focused solely on figure skating and practiced four days a week and did off ice training. She would travel around B.C. competing at regional competitions for her free skate and artistic programs. She was able to build her skills to do many different combination spins, field movements, every double jump, and started working on triples by the time she was seventeen.

After high school, Megan took a break from figure skating as she focused on working as a roofer and as a manager at a local store. After seven years, she picked up the sport she loved so much and rejoined her Kamloops figure skating club where they offered to put her through training to become a Learn to Skate coach. She completed her first training while also honing her figure skating skills and in 2019, she competed in her first competition in seven years.

After completing her Learn to Skate coaching program, Megan upgraded multiple times and is now able to coach figure skaters. In 2021, she moved to Chase, B.C. with her fiancé and helped start the Shuswap Skating Club where she is the head coach. The club brings youth through the Learn to Skate program and once they pass the class, they can transfer to figure skating. Megan is the only coach and creates lesson plans and education paths for all levels of skaters aged five to seventeen. She says her favourite part is being able to watch the skaters take her lessons and skills to improve themselves, as it is very fulfilling.

Megan continues to coach and looks to upgrade her coaching certifications from Regional to Provincial and one day, National. She has a dedicated group of around twenty-five skaters from all over the North Shuswap and Chase who look to her for coaching. She says that anyone looking to pursue a sport should not be scared and try new things; just enjoy the moment. This healthy active Tahltan followed her passion and found her way back to skating which has enriched her life and keeps her fulfilled.

Ocean Van Mierlo

Curtis Rattray where he taught them about the land, the Tahltan connection to it, and Tahltan culture. These experiences were her fondest memories of school and gave her an understanding of how important a healthy ecosystem is.

Ocean always knew she wanted to attend university and her life experiences guided her educational journey. She watched wildlife documentaries with her dad which taught her about the effects of climate change and in grade nine she joined a Stone sheep data collection trip where professionals netted sheep and completed saliva, blood, and hair testing. This created a deeper passion for wildlife, and in grade ten she went to the Red Chris mine where she saw the effects industrial sites have on the land and wildlife, which made her want to learn how to mitigate the impact human activities have on wildlife. Since then, she has been completing the courses necessary for veterinary school.

In the Nat Pass, Ocean Van Mierlo saw the caribou herds change from frequent groups of up to eight to infrequent groups of four or less in only a few years. The impact of industrial development and climate change on wildlife is still being understood and it takes dedicated professionals to protect the ecosystem. Education has always been Ocean’s passion and she is learning everything she can to help preserve the land and the wildlife that inhabits it.

Ocean Van Mierlo is a twenty-year-old Tahltan who is part of the Quock family and the Crow Clan. Her parents are Tina and Edward Van Mierlo, and her Tahltan grandparents are Gladys and Robert Quock. Ocean currently lives in Victoria, B.C.

Born in Terrace, B.C., Ocean lived there for two years before moving to Telegraph Creek where she spent a year before growing up in Dease Lake. She had ample opportunity to spend time on the land as she was in Girl Guides where she worked hard to receive twenty-five badges and she was in the Junior Rangers where she learned valuable survival skills like making fires and shelters, leadership skills, and more. She also went camping with youth groups with

In grade eleven Ocean moved to Terrace to pursue more hands-on studies. She says it was a huge change coming from a town of 350 to a high school with more than 500 students but she rose to the challenge and built her confidence through hard work and study. Upon graduating, she was accepted to the University of Victoria where she is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Environmental Studies. This was another big step up in academic intensity where she had to really focus to achieve her goals.

After Ocean’s first year of university, she worked for Galore Creek as an environmental assistant providing her more exposure to different professionals including botanists and wildlife biologists. She finished her second year of university and is currently working at Brucejack mine as a geological technician where she loves completing field work outside. In her off time, Ocean loves to rock climb and stays active in the gym. Sometimes school and life can be difficult, but she always remembers the quote about not regretting the things you did, but regretting the things you did not pursue. This helps her stay focused during long hours of studying and keeps her on track as she pursues a career as a wildlife veterinarian so she can help preserve one of Tahltans’ most sacred resources.

PERSONAL

MIERLO

Faro Burgoyne

As a young man, Faro did not like going to school. Given the choice, he would have preferred to spend his time snowboarding. In fact, he graduated a year and a half early just to so he could get school out of the way. He began working as a lifeguard to save some money and spent his free time sourcing out snowboard teams to join. He was accepted on a Calgary snowboard club team, which, as luck would have it, led to him joining the Canadian National Snowboarding Team with whom he trained and travelled for the next five years.

Faro dreamed of making the Olympics and earning a gold medal, as did those around him, and both he and his coaches felt he had a good shot at it. However, competitive snowboarding, including flights to competitions, accommodation at ski resorts, and training on the slope was increasingly expensive and he was having a hard time supporting his snowboarding career on his salary as a lifeguard. Despite a handful of sponsors that covered half of the season’s costs, Faro soon found himself in serious debt and did not think he would make it through another season. Unfortunately, he was left to watch his teammates travel to the Olympics in 2014, while he himself was forced to give up snowboarding.

Some may consider twenty-nine-year old Faro Burgoyne a bit young to have already established a successful business, but he has had no shortage of life experience and setbacks leading up to it.

Faro’s mom, Hilary Vance, of Tahltan and Tutchone descent, was born in Whitehorse where she spent much of her time travelling. She eventually made her way to Cranbrook, where she met Faro’s dad. When he was born, Faro grew up in the Akisq'nuk First Nation, a part of the Ktunaxa First Nation, where he learned the culture and traditions. Though he knew he did have other ancestry as well, this is where he was based. His family on his dad’s side were the keepers of culture and the cultural leaders. Growing up with cousins on that side of the family, he always felt very immersed in it. Recently, through his mom, Faro is proud to have been reconnecting with his Tahltan roots. He has attended Tahltan Central Government (TCG) Update Meetings in Kamloops and enjoyed meeting fellow Tahltans.

After watching his Olympic dream fade and withdrawing from the sport he had loved and practiced for so long, Faro found himself at a loss to know what to do with his life. To pay off his acquired debt from snowboarding, he spent four seasons working on an oil patch in Northern Alberta. Summers off provided an opportunity to travel and he took advantage, hitting South America where he visited Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil. The experience was life-changing and visiting new cultures gave him greater perspective.

It also opened his eyes to entrepreneurial opportunities related to tourism. It seemed that just about anyone could make money by putting something together that travellers would like to experience. As a young man, he had always been interested in his own small business ventures from selling Bannock on the side of the road at age twelve, to working in farmers markets, to selling firewood.

Upon returning to Canada, Faro started to seriously consider ways in which he could make a living off tourism. He considered adventure tourism for a short time but decided against it in the end. While working a number of small jobs, Faro met his partner Emily and the two of them tried their hand at making a fortune in number of creative ways - one of which included mushroom picking in the Yukon, none of which succeeded. After several setbacks, the pair travelled to Guatemala, Columbia, and Panama where they made the decision to do something greater. Faro did not want to go back to work in labour or oil patches and Emily did not want to go back to working as a server. Faro had access to a beautiful property that his dad had passed down to him and had previously considered hosting music festivals there. After two successful festivals in 2018 and 2019, they learned that it was difficult to actually make a living off festivals as the profit basically covered the cost of the event, and not much else.

They decided that a better option might be a campground. They could build cabins and rent them out on a nightly basis. This way they could provide activities and fun without trying to come up with one big event. In his twenties, Faro had friends ask if they could build small cabins on the property and stay on the condition that they pay rent or help out. These friends, with their building experience, would later be perfect for helping to build small cabins.

First came the planning. Faro would need funding to get his business up and running. He remembered hearing talk in high school about opportunities for young Indigenous entrepreneurs, including access to grants and how easy it would be. The reality proved much more difficult and, in the end, most of their funding came in the form of a rather large loan with a high interest rate. The process took about seven months, and while they did find that they had access to grants – it wasn’t easy. They had to work hard to come up with business plans and strategies.

While beautiful, the property was essentially just a forest, so in throughout spring and summer they had a tremendous amount of work to do. While waiting for the full funding to come in, they started work clearing brush, building roads, making space for the campgrounds, building outhouses, and signing different sections. Emily built forty-five picnic tables to support opening the campground in early August.

Without a grand opening to announce their campsite and only a small sandwich board on side of the highway indicating their presence, it was a slow start. Faro’s solution-oriented mindset was not discouraged, however, and he notified the local chamber of commerce about their site. By the second weekend, which happened to be a long weekend, over half of the campsites were full.

At the end of the camping season, funding finally came through allowing them to build eight log cabins. There had been huge obstacles in obtaining funding on reserve as lenders are often afraid being unable to repossess land as they would on federal property. They needed to rely on businesses that offered highrisk lending. Faro was able to get a grant from All Nations Trust, based out of Kamloops, a microloan from the Ktunaxa First Nation, and the reserve they lived on gave a small grant from the band, but like many of his experiences, it did not come easy. Much of the funding needed was reliant on other funding becoming available first, and when it finally did become available, they had a time limit within which they had to spend everything. This created a huge amount of work in a very short time, but Faro and his friends became more efficient with each cabin built, and by June 2021, they had eight cabins ready to rent.

The cabins were an instant hit. There were bookings every weekend and they were full on long weekends. People were enjoying themselves and leaving great reviews. But opening during a pandemic does not come without its challenges, and there was fear that COVID would hurt business. Much to their relief, travel restrictions meant more people travelling within BC, despite the pandemic. This and COVID relief grants offered through Indigenous Tourism BC and other provincial programs, kept Raven’s Nest Resort and Campground in business.

Since opening, there have been plenty of new additions. They now have a disk golf course that has hosted two Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) sanctioned events, and they have continued to host festivals on site, though with much more success. Back in 2017 when they first held an event, there were about 500-600 people in attendance. How does that compare to the most recent event in 2022? This year they welcomed roughly 3,000 guests. They plan to host the event annually, with three permanent stages on the property, an industrial kitchen for staff, and plenty of additional spaces set up for the festivals.

Faro’s success was recognized by BC Business, who named him and Emily two of their 30 under 30. A well-deserved award following a great deal of hard work and proof that believing in dreams, taking risks, and really going for it can pay off regardless of where your journey begins. Neither Faro nor Emily had come from well-off backgrounds and always had to make their own way. Faro’s is a truly inspirational story of what you can achieve when you refuse to let life’s challenges hold you back. We celebrate your success!

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SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2022