Message from the President

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.

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

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.

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.