Issuu

THIS IS OUR LAND. WE ARE THE LAND.

TAHLTAN STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE

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. We decide how to sustainability manage our natural resources and economic development in our territory. We can meet our responsibilities, making decisions and manage our lands. TSI means Tahltans working together with government and industry to transform how things are done. Through TSI, the rules are changing. And we are shaping the process.

Vision Statement TSI will support the Tahltan Nation to assert selfdetermination and fulfill our inherent stewardship and caretaking responsibilities for our territory. The preliminary initiative vision is:

“The Tahltan Nation will fulfill its inherent stewardship responsibilities for all lands,water, wildlife, fish and natural resources in Tahltan Territory.” Stewardship is the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care. The TSI will help the Tahltan Nation to plan for and manage our land, water, wildlife, fish and natural resources. It will ensure we take care of Tahltan Territory now and for future generations. By protecting our environment and relationship with the land including culturally significant areas, conserving wildlife, managing economic development, and asserting jurisdiction over Tahltan Territory, we will advance our role in and refine shared decision-making processes.

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – S U MMER NEWSL ETTER 2021

Background Tahltan Nation is founded on sacred responsibilities and inherent rights granted to us by the Creator. The desire of our Nation is to become a fully selfdetermined and self-governed people. As reflected in our 1910 Declaration of the Tahltan Tribe, our leaders have worked for generations to build a strong system of governance that is true to our unique values as a Nation while being responsive to the realities of Tahltan people.

The Tahltan Central Government (TCG) is working to modernize its relationship with the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada to achieve effective shared decision-making and collaborative stewardship for Tahltan Territory. At the core of our government-to-government relationships will be respect and recognition of Tahltan title and rights. TSI will advance Tahltan interests and further reconciliation. The opportunity to further advance shared decisionmaking in Tahltan Territory has arisen from the Province of British Columbia’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). Brought forward in 2019, this legislation intends to harmonize provincial laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

This means the TSI framework will support recognition of the Tahltan right of free, prior, and informed consent regarding lands, water, and natural resource use, the preservation of Tahltan culture, traditions and ceremonial practices, and the right for Tahltans to participate in determining outcomes in decision-making matters which affect their rights. Recognizing the timing of this opportunity and building upon the progress of previous work, the TCG is supporting TSI to advance Tahltan interests. The message from the Nation is clear: Tahltans have never ceded or surrendered our lands and continue to exercise our rights and jurisdiction over Tahltan Territory. The Nation is vested with the sacred responsibility to manage our lands and resources for the benefit of all Tahltans.

TAHLTAN STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE

FOUNDATIONAL EFFORTS & INITIATIVES Initiatives that have contributed to this work include:

1980s

Tahltan Ancestral Study with Elders

1987

Resource Development Policy

2003

Out of Respect Report

2005 2013

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

2016

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

2015

Lands Department formed within the Tahltan Central Government

Wildlife Department formed within the TCG

2017 2018–2021

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

2020

The Klappan Plan and the Klappan Management Board

2019

Culture & Heritage Department formed within the TCG

Fisheries 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. 56

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – S U MMER NEWSL ETTER 2021

TSI STEERING COMMITTEE – NEW MEMBERS

David Rattray

TSI Elder Representative My name is Ta na’as, or David Rattray. My mother is Isadaya, or Evelyn Rattray. My grandmother is Grace Edzerza and we are Ch’iyone (Wolf) and Etzenlee. I am a Tahltan Elder who has spent much of my life in Northwestern British Columbia. Much of my younger life was spent wandering around prospecting, building log and frame houses, motorcycling through Europe and the United States, trapping, and generally exploring life. In the 1980’s I taught school in Telegraph Creek for ten years, worked in the Board Office in Dease Lake for six years, and was an Aboriginal counsellor/cultural teacher for seventeen years in Fort St. John. I joined the Steering Committee of TSI as an Elder Representative. I want to find ways to include Elders in the protection of our lands and all its resources. I have been retired for several years and spend my time giving back to my Tahltan world. I have been chasing my wife for over fifty years. We have three grown children and three grandchildren. We love motorcycling in our Ural, as well as going to fish camp every July to put up salmon. Life is good. Our ancestors left us our land in beautiful shape, with the spirit of the land alive and vibrant. We have many people interested in coming to our land to make money. They need to be taught how sacred our land is to us. The TSI is an important part of making sure our lands stay alive and healthy.

TAHLTAN STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE – NEW MEMBERS

Kyle Risby

TSI Youth Representative Hello, I am Kyle Risby, I grew up in Whitehorse, Yukon. My Estsū (grandma) is Mable Williams and I am Ch’iyone (Wolf). I grew up listening to my Dad, Wayne Risby, and Grandpa, Pete Risby, share stories of wandering the woods prospecting. I too became curious to experience the back country. I spent university summers working in various exploration camps in Yukon and Tahltan Territory prospecting through beautiful and humbling terrain. Last summer with Eskay Mining Corporation I worked an amazing field program that granted me access to many glaciers and water flow in our beautiful Tahltan Nation. I have just started my second year in the Joint Common Law and Indigenous Law Program at the University of Victoria. Before law school I worked in Yukon as a court worker for the Council of Yukon First Nations. There I learned how to advocate and support Indigenous interest(s). I have also been Yukon’s representative on a National Action Committee for Access to Justice and have been a facilitator at the World Social Forum in 2016. As I continue my learning and formal education journey, I hope to work in Indigenous governance. I recognize the importance of the Tahltan way. I hope through the TSI I can connect our youth to our land’s decision-making by having access to future resources that have our Nation’s character represented in our external documents. The TSI is important to me because of the opportunity for our Nation to express self-governance through our Tahltan way. I believe the TSI is an opportunity for our Youth to participate in land stewardship and to build unity and relations to each other and the land. The TSI also provides an exciting opportunity for our Youth and Elders to share generational perspectives of values and principles. I hope through this process our culture and spiritual connections grow and unite Tahltans. I believe that through accountable governance and fair participation the TSI, our Nation will build tools for future generations. I know land and life are sacred and we are given the responsibility to steward the land for the sustainable enjoyment of future generations.

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – S U MMER NEWSL ETTER 2021

TSI YOUTH STEWARDSHIP OFFICERS Dakota Williams

Bria Rose Mclean

TSI Youth Stewardship Officer

Chacholōne hoti’e, my name is Dakota Williams, my greatgrandparents are Charles and Peggy Quock. I have one son, Callum Williams, who is seven years old. I am Tahltan and Tsimshian, currently living in Terrace. I spent eight years in Artillery School as a Forward Observer, where I excelled as a Combat Leader. My interests include family, nature, climate change, military, human rights, and First Nations sovereignty. It is my belief that we are borrowing this planet from our children. As adults, it is our responsibility to make sure the next seven generations have a healthy environment and society. I am honored to be participating in TSI as one of the Youth Stewardship Officers. As a Youth living outside of Tahltan Territory, this experience is an amazing opportunity to participate in the responsible management of Tahltan lands.

Warm greetings! My Tāłtān name is K’ōs K’īs (North Wind Blowing) and I’m from the Ch’iyone (Wolf) clan. I am the daughter of Richard McLean and Lennette Desjarlais. I am of Tahltan, Cree, Métis, Scottish and Irish descent. I am passionate about creating and sharing music and dance, assembling and cooking food, being active outdoors, and respectfully utilizing our land and its offerings. I currently live in Dease Lake and am working as one of the TSI Youth Stewardship Officers. I joined the TSI team to further my knowledge on land management and to help engage Youth in stewardship activities happening in territory. The TSI team, the discussion regarding our land and resources, and the many stewardship projects will ensure responsible use of our rightful grounds, especially by incorporating our history and focusing on generations to come. I am honored to take part in this important work and look forward to learning and incorporating Youth into stewardship activities.

COMING SOON

THE TSI WEBSITE – G E T I N V O LV E D !

Coming soon, the TCG will launch a brand new TSI website with members only information on each of our projects, current and future engagement opportunities, and more. The cornerstone of the TSI is community involvement. Questions? Comments? We want to hear from you: C O N TA C T T C G T S I C O M M U N I C AT I O N S :

communications@tahltan.org 59

TAHLTAN STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE – YOUTH STEWARDSHIP OFFICERS

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – S U MMER NEWSL ETTER 2021

MEDIA ENGAGEMENT – TA H LTA N N AT I O N & TSI IN THE NEWS

The Tahltan Stewardship Initiative (TSI) will further the interests of the Tahltan Nation through its projects and related agreements. TSI has a unique media strategy to bring attention to this important initiative and support generational change.

REACH / NUMBER OF MEDIA IMPRESSIONS

Tahltan land to be protected in partnership with conservation organizations, Industry and the Province

93,167,311

Tahltan Nation Demands Bell Media Cease Airing of 'Jade Fever' and the Province to Suspend all Jade and Placer Mining in Tahltan Territory

90,026,275

Province of B.C. and the Tahltan Nation begin talks on shared decision-making

77,500,329

Tahltan and B.C. further their vision of shared prosperity

3,253,862

Dease Lake Airport upgrades benefit community

2,729,120

Protecting the Sacred Headwaters of the Klappan Valley

185,735

Tahltan Nation Introduces Predator Management Policy

139,519

200,000

1,000,000

25,000,000

75,000,000

95,000,000

TAHLTAN STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE – MEDI A ENGAGEMENT

Tahltan land to be protected in partnership with conservation organizations, Industry and the Province Tahltan Central Government – News Release | April 8, 2021

A new conservancy to protect the environment and wildlife on Tahltan Territory has been created in an area of northwestern B.C., historically known as the Ice Mountain Lands, adjacent to Mount Edziza Provincial Park. The Tahltan Central Government, the Province, Skeena Resources Limited, the Nature Conservancy of Canada and BC Parks Foundation have worked in partnership to create the conservancy. tahltan.org/tahltan-land-to-be-protected-in-partnership-with-conservation-organizations-industry-and-the-province

Tahltan Nation Demands Bell Media Cease Airing “Jade Fever” and the Province to Suspend all Jade and Placer Mining in Tahltan Territory Tahltan Central Government – News Release | May 18, 2021

The Tahltan Central Government (the “TCG”) has contacted Bell Media, the Discovery Channel, and Omnifilm Entertainment to demand that these companies suspend airing the show “Jade Fever”, which follows a jade operation in Tahltan Territory and fails to demonstrate any consideration of impacts to Tahltan rights and title or depict responsible environmental stewardship.

See Page 9 in the “Announcements” section to read the full News Release.

tahltan.org/tahltan-nation-demands-bell-media-cease-airing-jade-fever-and-the-province-to-suspend-alljade-and-placer-mining-in-tahltan-territory

Province of B.C. and the Tahltan Nation begin talks on shared decision-making Tahltan Central Government – News Release | June 15, 2021

The Tahltan Central Government and the Province of British Columbia are starting negotiations on the first consent-based decision-making agreement ever to be negotiated under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. It is intended to support ongoing work to collaboratively achieve long-term comprehensive reconciliation and land-use predictability in Tahltan Territory.

See Page 25 in the “Announcements” section to read the full News Release.

tahltan.org/province-of-b-c-and-the-tahltan-nation-begin-talks-on-shared-decision-making

Tahltan and B.C. further their vision of shared prosperity Tahltan Central Government – News Release | June 10, 2021

The Tahltan Central Government, Iskut Band Council, Tahltan Band Council and the Province have entered into a Shared Prosperity Agreement (SPA), setting the foundation to collaboratively achieve long-term comprehensive reconciliation and land-use predictability. tahltan.org/tahltan-and-b-c-further-their-vision-of-shared-prosperity

See Page 17 in the “Announcements” section to read the full News Release.

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – S U MMER NEWSL ETTER 2021

TAHLTAN STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE – PROJECTS & AGREEMENTS

CURRENT TSI PROJECTS & AGREEMENTS TSI will align related Tahltan governance, reconciliation, land management projects and activities from the TCG Communications and External Relations, Culture and Heritage, Fisheries, Lands, and Wildlife Departments.

TSI will also include related activities and projects initiated with the Province of British Columbia and Canada by agreement. This includes (but is not limited to) the following: •

Canada Nature Fund Target 1 Challenge: Establishing Tahltan Indigenous Protected & Conserved Areas (IPCAs)

Below is a list of projects under the TSI: Assessment of Ecosystem Services & Climate Change Resilience

•

Ice Mountain Agreement / Conservancy

•

Shared Decision-Making Agreement (SDMA)

•

Capacity Development Project

•

Shared Prosperity Agreement (SPA)

•

Caribou Stewardship Project

•

Tahltan Land Stewardship Planning (TLSP)

•

Communications and Engagement

•

Tahltan-BC Joint Land Use Plan (TBCLUP)

•

Cultural Heritage Project

•

Wildlife Accord

•

Ecosystem & Climate Project

•

Fisheries Stewardship Project

•

GIS Spatial Database Project

•

Land Governance Framework & Operational Policies Project

•

Predator Program

•

Tahltan Guardian Program

•

Tahltan Infrastructure Assessment (Energy, Access & Mineral Potential)

•

Tahltan Indigenous Protected & Conserved Areas (IPCAs) Project

•

Tahltan Land Stewardship Plan

•

TCG Archives Project

•

Water Resources Project

•

Youth Stewardship Program

•

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – S U MMER NEWSL ETTER 2021

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS Through our Summer and upcoming Fall Newsletters, we will introduce each of the TSI projects to the Nation.

Assessment of Ecosystem Services & Climate Change Resilience Project This project is a primary deliverable under the workplan for the Tahltan Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) Project. Under the IPCAs Project, we are looking to understand what the value of the services our intact ecosystems provide is, and in addition, to understand whether there are any opportunities available to fund our long-term stewardship initiatives through the conservation of the ecosystem services in our territory. This includes an analysis of carbon capture opportunities of forests and wetlands, and other ecosystem services such as water filtration. The project has been expanded to consider opportunities within the territory as a whole and will not be limited to areas considered under the IPCA project. The climate change resilience aspect of the project seeks to understand the ways in which conservation of our intact ecosystems can contribute to climate change resilience as well as the ways in which we might be able to increase resilience of our ecosystems to changes that are anticipated in the climate of our territory over time.

Caribou Stewardship Project Northern Mountain Population (NMP) Woodland Caribou are currently designated as “Special Concern” under the federal Species At Risk Act (SARA). In Tahltan Nation, there are seven herds, all important to the Nation for traditional uses, food security, and sustenance needs. Tahltan have traditionally managed these herds through our knowledge and understanding of the historic seasonal ranges, movement periods and corridors, and changes in range use and numbers over time. However, Tahltan citizens are expressing concern on the apparent changes to seasonal range, movements, and declining numbers of caribou herds for over ten years which are not consistent with long term traditional and community knowledge.

– PROJECT OVERVIEW The Level Mountain-Kawdy Plateau, Tseneglode, Spatsizi, and Edziza Woodland Caribou herds have limited current information on population numbers, habitat use, and predation over the last ten to twenty years. Three of the four herds are found in Tahltan spiritually and culturally important areas, one of the populations is declining, and two of the herds are in relatively heavily impacted areas from mineral development and licenced hunting/access. Tahltan Knowledge, community knowledge, and Tahltan Guide Outfitter knowledge are the robust data sources being used to support management, land use, and conservation planning while the scientific knowledge is being collected by Tahltan.

TAHLTAN STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE – PROJECTS & AGREEMENTS

– PROJECT BACKGROUND Limited knowledge on wolf numbers, pack sizes and movements, and the predation rate on culturally important ungulates such as Woodland Caribou and moose are affecting Tahltan management abilities to ensure sustenance needs are met, food security, and to ensure land use management strategies and conservation areas are addressing habitat needs, critical habitats, movement corridors, and seasonal ranges in light of climate changes and human activities. Through TSI, the process of Tahltan Land Use Planning and furthering the establishment of Tahltan Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) is developing management direction, zoning, and conservation goals for the herds. Information is needed to create an updated understanding of the Woodland Caribou herds and their relationship with wolves to support the advancement of Tahltan IPCAs through a Tahltan land use planning process.

Communications & Engagement Project The Communications and Engagement Project is designed to be as inclusive as possible. Its intent is to give all Tahltans, regardless of age, geographical location or background, the opportunity to learn about TSI and contribute to it. Our approach uses visually engaging strategies while also utilizing targeted strategies of inclusion and outreach. Working to build community ownership of the TSI initiative will ensure success and positive outcomes for the Tahltan Nation. This project is designed to strategically advocate for the Nation through clear and strong messaging to advance Tahltan rights, title, sovereignty, and self-determination with government, industry, and in the media.

– PROJECT OVERVIEW This Project is led by the TCG Communications & External Relations Department under its mandate from the TCG Board of Directors and supports communications and engagement for the entire initiative, including each project within TSI.

The Communications and Engagement Project will support TSI in the following ways: •

Through building recognition in TSI, and pride in its efforts and accomplishments;

•

Encouraging members to get involved and participate in this generational change;

•

Working closely with Tahltan Leaders, Elders, Youth and knowledge holders, supporting community involvement and outreach through online and in-person communications (as guided by the Emergency Management Committee (EMC));

•

Consistent delivery of information and engagement opportunities;

•

Delivering new tools and methods of communicating and engaging the Nation;

•

Strategically advocating for the Tahltan Nation through clear and strong messaging which advances Tahltan rights, title, sovereignty, and self-determination with government, industry, and in the media; and,

•

By being responsive to team and community needs, continuously adapting our approach throughout the TSI as the project grows in complexity, recognition, reach, and positive impact. 66

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – S U MMER NEWSL ETTER 2021

– PROJECT BACKGROUND

Project deliverables include:

The project will introduce a phased approach to educating and engaging the Nation on TSI which is both respectful and forward looking. We will use imagery including photographs, infographics, timelines, and graphic recordings to share TSI in a digestible and engaging way. Our approach will be to translate technical information throughout the initiative in a way that uses non-technical language to promote wide scale engagement and ownership. Our key statements and messaging will be built around health, unity, collaboration, pride, and change, seeking to rally as many members of Tahltan Nation to connect with this important work as we can. The TSI Steering Committee and project team will help to inform content creation and development so that we can continuously evolve our approach as the project develops. We will be responsive, collaborative and adaptative as we share this important work with the Tahltan Nation and the world.

2. A comprehensive Cultural Heritage Overview Report and accompanying GIS database that includes baseline information on all previously identified archaeology and traditional land use sites in the IPCAs. 3. A report detailing the results of all archaeological survey work conducted. 4. Archaeology site inventory forms for all archaeological sites recorded. 5. A detailed Cultural Heritage Management Plan which will include the following: »

A discussion of legislation and policies that protect and provide guidance for the management of archaeological sites and materials.

A description of the study areas.

The Cultural Heritage Project is a Cultural Heritage Overview and Management Plan for Tahltan Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs). This project will be developed through a comprehensive baseline inventory of Tahltan cultural heritage and archaeological site data from three areas to be included as IPCAs: (1) Sheslay, (2) Klappan and (3) Ice Mountain.

A summary of the physical and cultural contexts of the IPCAs including details on all previous archaeology and traditional land use work.

A list of previously identified archaeological and traditional land use sites in the IPCAs and a discussion of the significance of each site.

– PROJECT OVERVIEW

A discussion of potential impacts to archaeological deposits in the IPCAs area.

An archaeological inventory plan to gather additional baseline data in areas not surveyed or where there is a lack of knowledge concerning the local cultural historical sequence.

The development of recommendations for the continued management of cultural heritage and archaeological sites through inventory, assessment, monitoring, and mitigation.

Cultural Heritage Project

2020–2021 Compilation of Baseline Materials 2021–2022 Inventory-Based Field Assessments 2022–2023 Continued Inventory and Drafting of a Cultural Heritage Management Plan for the Tahltan IPCAs 67

In-field training for Tahltan members on identifying, recording, and assessing archaeological sites.

TAHLTAN STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE – PROJECTS & AGREEMENTS

Ecosystem & Climate Project It is agreed by both the Province of British Columbia and the Tahltan Nation that the current forestry and ecosystem baseline mapping for the Tahltan Territory is dated and requires updating. This will support modernized land use planning, the Shared Prosperity Agreement (SPA) implementation, and operational decision making. Tahltan are interested in the application of Lidar, fine scale remote sensing, and ground truthing to update the mapping for the entire territory. It is recognised this is a multi-year initiative and should be considered in stages or priority areas.

Lidar – which stands for Light Detection and Ranging – is a remote sensing method used to examine the surface of the Earth.

– PROJECT OVERVIEW Strategic and regional level ecosystem mapping including wildlife habitat mapping is available for the Nation, but the information is dated and has limited applications. The information does not work with Tahltan knowledge at a landscape or site level. Ecosystem mapping has been identified as a data gap to be addressed through the life of the TSI. Climate change trends are indicating increased annual temperatures, changes in season length and precipitation, increased wildfire frequencies and intensities, and loss of alpine and subalpine habitats. Understanding trends specific to the Nation can support land use and climate adaptation strategies being developed with our communities.

– PROJECT BACKGROUND Having updated, multiscale, ecosystem mapping and habitat interpretations based on Tahltan, local, and scientific knowledge supports consent-based decision making. Having the Wildlife and Lands Departments with Tahltan Guardians and community members involved in the development and interpretation of the ecosystem mapping increases capacity and knowledge sets for TCG.

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – S U MMER NEWSL ETTER 2021

TAHLTAN STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE – PROJECTS & AGREEMENTS

Fisheries Stewardship Project The Fisheries Stewardship Project brings Tahltan Knowledge, Worldview, and science together to ensure that we are taking care of and protecting our fish and their habitat. As First Nations Peoples, we have always honoured, protected, and relied upon our lands and our resources. These resources are vital to the nutritional, social, economic, and cultural well-being of our Nation. As our Ancestors were before us, we are responsible for protecting our land, water, and resources for the purpose of passing on our traditional values and practices to our future generations.

– PROJECT OVERVIEW To uphold our obligations as fisheries stewards, we must have both knowledge of the status and strength of our fish stocks, as well as the condition of their habitats and any past, existing, or foreseeable threats to the health of that environment. The objective of our field investigations within the Traditional Territory is designed to answer these key questions: 1.

Fish population assessments to ensure fish stocks are sustainable with the harvest rates that they are subject to, and

2. Habitat assessments to identify if their habitat has been impacted by development or natural barriers to assure vital protection, and 3. If necessary, rehabilitation of their habitats.

Land Governance Framework & Operational Policies Project The Land Governance Framework will set out Tahltan values and principles of land stewardship, as well as administrative procedures to guide the TCG in the development, approval, and implementation of a detailed set of Policies (Strategic and Administrative) and Procedures in the area of lands and resources. These values and principles are rooted in the 1910 Declaration of the Tahltan Tribe. Through our stories, policies, and ongoing exercise of our rights, we are known for protecting our territory. A common belief among Tahltans is that all lands and resource issues must begin and end with what is asserted within the 1910 Declaration of the Tahltan Tribe, acknowledging, and honouring our Ancestors. Fundamental Tahltan values are asserted within the 1910 Declaration and remain relevant to Tahltan land and resource governance today and into the future.

– PROJECT OVERVIEW The purpose of the Land Governance Framework is to (1) affirm Tahltan authority to make decisions concerning Tahltan Territory and the lands and resources within the territory; and (2) Provide Tahltans, Tahltan Nation and Tahltan Central Government staff with the following: Affirmation that Tahltan Nation laws concerning lands and resources will be built on the foundation of Tahltan legal traditions, values and principles respecting land and resource governance;

– PROJECT BACKGROUND We are all connected to our fish as they are integral to our food security, and our spiritual and cultural well-being. They are part of who we were and who we are as Tahltan people. We are fish people of the mighty Stikine River. We defended our territory and our resources, often at the cost of our own blood. We will continue to defend our fish and the habitat they rely on to ensure that our future generations will be able to practice the spiritual and cultural connection to our land and aquatic resources.

•

A policy foundation that supports the consistent and effective implementation of all Tahltan land and resource policies and procedures and supports effective, transparent and accountable decision making;

•

Clarity on the roles and responsibilities of the Board of Directors of the Tahltan Central Government and TCG staff with regards to the land and resource policy lifecycle (policy and procedure development, approval, implementation and review);

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – S U MMER NEWSL ETTER 2021

•

Clear direction to Tahltan Central Government staff to make Administrative Policy, procedures, and management decisions, to implement decisions of Tahltan leadership and to act in the best interests of present and future generations of Tahltans regarding Tahltan lands and resources; and,

Environmental assessment processes and responding to referrals;

Lands inventory process and procedures;

Land use planning process and procedures; and,

Environmental management, monitoring and protection procedures.

Clarity on the ongoing maintenance of Tahltan Central Government policies and the TCG Lands and Resources Governance Document Registry.

– PROJECT BACKGROUND The Lands Governance Framework Project was initiated in 2018 as part of a five-year strategic plan to develop the Lands Department. The Lands Governance Framework Project included two main goals: 1. A comprehensive decision-making and consent regime articulated within a Lands Governance Framework document that: »

Identifies the sources of jurisdictional and legal authority of Tahltans drawing on Tahltan law, international and constitutional law;

Identifies the process the Tahltan Nation follows in order to decide whether or not to authorize an activity on the territory;

Identifies what information the TCG requires within its decision-making process (e.g., studies, transparency requirements etc.); and

Identifies standards that guide Tahltan decisionmaking about land use (e.g., cumulative impacts, environmental and stewardship interests).

Predator Program In response to dwindling wildlife populations and increased conflict between community members and predatory species, the Tahltan Central Government introduced the Tahltan Predator Management Policy. The robust policy encourages and incentivizes Tahltan members to exercise their constitutionally protected Aboriginal hunting rights to harvest predatory species, including black bears, grizzly bears, and wolves.

– PROJECT OVERVIEW The TCG Wildlife Department will be responsible for implementing the Tahltan Predator Management Policy and will record harvest numbers from the Tahltan people. The initiative will help stabilize wildlife populations, protect local communities, encourage culturally important Tahltan practices, and aims to set a strong foundation for future wildlife management practices and initiatives.

– PROJECT BACKGROUND

2. A suite of policies and procedures that support the Land Department management and team to operationalize the Lands Governance Framework Policy and effectively advance the strategic priorities of the leadership as they relate to the territory. This suite of policies may include policies that guide /clarify the Department’s work with respect to:

Consent process and procedures (flowing from the Policy Framework);

Authorities and accountabilities of the Director;

Roles and responsibilities of the Land Department management and staff;

The Predator Management Policy requires Tahltan members to harvest predatory species in compliance with Tahltan cultural practices and provincial regulations, to the extent that the regulations do not contradict Tahltan law or rights. Members are required to utilize each species to the extent possible for cultural purposes such as food, clothing, regalia, tools, medicine, and/or ceremony.

TAHLTAN STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE – PROJECTS & AGREEMENTS

Tahltan Indigenous Protected & Conserved Areas (IPCAs) Project This project will establish Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) in three important areas of Tahltan Territory: Ice Mountain, Klappan Sacred Headwaters, and Sheslay through the Tahltan Land Stewardship Planning process. IPCAs are areas where Indigenous governments have the primary role in protecting and conserving ecosystems through Indigenous laws, governance, and knowledge systems.

– PROJECT OVERVIEW The goal of the IPCAs Project is to protect up to one million hectares of land in the Ice Mountain, Klappan Sacred Headwaters and Sheslay areas. Deliverables include finalizing the Tahltan Land Stewardship Plan, establishing the IPCAs and having Tahltans involved in conservation through the Tahltan Guardians Program and other stewardship initiatives. The timeline is to have the IPCAs established by the end of March 2023.

– PROJECT BACKGROUND The Tahltan IPCAs project emerged from a successful proposal submitted to the Canada Nature Fund Target 1 Challenge in the winter of 2019. Funding was announced in August 2019, and the project has evolved into the overarching Tahltan Stewardship Initiative (TSI). to understand how we can fulfill our responsibility to look after it properly. We will have different views and opinions about how we should look after the land, but our strength lies in our collective grounding in how we care about our land.

Tahltan Land Stewardship Plan

– PROJECT OVERVIEW

Land Stewardship Planning creates plans that contain the Tahltan community’s direction on how to properly care for and steward every piece of land in Tahltan Territory. This is our land and the responsibility to care for it wisely rests with all Tahltans. It is our inherent stewardship responsibility as Tahltan people. Many of us have learned this responsibility from birth, but there are some who haven’t been afforded the opportunity to learn about our territory. Part of this project will teach those interested about our lands and help all of us

There are two major deliverables in this component of the TSI, a Tahltan Land Stewardship Plan and a collaborative Tahltan-BC Land Use Plan. The Tahltan Land Stewardship Plan (TLSP) will build on previous planning work to create a Tahltan approved stewardship plan for Tahltan Territory by August 2022. This plan will describe how to take care of the land so that it remains healthy into the future and how to ensure that land can continue to support Tahltan uses and values on the land. The collaborative Tahltan-BC Land Use Plan will

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – S U MMER NEWSL ETTER 2021

be built on the base established in the TLSP, then add in additional provincial uses and values that must be considered in our future Tahltan-BC government-togovernment land decision making.

The Province of British Columbia has recently adopted major changes that offer the Tahltan a very unique opportunity for the Tahltan to lead the way in the Province. These include the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), a commitment to modernize land use planning, the Province’s commitment to make ecosystem health a priority, and to implement all of this in partnership with the Province’s Indigenous community. The TSLP will show in detail how to achieve many of the goals of these major shifts and will help lead the way to changes in how land use planning is done in the Province of British Columbia.

TCG Archives Project This multi-phase project has the overarching goal to create an organized and accessible documentary legacy and resource for the Tahltan Nation. The project will focus on developing a physical archive and a corresponding digital collections management system based on international archival standards to ensure secure storage of documentary resources and to facilitate access and sharing of those resources in our custody with TCG staff, community members, and potentially other collaborators.

– PROJECT BACKGROUND There have been previous land use planning initiatives in Tahltan Territory, some led by the Provincial Government, and some led by the Tahltan. Each of these initiatives collected valuable information about the land and Tahltan’s interests on and use of the land. This work provides a solid foundation, that when supplemented with more comprehensive and contemporary Tahltan knowledge, will yield plans that are grounded in Tahltan land interests and Tahltan knowledge around how to properly care for the land.

– PROJECT OVERVIEW The TCG Archives Project will build capacity in the Nation by training successful candidates in information management and other knowledge and skills. Through collaborations with other TCG Departments such as Membership and Lands, the Archives Project will link to other information management databases and systems, empowering database users and managers by providing access to original sources of data, by filling or helping identify information/knowledge gaps, and by eliminating duplication in research. Phase one of the TCG Archives Project will result in a physical repository of organized and safely stored records and materials created and accumulated by the TCG. The final phase of this project will open access to TCG’s records and materials holdings, which will support TCG administration, operations and facilitate knowledge sharing and reaffirming culture and identity across the Tahltan Nation.

TAHLTAN STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE – PROJECTS & AGREEMENTS

– PROJECT BACKGROUND The TCG Archives Project will ultimately result in a permanent TCG Archives office; a key site of information stewardship and governance at the TCG. The TCG Archives Project will create certainty of TCG’s legal, physical, and intellectual control over the records and materials in its holdings and of incoming records and materials from internal and external sources. Through traditional archival processes, the project will bring into view the legal, fiscal, administrative, historical, and evidentiary value of its records and materials. The development of a physical and digital archives, and its policies and procedures, will open access to a significant holding of records and materials, spanning from the 1800s to the present day, that have been ‘lost’ to TCG leadership, its staff and Tahltan membership. Lack of continuous and adequate funding, changes in Tahltan government’s programming, leadership and mandates, and natural disasters have been the most significant barriers to realizing a project of this scale and scope. Through TSI funding, capacity and project management, there is an incredible opportunity to achieve the creation of a TCG Archives.

Wildlife Directors, Elders, Guardians, local knowledge holders, and other mentors. During the program, Youth may conduct scientific and Tahltan knowledge research, work with local technicians, other Youth programs and young people, receive training, and visit and learn about places of long-standing cultural importance to Tahltan communities.

– PROJECT BACKGROUND As young Tahltans grow and develop, they want and seek opportunities for leadership and input into Nation building and stewardship activities that will maintain and sustain Tahltan ways of life. The Youth Stewardship Program will create an empowering culture amongst our Youth to provide them with a sense of responsibility, inviting them to contribute to the TSI vision, while inspiring them to pursue careers in natural resource management.

Youth Stewardship Program The Tahltan Youth Stewardship Program aims to build confidence, interest, knowledge, and opportunities for Youth so that they increasingly see themselves as capable young people, future community leaders, and Tahltan territorial stewards. The program seeks to strengthen Youth leadership by restoring cultural and land-based connections through hands-on learning and experience.

– PROJECT OVERVIEW The Youth Stewardship Initiative aims to hire five Tahltan Youth from May to August of each year of the TSI. The program is organized to provide opportunities for Tahltan Youth to receive focused technical training and cultural education while working alongside Communications & External Relations, Culture & Heritage, Fisheries, Land, and

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – S U MMER NEWSL ETTER 2021

INTRODUCTION TO

TAHLTAN LAND STEWARDSHIP PLANNING Our Tahltan Declaration of 1910 states,

“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.” To achieve this in today’s world, we need to have:



The legal authority to make decisions about our lands;



Plans that describe how we will ensure proper stewardship of our lands;



The understanding and ability to manage our lands; and,



The internal capacity to do all these things at a level as good as or better than outside governments.

TAHLTAN STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE – INTRODUCTION TO TAHLTAN LAND STEWARDSHIP PLANNING

TSI is working to build these core elements, and others, so that we can fulfil our inherent stewardship responsibility to our homelands. This responsibility is entrusted to us as Tahltan people by our Creator, Ahdigi dene ti’e. Stewardship planning is an important part of the TSI and an important tool that will help us meet our stewardship responsibility. There are two main plans that we are working on under the land stewardship planning component of the TSI, a Tahltan Land Stewardship Plan and a collaborative Tahltan-BC Land Use Plan.

1. Tahltan Land Stewardship Plan: '

This plan will build on previous planning work to create a Tahltan approved stewardship plan for Tahltan Territory by August 2022. It describes how we want to take care of our lands so that it remains healthy into the future and can continue to support our relationship, and the way we live with our lands.

2. Tahltan-BC Land Use Plan: '

This plan will be built and approved by the Tahltan and the Province of British Columbia. It is targeted to be done by April 2023 and will be one of the key tools that will inform land use decisions under a new Government-toGovernment (G2G) decision making relationship between the Tahltan and British Columbia.

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – S U MMER NEWSL ETTER 2021

The following table summarizes important parameters for each of these plans:

PLANNING AR EA

Tahltan Land Stewardship Plan

TahltanBritish Columbia Phase 1 Land Use Plan

 All Tahltan Territory

PLAN B UILT BY

 Tahltans

P L A N A P P ROV E D BY

 Tahltans

OV E R A L L PURPOSE OF THE PLAN

 Describes how the Tahltan want to take care of Tahltan Territory  Will be the Tahltan’s decision making tool if the joint plan or the G2G decision making relationship do not materialize

 Tahltan Territory excluding areas that overlap with neighbouring First Nations’ territories and the Klappan Plan area but includes the Sheslay  Phase 2 is planned to include the rest of Tahltan Territory if the Tahltan & BC agree to proceed and the Tahltan have worked out arrangements with neighbouring First Nations

 Tahltan and British Columbia with input from additional Stakeholders

 Both Tahltan and BC governments

 Becomes the main tool that will support land use decision making under a new governmentto-government Tahltan-BC decision making relationship (supplemented by local research for specific projects)

TAHLTAN STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE – INTRODUCTION TO TAHLTAN LAND STEWARDSHIP PLANNING

METHOD USED TO CREATE THE PLAN

PLAN CONTENT WILL INCLUD E

PLAN WILL BE US E D TO

 A Tahltan-made methodology that is developed by Tahltan, reflects the Tahltan way of seeing and knowing the land, and fully engages the Tahltan community

 Information collected from Tahltan, including previous planning processes, supplemented with additional information collected from Tahltan during this process

 Provide a way for Tahltans to have a say in how to take care of Tahltan Territory

 Informing Tahltans’ participation in the joint Tahltan-BC planning process

 Educate Tahltans about Tahltan Territory

 Helping Tahltan people become more grounded in, and better understand Tahltan Territory

 A jointly agreed (to be developed) methodology  Expected to be based on much of the Tahltan-made methodology for the Tahltan Land Stewardship Plan (which can inform the Province’s Modernizing Land Use Planning Initiative)

 Most of the content in the Tahltan Land Stewardship Plan (except confidential information)  Additional content to support governmentto-government decision making across all land use sectors

 Ensure that the Tahltan stay strongly connected to the land through supporting cultural, spiritual, sustenance and economic uses

 Support G2G decision making.  Align thinking and create shared understanding on values and land stewardship between Tahltan and the Province

P L A N P ROV I D E S OT H E R B E N E F I T S S UC H ASV

PLAN WILL BE UN IQ UE B EC AU SE

 It will use a Tahltanmade planning methodology  It will be mainly focused on how to take care of the land

 Supporting the development of internal Tahltan planning capacity  Allowing Tahltan to better direct the joint Tahltan-BC planning process

 Clearly establishes that other parties are outside of the Tahltan-BC governmentto-government relationship  Establishes the Tahltan as a competent and equal partner in land use planning

 It will show the provincial government how to plan for ecosystem health and maintaining Indigenous relationships on the land  It is expected to move away from historical negotiated trade-off land use planning processes

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – S U MMER NEWSL ETTER 2021

“The Tahltan Nation will fulfill its inherent stewardship responsibilities for all lands, water, wildlife, fish and natural resources in Tahltan Territory.”

SECTION TITLE