"Dane" means "Spring" in the Tahltan Language Central Government
TAHLTAN SPRING | DANE 2016 President's Message
President's Message
Another long northern winter has passed in Tahltan Territory and it’s exciting to see signs of spring emerging throughout the homeland. One of the highlights for our communities this past winter was joining together to cheer on the six hockey teams from our territory that competed in the All-Native Hockey Tournament in Whitehorse this April. Congratulations to all those who participated and Meduh for representing the Tahltan Nation with pride. The winter was a very productive season for the Tahltan Central Government. We are continuing to build our administrative team and were happy to announce the appointment of Jarett Quock as our Wildlife Guardian. In filling this vital role, it marks the first major step in ensuring that Tahltan people begin playing a direct role in managing wildlife issues within our territory. We also made some historic strides in strengthening Tahltan governance. Substantive work to create the TCG Board Policy Manual began after members confirmed our structure and selection process at TCG’s 2015 Annual it’s important your voice is heard so we can continue to General Assembly. After over a year of hard work by the TCG collaboratively build our Nation. Executive and Governance committees, the manual was ratified in late April. In closing, this quarterly newsletter marks the last of the current two-year term for the TCG Executive and Board of After years of requests from the Tahltan membership, the Directors, so it seems fitting to acknowledge all the hard manual officially created space and financial support in work over the past two years by our communication team our governance structure for the Tahltan Youth Council, and TCG staff members in updating the newsletter and the Tahltan Elders Council and mandates TCG’s Family always ensuring we are inclusive with pictures, news and Representatives to begin holding tri-annual meetings with accomplishments from Tahltan members everywhere. We their respective family members. These significant additions genuinely appreciate all your hard work and thank all the represent some positive steps towards more efficient, Tahltan people that make these newsletters possible with effective, accountable and collective governance. their contributions every season. I want to acknowledge all the Tahltan students who have completed their post-secondary school year and Nedishcha congratulate those who have completed their programs and will be graduating soon. We will be featuring our Tahltan graduates from high school, university, trades and other post-secondary programs in our Summer Newsletter. We encourage the Tahltan people to attend all the pending Chad Norman Day, President community meetings this spring and hope to see many Tahltan Central Government of our people return to the homeland for the TCG’s 2016 Annual General Assembly in Dease Lake from July 1 to 3, 2016. During that time we would like to remind Tahltan members to vote in the upcoming TCG executive elections;
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VV Baby Welcoming
Welcome Aria Kenna Little-Wolf Barker Welcome Breylon Etzerza - Fumanti Birthday: April 16, 2016 Birthday: March 13, 2016 Weight: 9lbs 12oz Weight: 8lbs 1oz Proud Parents: Carol-Anne Susannah Bob & Proud Parents: Rachelle Etzerza & RJ Fumanti Delmar Scott Barker
Welcome Kenna Ethelynn Harnak Welcome Landyn Markis Frank Hummer Birthday: April 1, 2016 Birthday: March 5, 2016 Weight: 7lbs 11oz Weight: 7lbs 14oz Proud Parents: Erin Wightman & Curtis Harnack Proud Parents: Markiesha Bumpus & Kurtis Hummer
Welcome Kiara Ann Midgley Welcome Pheonix Jasper Hawkins-Asp Birthday: March 19, 2016 Birthday: February 21, 2016 Weight: 8lbs 7oz Weight: 7lbs Proud Parents: Merissa Gallup & Tyson Midgley Proud Parents: Stephanie Asp & Sean Hawkins
Welcome Damien Jimmie Darold Gray Welcome Donald Pete Kinney-Tashoots Birthday: March 14, 2016 Birthday: February 17, 2016 Weight: 7lbs 10.5oz Weight: 6lbs 11oz Proud Parents: Samantha Tashoots & Errol Gray Proud Parents: BabyJane Tashoots & Donald Kinney
Welcome Kenya Verna Faith Adams Welcome Raizer Guerin Morin Birthday: March 14, 2016 Birthday: February 16, 2016 Weight: 7lbs 2oz Weight: 8lbs 5oz Proud Parent: Crystal Elaine Adams Proud Parents: Denise Nole & Rob Morin
Did we miss your baby? Contact [email protected] We will include them in our next newsletter Meduh! Stay Current on the TCG Membership List
Recent efforts to reach out to Tahltan members revealed the contact information we have on file for many people is out of date. Having current phone numbers, emails and mailing addresses is imperative to our outreach and for voting at the Annual General Assembly July 1 to 3, 2016. The TCG Membership List is a database of all people of Tahltan descent. In addition, it contains information about your parents, children and preference for how we communicate with you. If you have moved, had a baby, changed your name, home or cell number, mailing or email address, please let us know.
It’s important all Tahltans are on the list and we have your current contact information. This will ensure you stay informed about our Nation, including events, employment and training opportunities, scholarships, governance and elections, projects in our territory, and so forth. Adults (18 years and older) will also be added to our Tahltan Members Voter List when our Nation is facing a vote. To ensure your information is accurate, please contact Shannon Frank, TCG Director of Information at [email protected] or by telephone at (250) 643-2037.
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VV Around the Community Spring at a Glance
– 4 – Around the Community
– 5 – SECTIONAdministration HEADER
Save the Dates
MAY 2016
May 9: TCG Update Meeting (Terrace, BC) May 10: TCG Update Meeting (Iskut, BC) May 11: TCG Update Meeting (Telegraph, BC) May 12: TCG Update Meeting (Dease Lake, BC) May 13: TCG Update Meeting (Red Chris Mine) May 17: TCG Update Meeting (Vancouver, BC) May 18: Tahltan Band Nomination Meeting (Telegraph Creek, BC) May 20: Minerals North Presentation by President Chad Norman Day (Smithers, BC) May 25: TCG Update Meeting (Whitehorse, YT) May 26: TCG Update Meeting (Lower Post, BC) May 27: Wildlife Symposium (Willie and Grace Williams Ranch) May 28: WIldlife Symposium (WIllie and Grace Williams Ranch) May 30: Red Chris Permit Meeting (Dease Lake, BC) May 31: TCG Update Meeting (Prince George, BC)
JUNE 2016
June 1: TCG Update Meeting (Fort St. John, BC) June 2: TCG Update Meeting (Edmonton, AB) June 5: TCG Update Meeting (Prince Rupert, BC) June 6: TCG Update Meeting (Smithers, BC) June 7: Skeena Resources Meeting (Dease Lake, BC) June 8: Skeena Resources Meeting (Terrace, BC) June 9: 18th Annual Stikine Valley Gospel Music Festival (Willie and Grace Williams Ranch) June 10: 18th Annual Stikine Valley Gospel Music Festival (Willie and Grace Williams Ranch) June 11: 18th Annual Stikine Valley Gospel Music Festival (Willie and Grace Williams Ranch) June 11: Youth Council Meeting (TBA) June 12: 18th Annual Stikine Valley Gospel Music Festival (Willie and Grace Williams Ranch) June 12: Youth Council Meeting (TBA) June 13: Sheslay Trip (Telegraph Creek, BC) *Hosted by Tahltan Band June 15: Facebook Meeting (Live in Terrace, BC) June 17: Tour De Telegraph Fundraising Bike Ride (Telegraph Creek, BC) June 30: Tahltan Elders Council Meeting (Dease Lake, BC) June 30: Grand Opening of TNDC's New Building (Dease Lake, BC)
JULY 2016
July 1: Annual General Assembly Day 1 (Dease Lake, BC) *Elections Open July 2: Annual General Assembly Day 2 (Dease Lake, BC) July 3: Annual General Assembly Day 3 (Dease Lake, BC) *Election Results in the Evening July 15: Sacred Headwaters Music Fest (Iskut, BC) July 16: Sacred Headwaters Music Fest (Iskut, BC) July 17: Sacred Headwaters Music Fest (Iskut, BC)
We will keep you posted on the times and venues of each meeting via Facebook and our website. For more information, please email [email protected] or call toll free: 1-855-TAHLTAN (824-5826)
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TCG Welcomes New Staff and Board Member
Lillian Campbell, Tahltan Central Government, Quock Family Representative
In February, Lillian Campbell joined the Board of the TCG as the Quock Family Representative. Lillian has a passion for public service and ensuring the well being of Tahltan people through public participation. She lives in Dease Lake and is a former Quock Family Representative on the Tahltan Central Council and a former Tahltan Band Councillor.
Jarett Quock, Tahltan Central Government, Wildlife Guardian
We are pleased to announce the addition of Jarett Quock to the team as the Wildlife Guardian in April. This newly created position reports to the Tahltan Lands Department and marks the first step in ensuring that Tahltan people play a direct role in managing wildlife issues within the Tahltan Territory. Jarett will be responsible for collecting wildlife harvest information, communicating with and informing Tahltan citizens and the general public about conservation, harvesting, enforcement and compliance with regard to wildlife issues within Tahltan Territory. He will also be the liaison to enforcement personnel, and during peak hunting seasons, Jarett will lead a team of part-time Tahltan Wildlife Guardians who will be hired to assist him.
Inaugural Industry Newsletter Published The Tahltan Industry Newsletter Provides Project Updates and Job Opportunities
In April, the Tahltan Central Government published the The newsletter is an initiative of the TCG Lands Department first edition of what is planned to be an annual publication and provides updates on some of the companies and the dubbed the "Tahltan Industry Newsletter." projects underway within Tahltan Territory. In addition, it provides Tahltan members with information and potential job opportunities. The 24-page newsletter provides information about nine companies and fourteen projects. Companies who participated in the newsletter made donations to the Healthy Active Tahltan program, raising an additional $15,000.00 You can read the industry newsletter on the Tahltan Central Government website at www.Tahltan.org or pick up a copy at the TCG Update Meeting during May or June in your area.
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Tahltan Central Government Annual General Assembly The 2016 TCG Annual General Assembly (AGA) will be held The Candidates for TCG executive council positions are as July 1 to 3 in Dease Lake and include elections for the TCG follows: Executive Committee. The AGA will kick off with an Elders Candidates for President of the TCG: Council Gathering on June 30. • Chad Day (Incumbent) The agenda is still being planned and will be shared closer • Annita McPhee to the date. In past years the agenda has included reports from the current Executive, Finance Department, Lands Candidates for Vice President of the TCG: Department (including THREAT), Governance, Socio- • Heather Hawkins (Incumbent) Cultural Working Group, TNDC and Tahltan Trust. • Ken Edzerza Watch for Facebook and TCG website postings and email Candidates for President Secretary Treasurer of the TCG: notifications for news about the AGA and Executive Council Elections. • Adrian Carlick (Incumbent) • Gayleen Day
How to Vote? Three Ways to Vote in July a) In Person b) By Phone c) By Internet To be able to vote you need to be 18 years of age and registered on the Tahltan Membership List. Please make sure you are registered and that your mailing address is accurate by contacting Shannon Frank, TCG Director of Information at [email protected] or by telephone at (250) 643-2037. For those who wish to vote using internet or phone you will be receiving instructions and a PIN number in the mail before June 15, 2016. If you have any questions regarding the nomination process, call 1-855-TAHLTAN (824-5826) or email [email protected]
– 8 – SECTIONAdministration HEADER
The Six Candidates for the TCG Executive Council
On July 1 to 3 during the Tahltan Central Government Annual General Assembly six candidates will run for executive positions. The candidates were announced on April 1, 2016, after nomination forms were received and verified. The Tahltan membership at large will elect an Executive Committee which will hold the positions for a three-year term, consisting of a President, Vice-President and Secretary Treasurer. The nominees were required to provide a nomination letter signed by 10 adult Tahltan members. Those who submitted their nomination successfully were:
Chad Norman Day Nominated by: Annita McPhee Nominated by: President Candidate Heather Hawkins President Candidate Lena Sharko Vernon Marion Ginger Henyu Pat Etzerza Laurin Sutherland Alice Hamlin Ryan Franke Christine Ball Anna Kristensen Shana Dennis Ernest Quash Mary Dennis Jerry Asp Kitty Brown Jeanie Dendys Feddie Louie Nancy Norby Alano Edzerza Sheila Frank
Heather Hawkins Nominated by: Ken Edzerza Nominated by: Vice President Sandra Carlick Vice President Rick Merkel Candidate Trysten Derrick Candidate Cindy Framst Cynthia Dennis Doug Framst Christine Creyke Kathryn Owen Meranda Creyke Louise Framst Jordan Hawkins Allen Edzerza Adrian Carlick Gilbert Tashoots Shannon Frank Carmen Dennis Taryn Cutler Terry Ball Amanda Quash Teneal Nole
Adrian Carlick Nominated by: Gayleen Day Nominated by: Secretary Treasurer Secretary Treasurer Shana Dennis Trena Marion Candidate Candidate Heather Hawkins Melinda Hole Justine Dennis Crystal Jackson Aaron Hawkins Mark Marion Jane Quock Khris Day Keisha Brocklebank Calvin Quock Dayna Quash Pat Etzerza Brian Quock Patricia Dennis Shannon Frank Lisa Lawley Margaret Asp Theresa Etzerza
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First Quarterly Payments to Elders Distributed
As a result of nation-wide consultation and as delegated in the Tahltan Nation Governance Protocol Agreement, the first quarterly payment from the Elder Distribution and Elder Discretionary Fund was distributed by mail to Tahltan Elders age 65 years and older on April 1, 2016. The Tahltan Nation Governance Protocol Agreement, agreed to by the Tahltan Central Government, Tahltan Band and Iskut Band, establishes that a percentage of the funds acquired through revenue-sharing agreements with the Province of British Columbia will be distributed on a quarterly basis. This initial distribution to Elders represents funds received from the first royalty payments made by the Province of British Columbia. Future distributions will increase as additional royalty payments from other projects begin to accumulate. “This first quarterly distribution of money to our Elders ensures they share in the benefits generated by the economic activity currently underway within the Tahltan Traditional Territory. This new initiative, along with our ongoing efforts working with Elders to establish a permanent Elders Council and the honorariums provided Calling all Elders to Elders to participate in various meetings, illustrates our If you are a Tahltan 65 years of age and have not commitment to ensure our Elders play a pivotal role in received a cheque, please confirm you are registered shaping the future of our Nation,” says Chad Norman Day, on the TCG Membership List and the information President of the Tahltan Central Government. includes your current mailing address by contacting Cheques were mailed to all eligible Tahltan Elders on April Shannon Frank, TCG Director of Information at 1st, 2016 who are registered on the TCG Membership List. [email protected] or by telephone at (250) 643-2037.
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Tahltan Governance Training Collaborative Governance
The leaders of the Tahltan Nation recently took part in a Attendees: fully accredited Governance training course offered by the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT). This program Chad Norman Day (TCG) took place in Dease Lake B.C. from February 22 to 26 at the Kimberly Marion (TCG) Government Services Building. The training session was Jasmine Netsena (TCG) hosted by Verna Billy-Minnabarriet, an instructor from NVIT. Emma Carlick (TCG) Colleen Skubovious (TCG) About The Course: Christine Ball (TCG) Marie Quock (Iskut Band) In this course the Tahltan leaders went through extensive Rhoda Quock (Iskut Band) scenarios to explore the diverse perspectives of leadership Annabel Nole (Iskut Band) skills on both Indigenous and Western cultures. They Shana Dennis (Tahltan Band) discovered how these values shape and mold effective Richard Jackson (Tahltan Band) institutions and governments. Through this extensive Geraldine Quock (Tahltan Band) practice, our leaders learned how to establish strategies based on values and governance principles to overcome challenges that they will encounter moving forward. They looked at varied ways to identify issues and develop trust in group settings as it works cohesively with the overall structure of a governing unit.
Meduh to the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology and Verna Billy-Minnabarriet for making this possible.
– 11 – SECTIONAdministration HEADER Tahltan Governance Strengthened
Strengthening Tahltan governance is an important area Why is it significant? of focus for the Governance Committee, the Executive Committee and the Board of the Tahltan Central The new policy marks an important step in the evolution of Government. At its core, governance is processes, Tahltan governance. Beginning from the 1910 Declaration structures and traditions that guide how the TCG Board of the Tahltan Tribe, our leaders have worked to build a exercises its power, makes decisions, and is held to strong system of governance that reflects our unique values account by Tahltan citizens. as a Nation, while also being responsive and flexible to the realities of our members. The new ‘Governance Policy In 2014, the Governance Committee successfully Handbook’ represents yet another step towards more developed and confirmed new Codes of Conduct and efficient, effective, and collective governance. It is the first Confidentiality policies to help guide us in our work and step; laying the foundation for future work to establish a how we handle sensitive information in the service of Constitution for our Nation. Tahltans. In 2015, with these key documents in place, the Board’s focus shifted to engaging with members about What governance issues does it address? how to improve our structure and selection process within the TCG bylaws. At the same time, we initiated a Some of the highlights from the new policy and handbook project to develop an overarching policy that provides include: detailed guidance to Board members on all governance-related issues, decisions, and actions. • A statement of our core principles of governance; Where are we at? • Clear agreement between the Board and Substantive work to draft the policy began after members Executive Director about their relationships and roles; confirmed our structure and selection process at the 2015 Annual General Assembly. The ‘Governance Policy • A formal role in governance for Tahltan Handbook’ is now complete, adopted at the meeting Elders and Youth; Guidelines for governance of the TCG Board of Directors on April 25, 2016. The processes such as policy development, handbook contains all of the rules, agreements, and strategic planning, and Board meetings; pertinent information that is concerned with the overall governance of the Tahltan Central Government. The • Policy for establishing and working as ‘Governance Policy Handbook’ is in implementation and Committees; Clear policies regarding conflict of interest, is sanctioned to be fully enforced by the TCG Board of conduct and communications; Directors. Electronic copies will be made available to TCG membership upon request. ·Policies and templates to support good record keeping of our discussions and decisions.
– 12 – AdministrationSECTION HEADER Funding Available for Communities of Dease Lake, Telegraph Creek and Iskut
Two Dease Lake community meetings and a Nation-wide indicated the majority of those who responded feel survey have been completed to help determine where strongly that the money should go toward infrastructure funds for community development should be spent. development in the community: 66% of those surveyed Community funding has been made available for Dease strongly agreed or agreed the Dease Lake community Lake community infrastructure and/or community funding should be spent on new or improving programming through the Tahltan Protocol Agreement. infrastructure within the community. Only 39% of those A percentage of funds from signing bonuses and revenue surveyed strongly agreed or agreed the community sharing by the British Columbia Government is being funding should be spent on community programming, distributed for community use. The funds will be while 61% of those surveyed disagreed or strongly distributed equally and administered by the Iskut and disagreed to the funds being spent on community Telegraph Creek Bands for the Iskut and Telegraph Creek programs. communities, while the funds for Dease Lake will be The highest priority for infrastructure expenditures administered by the three governing entities collectively. according to the Survey results were to: (1) purchase Tahltan-owned businesses; (2) improve medical facilities; Both community meetings were held to talk about funds (3) improvements to the Dease Lake Arena. and what the options are for spending in the community. The funds have been ear-marked to pay for community For further information regarding Dease Lake infrastructure and/or community programs. Community Funding please contact Adrian Carlick, TCG Secretary Treasurer at [email protected];
Telephone: (250) 771-3274 Results of the Dease Lake Community Funding Survey Toll Free: 1-855 TAHLTAN (824-5826) conducted between March 7th and April 16th, 2016 – 13 – SECTIONLands HEADER
Tahltan Voice Concern over Logging Activities
In January the Tahltan Central Government began to • Increase the Wildlife plots (sections of trees located receive concerns with regard to the logging activities within the overall block left for wildlife cover) and to around the Willow Ridge area. In response, community join those wildlife blocks if possible so no one small meetings were held in Dease Lake, Iskut and Telegraph block is left susceptible to wind storms Creek between February 16 to 18 to listen to Tahltan concerns. These included: trapping and guide outfitting • Limit the number of access roads impacts, scenic view impacts, opening access for resident • Decrease the overall size of the blocks if possible hunters, environmental and archaeology impacts, lack of employment opportunity, lack of benefits to the Tahltan • More vigorous silviculture activities in older blocks Nation, and lack of proper consultation with the It is our hope the concerns and recommendations will limit community. the impacts, and ensure logging is done with better prac- As a result of the community meetings, Cassiar Forest tices than we have seen in the Bob Quinn area. Logging Corporation agreed to hold off on all logging operations operations around Willow Ridge will continue until spring until they met with the Tahltan people whose traplines fall breakup and move to the Southern portion of the Tahltan within the proposed logging blocks. A meeting was held Territory (i.e. Bob Quinn, Eskay Creek Rd, Galore Creek Rd) in Iskut on March 7th with Tahltan trappers, Chief Marie throughout the summer. Quock representing the ‘Iskut block’, Christine Creyke TCG During the community meetings it was expressed that we Lands Director, and Cassiar Forest Corporation are not supportive of logging any further North of Willow representatives. Ridge (i.e. Kinaskan Lake, Todagin). If logging is going to Some of the recommendations made during this meeting continue in Tahltan Territory, we need to determine the include: areas where we are supportive of these activities and set out the parameters of how logging should be carried out. • Increase the minimum 100m buffer along riparian areas (i.e. Little Iskut River) The current logging license will expire in January of 2017. • Increase the highway buffer from the minimum 20m which will decrease the overall size of the block and improve the esthetics of what we see along the highway
– 14 – DEVELOPMENTLands
Moose Population Survey Completed The Tahltan Central Government Lands Department and for these new areas. They recommended the creation of the Province of BC completed moose population surveys antler restrictions to be similar to other harvest regimes in in Klappan and along the Jade Boulder Road from February the code. 13 to 18, 2016. The TCG has hired a fulltime Wildlife Guardian, Jarett Since then, the Province has committed to hold community Quock, who is based in Dease Lake and during peak meetings early this summer to present the results of the hunting season Jarett will be assisted by additional surveys. At these meetings, community members will be Guardians. given the chance to provide feedback on the recently Jarett will be responsible for collecting wildlife harvest proposed changes to hunting regulations made by the information, communicating with and educating Province. Tahltan citizens and the general public regarding various In November of 2015, the Wildlife Working Group proposed conservation enforcement and compliance programs twelve regulation changes; of those twelve only three within Tahltan territory, and being a liaison to enforcement proposed changes were made, which included a more personnel. He will specialize in the enforcement of laws strict policy towards moose hunting. Other proposals also and regulations governing hunting and trapping of aimed to expand the authorized zones and establish quotas animals.
Wildlife Symposium The TCG in conjunction with the Tahltan Guide and The desired outcome of this summit is to bring together Outfitters Association (TGOA), invite all Tahltan Members to Tahltan, Government, Guide Outfitter, local resident, as join us in our first Wildlife Symposium May 27th and 28th well as other users, to balance our needs and expectations, at Willie and Grace Williams' Ranch (km 435 Hwy 37). We helping us understand the future of wildlife management are looking forward to bringing together diverse voices to and our responsibility in contributing to a healthy discuss important issues concerning the future of wildlife sustainable wildlife population. Lunch and dinner will be management in Tahltan Territory. provided on both days. Come out and voice your concern to all representatives. We hope to see you there. The management of our wildlife is vitally important for sustenance, cultural, and economic reasons. The Tahltan For more information please contact Jarett Quock, TCG people have always relied on a healthy wildlife population Wildlife Guardian at [email protected] or which has supported and sustained our communities, 250-771-3274. and enabled us to embrace a culture of self-sufficiency by living a traditional lifestyle. The need of improved wildlife management is a priority for us. It has been highlighted with the increase of recreational hunters from other areas during the fall hunting season.
– 15 – Lands
Concerns Over Skeena Resources’ Spectrum Project to be Addressed
Over the past year, the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) Further to the community meetings, the TCG has plans has heard concerns expressed with regard to the Spectrum to establish both an exploration and communication Gold Project being advanced by Skeena Resources agreement with Skeena Resources which will allow the TCG (Skeenaresources.com) in the area bordering the Mount to have a say in the standards by which they will operate Edziza Provincial Park and Recreation Area. in our territory, as well as establishing guidelines by which We understand the area is important culturally and the company will communicate with the TCG and our spiritually to all Tahltan people and have developed a plan communities. to begin addressing the issues brought forward. Information about Skeena Resources and the Spectrum As a result of the concerns, the TCG initiated a number of Gold Project will also be made available on the TCG preliminary steps to begin working towards a common website, through the TCG Facebook Page and in the Tahltan position with regard to the Spectrum Gold Project. Tahltan Industry Newsletter. The TCG has requested Skeena Resources to conduct a The goal of these measures is to ensure that Tahltan series of community meetings in May to help Tahltan members have adequate and accurate information to members gain information, ask questions and voice any provide the TCG with guidance and direction at the Anuual concerns about the project. General Assembly planned for July 1-3, 2016.
– 16 – SECTION HEADERLands
Treaty 8 Case Coming to a Close
The long-running case regarding the location of the This led the TCG to successfully apply to be given western boundary of Treaty 8 in BC will finally come to a intervener status in the case, which allows lawyers for close in June this year, with lawyers for the TCG there to the TCG to review the evidence and make arguments to argue for the protection of Tahltan title and rights. protect Tahltan title and rights. The Treaty 8 case started in 2005 when five Treaty 8 bands The trial - which has been going for almost a year - is due to filed a law suit asking the BC Supreme Court to decide wrap up in June, and the TCG’s lawyer Tim Howard will be where the western boundary of Treaty 8 lies. there to defend Tahltan Nation’s interests. The Treaty 8 Bands and Canada say the Treaty extends all the way to the "height of land along the continental divide between the Arctic and Pacific watersheds”, while BC says the boundary lies much further east along the central range of the Rocky Mountains. The Treaty 8 Bands and Canada say the Treaty extends all the way to the This disagreement matters to the Tahltan Nation; if the "height of land along the continental Treaty 8 bands are successful, the western boundary of divide between the Arctic and Pacific the Treaty will overlap with the eastern part of Tahltan watersheds”, while BC says the boundary Territory, giving the Treaty 8 bands rights to hunt and fish lies much further east along the central in that area. range of the Rocky Mountains. The Tahltan Nation respects the right of Treaty 8 bands to protect their Treaty rights, however, stretching those rights far outside the Treaty 8 bands traditional territories, and into Tahltan Territory, doesn't respect Tahltan title and rights or reflect Tahltan oral history. – 17 – Employment
TNDC Moves, Reorganizes Business Units and Focuses on Innovation and Creativity Plans for a Grand Opening Celebration of the New TNDC Office are Underway
Spring is traditionally a busy time for TNDC, and this year partnership with Geotech Drilling, to provide drilling has been no different. One of our major accomplishments services for the several mineral exploration companies is our recent move to a new Administration Building which active in Tahltan Territory will give us the space under one roof we need to grow and I am also very proud of the innovation and creative prosper as a business enterprise. thinking at the TNDC. For example, we identified the need With future growth in mind, the TNDC has undertaken to grow into other sectors and now have an opportunity a major financial and operational management system for a Tahltan-owned fiber-optics company. upgrade, which resulted in the delineation of five distinct As part of the Iskut extension IBA, BC Hydro agreed to business divisions and the promise of better efficiencies give the Tahltan four strands of fiber with no restrictions throughout the organization. on how the fiber is used. It was then agreed TNDC would TNDC now has corporate, heavy construction, mechanical, assume the rights over this fibre and we started developing business development, and camp services divisions, with this project including looking for the right business an eye on creating a mechanical services division in the opportunities to support start-up. near future. I am pleased to report we feel that we have found the This restructuring allows the TNDC to take on new divisions right opportunities to support start-up by providing fiber over time, but most immediately, provides the discipline optic services to some of the current developments and and accountability necessary to make each division proposed future developments within Tahltan Territory. responsible for its own management decisions which will As we expand this service over time we are planning to sustain growth and maximize profitability. add a connection to the south to significantly improve our TNDC, like most businesses in our sector, has experienced reliability (through redundancy), and to expand our higher some slowdowns from the drop in commodity prices and speed more reliable service throughout the Territory. the ensuing world-wide chill on investments. It’s early days for a fibre-optics company, but it is creative But as the saying goes, “When the going gets tough, the and innovative thinking like this which will ensure the tough get going,” and I am happy to report that’s exactly future prosperity of TNDC. Tahltan people are industrious what has happened at the TNDC. and at the TNDC we now have the management systems, the human resources and the creative minds necessary to As I wrote in my article in the recently published TCG sustain the Company’s growth in the future. Industry Newsletter, “Our goal at the TNDC is to work with the Tahltan Central Government to identify business, employment and contracting opportunities. Once these opportunities are identified, we ensure that Tahltan people can capitalize on them.” For example, we continue to work on the tailings impoundment contract at the Red Chris Mine and are in the process of analyzing the business opportunities with AltaGas through long-term maintenance contracts.
Further we are working on several new business opportunities, for example, we recently entered into a Contributed by Garry Merkel – 18 – SECTIONCareers HEADER Tahltan Career Profiles: A Spotlight on Educators
Several Tahltans have chosen careers in Education and share their thoughts on this nurturing, rewarding and respected career path
Sheena Elaine Seymour Sheena has been a teacher since 1999 and teaches numerous classes from BC First Nations Studies 12 to Humanities 9 at Hazelton Secondary School. Her dream to become a teacher began at an early age which led her to join the Native Indian Teacher Education Program (NITEP) at UBC, a program open to First Nations, Inuit and Metis people. In 2011, Sheena completed a Master’s degree of Education in Curriculum & Instruction. “My most enjoyable moments as an educator are observing students’ progress and transformation. I enjoy making a difference in the lives of young people and especially those who are at risk.” But with any career there are challenges, and for Sheena it was the limited funds allocated to schools to meet the needs in the classroom, and educating teachers in First Nations history so that they can integrate First Nations content at all grade levels. “If you enjoy making a difference in the lives of young people and love sharing your knowledge, choose a career in teaching. It is rewarding and challenging,” says Sheena.
Gredda Nater Gredda has worked all over British Columbia, Alberta and the Yukon and retired after 38 years of teaching. Her whole career was in aboriginal communities in multi-grade classrooms both as a teacher and an administrator. She attended UBC for four years to obtain a B.Ed. and over her career her joy of teaching was in working with children and their eagerness to learn. According to Gredda, “Success in education is being able to see the outcome of your teaching.” While over her career there were many accomplishments, her most memorable were developing curriculum in elementary science and teaching aboriginal instructors different methods to teach their own language. Her advice to anyone looking at teaching as a career is to start young and begin preparing by investigating the university you wish to attend. The next thing is to find out the prerequisite courses required to enter the field of education, keep your grade level high. Then find all the scholarships and bursaries that you can apply for. Make sure you work hard once you get to University.
Carlene Creyke Dingwall Carlene currently works as a grade five teacher at St. Joseph’s Elementary school in Smithers, BC. She was motivated to choose teaching as a career because her mother is an elementary school teacher. “I wanted to follow in her foot steps. When I was younger I thought it was all about marking assignments and I considered this fun but as I got older I realized that it was about making a difference in someone’s life. That’s something I wanted, I love being a part in changing a child’s life. To me its all about the children, they make going to work that much better.” “So many people think that being a teacher is a simple job because of the holidays we get off or the seasonal breaks. What they don’t realize is that we get paid to work from 8am-3pm but our job does not end at 3pm. We have to put in countless hours of overtime that we do not get compensated for. There are endless projects that come with being a teacher and we do it because of the love for educating. I would say the biggest challenge of this career is not letting your work totally consume you.” To become an elementary school teacher, Carlene attended university for five years. She spent the months from September to April in the university and then spent one to two months in an elementary classroom co-teaching with an experienced teacher. “It was worth every second of my time. What I feel most successful about so far is seeing the change in these students, from repeating something I had taught them or demonstrating something they had learned from me. It’s all the little things combined that have made me feel like I have achieved my goal of making a small difference in someone’s life.“ Carlene’s advice to Tahltans wanting this career path is to not be in it for the money be in it for the children. If you go into teaching for anything other than the children, then this career may not be for you. – 19 – SECTIONCareers HEADER
Kathleen Morin-Louie Kathleen is currently a kindergarten teacher at Moricetown Elementary and has been for two years. Kathleen has always wanted to be a teacher. “There is no greater feeling in the world than standing in front of a classroom teaching my students and knowing that I am making a difference in their lives. I enjoy the teachable moments the most. When I am teaching students and I help them understand a concept, it's great. Some days in the classroom do get challenging though. When I feel like I haven't done enough or one of my children are having a bad day. I feel for them and I think about what I can do to help them. As teachers we are always thinking about our job.” Kathleen graduated from the Native Indian Teachers Education Program (NITEP) at UBC in 1998 with a B.Ed. She has taught in Dease Lake, Iskut, Seabird, Smithers and now Moricetown. “My reward for being a teacher is when former students come up to me and say they remember me as their teacher and I made a difference in their lives.” For anyone considering a career in teaching, her advice would be to "Come back and work for our Tahltan people because our youth will see you as a role model and you will make a difference."
Carolyn Doody I am currently the principal at the Klappan Independent School. Klappan School is an independent school run by the Iskut Band Council. We are accountable to the Ministry of Education through the Independent Schools Branch. My motivation for becoming an educator was that I wanted to be part of a positive movement for Aboriginal people but I also enjoy spending my days with children and youth. There is an inspiring hope, resilience and joy about them. One of the biggest challenges of this career is the lack of time and effort given to First Nations students, the education system is set up to benefit the mainstream demographic. However, we are seeing positive changes in Aboriginal education through the First Nations Schools Association and the First Nations Education Steering Committee who are working with First Nations schools and advocating for FN students.
My career started with a NITEP program through UBC. I went to school in Kamloops for two years and then Vancouver for three years’ full time to obtain my bachelors degree. I then attended the Masters of Education Counselling program through UNBC for four years to obtain my masters degree. I was inspired to pursue my M.Ed. because I wanted to be in a better position to help Aboriginal students who are dealing with adversity. Obtaining my masters degree and coming home to work with my people, are the biggest achievements in my career so far. My advice to Tahltans considering this career path? We need more Aboriginal educators! NITEP provided me with so many positive Aboriginal experiences, most importantly, the knowledge and history of First Nations people. I had the privilege of meeting lifelong friends, from different nations, from all over BC.
Natasha Seymour I am the Grade 2/3 teacher at Klappan Independent School in Iskut, BC. At the age of seven, I had a teacher who was kind, open and caring. She made me feel I had a place where I belonged. She believed in me and encouraged me to do my best which then inspired me to pursue this career path. I find the most enjoyable thing about this career is that feeling of joy, pride, and excitement when a child grows, changes and perseveres knowing I had something to do with it. When a child feels safe, happy and curious about the world they learn and adapt to challenges a lot easier. The biggest challenge for me is changing the perspective the children have on education. Transforming how children feel about school is my personal goal as a teacher. I want children to know that their goals, dreams and career aspirations are attainable.
I obtained a Bachelor’s in Education with a focus in First Nations Education and a minor in English with the University of British Columbia. I attended Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC, for two years and continued my education on-campus at UBC for 3 years in Vancouver. Connecting with and inspiring children and youth has to be my biggest achievement in educating so far. Their growth is inspiring. The journey to becoming a teacher is life-changing. University is life-changing. With every course you take, your mindset becomes wider and wider and your experiences become broader. The work can be challenging, a bachelor’s degree can be hard, but it is DOABLE—the time, effort, energy, and sacrifices are worth it. Children are worth it.
– 20 – SECTIONCareers HEADER
Miranda Chitze I am currently the principal/teacher at Lhoosk’uz Dene School in Kluskus, BC. Kluskus is located three hours west of Quesnel. I was motivated to attend post secondary by my peers, they seemed to have a lot of fun studying and living the ‘student’ life. I applied to George Brown College to upgrade which was scary for me because I’ve always struggled with reading and mathematics, but the teachers were amazing which helped motivate me to continue. I later applied to the University of Toronto where I acquired my Bachelors of Education degree after taking a career aptitude test which helped me choose this career path. My biggest enjoyment with this career is seeing the children succeed and knowing I play a big part in that, however there are challenges that come with being a teacher. One of the biggest challenges I face is the variety of learners. Some learn quicker than others and its hard when dealing with a scale of 30 students on average but hard work and dedication makes this easier. The biggest achievement in my career was revitalizing the education system for the Carrier First Na- tions people in the town that I work in. It took a lot of work, with help from my co-workers, the community and the local Band Office we were successful at revamping the system here. My advice to Tahltans pursing this career; Education is a rewarding career. If you like to help or support people, teaching is a great profession. Our most successful First Nations people “walk in two canoes.” Learn your First Nation culture and learn the western education system. The combination will propel you with incredible life experiences. I wish you all the very best. Other Tahltans who are also Educators (If we had missed any Tahltans in this career, please let us know at [email protected]
Kena Louie Debra Dennis Charmaine Louie Peggy Abou Carol Quock Fern Johnstone Teacher Education Programs in British Columbia There are nine teacher education programs in BC that prepare teachers to teach in the K-12 public school system. The programs range from one to two years and include both theoretical coursework and practical experiences in schools. The Teacher Regulation Branch is responsible for ensuring that applicants for teaching certificates meet certain standards of qualification and fitness. The teacher education programs must ensure that their graduates meet the standards for the Education, Competence and Professional Conduct of Educators in BC. The BC Teachers' Council has the responsibility to approve any new teacher education programs proposed in BC. Approved Programs in BC • Simon Fraser University • Trinity Western University • Thompson Rivers University • University of the Fraser Valley • University of British Columbia • University of Northern British Columbia • University of Victoria • University of British Columbia - Okanagan • Vancouver Island University Mathew Bapty (Missed Electrician Profile from Winter Newsletter, 2016)
I am currently a Red Seal Ticketed Journeyman Electrician with Techmation Electric & Controls LTD. Based out of their Grande Prairie location. I was motivated to become an electrician by a friend when I was at a job with limited career potential. The most enjoyable part of this career path is the ever evolving and changing scope of this field. Although there are challenges like following the guide lines of the Canadian Electrical Code because of the high aesthetic standards or sourcing issues with in an electrical system and the repurposing of an electrical system for new applications. Not to mention the demand for a mathematical aptitude in trigonometry. To become an electrician, I had to take a 4-year program with 4 separate training periods. A total of 1500 hours of on the job training for the first 3-years along with 8 weeks of class time. For the final year I needed 1350 hours of job training with 12 weeks of class training. The biggest achievement for me so far has been successfully finishing school.
My advice for Tahltans wanting a career in electricity; Pay attention to the techniques of other workers, everyone has something they can contribute. There is no shame in saying you don't know something; as an apprentice you’re learning. Another thing is that electricity can be dangerous, so always test before touching and don't trust anyone else with your safety.
– 21 – Development
Altagas Completes Construction of their Northwest Projects AltaGas marked a major milestone on April 1st, 2016, • Service water back wash header installation completing all of the construction work on their • Gate Gallery rail guide grout in, replacement of unit 2 Northwest Projects, and are now on line with 277 mega and 8 damaged rail systems watts of clean power generation capacity to B.C Hydro’s power grid through the Northwest Transmission Line. • 13,8kV switchgear #3 bus cable repair On March 1, 2016 AltaGas eliminated security personnel • Box culvert inspection and removed roof area and a manned gate located at Km 2 of the Eskay Mine patching. Road. The gate will be maintained in a permanent locked configuration to be in compliance with their Environmental During the outage on February 10th during the Assessment Certificate and access management plans for de-watering of the tailrace steelhead trout were identified, the projects. a total of fourty-one steel head and six sculpins were successfully salvaged and returned to the Iskut River. Spring Ramp Rates are being followed as fish fry During the final de-watering process, the stop logs were emergence was confirmed to be spatial but increasing raised and unfortunately fourteen steelhead trout at all sites during February sampling. Due to this spring mortalities were found behind the stop logs. ramp rates have been implemented as of Feb 15, 2016 and Ecofish was scheduled to return to site mid-March to Furthermore, three sockeye salmon mortalities and one continue the Fry Emergence Program. Ecofish Research Ltd. bull trout were discovered in the draft tube of Unit 7 are experts in environmental impact assessment, turbine on Jan 26, 2016 during dewatering operations. mitigation, compensation, and monitoring. Dewatering is required for annual inspections and occurs by closing the draft tubes with stop logs, closing the The 2016 annual maintenance outage was initiated on Turbine Inlet Valve and pumping water from the unit February 1st and completed on Feb 28, 2016. The following through the draft tube drain. There is no visual inspection areas were repaired or replaced. available, as access is only possible through the draft tube cone extensions once removed. • Installation of the new 36 inch desander valves and actuators Heather Hawkins and Christine Creyke, both members of • Intake portal trash rake rail system installation the Environmental Performance Committee for AltaGas, conducted a site visit February 29th to March 1st. • Intake portal rack replacements and repairs Construction of the cofferdam and repairs to the • Obermeyer weir #1 rear hardox steel armoring obermeyer weir are a concern for THREAT and the EPC • Obermeyer weir #1 airline isolation valve and “p-trap” members. The presence of salmon and other fish species blow off valve installation at Forrest Kerr and McLymont are a huge concern; THREAT continue to review all reports produced by AltaGas and the • Runner replacements and unit conditioning for units 7, provincial agencies regarding fish presence and mortalities. 8 and 9 Further assessments and monitoring will be conducted to • Service water system upgrades – pilot tube install and determine any sort of solution for the presence of salmon strainer modification and refurb. and steelhead.
– 22 – HealthSECTION & FitnessHEADER
Historic Iskut-Telegraph Creek Trail to be Re-Opened this Summer
The Iskut-Telegraph Creek Trail, an important trade route “Promoting healthier living and cultural revitalization is that connected Tahltan families and communities for important, but getting our people out there and making it centuries, will be reopened this summer as part of the happen is more important. Many of us are truly excited to Healthy Active Tahltan (HATs) initiative. complete this hike for the first time,” says President Chad The multi-day expedition is being organized by the Tahltan Norman Day. Youth Council (TYC) to promote healthy active lifestyles In addition, the TYC is working to pursue additional funding while also conserving an important link in Tahltan culture and other opportunities to go along with this unique and history. experience. The TYC is initiating and taking the lead on organizing this The Healthy Active Tahltan initiative was created last event. Reopening the Iskut-Telegraph Creek Trail will help year in response to TCG President Chad Norman Day’s preserve our collective history and it provides an exciting commitment to establish community events within Tahltan opportunity for Tahltan people to come together and travel Territory which aim to educate and inspire Tahltan people, across our gorgeous territory. particularly the youth, to live healthier lives through better The expedition will reopen the 64.4 kilometre (40 mile) trail nutrition and fitness. and is planned for early August 2016. The goal is to have as Since that time, the TCG has raised over $60,000 and has many Tahltan people participate as possible. directed the funds towards the local schools, sports teams, The four to five-day hike will be funded through the recreation fundraisers and various other fitness-related Healthy Active Tahltan initiative, as this hike represents an community initiatives. opportunity for Tahltan children, youth, adults and elders to come together and be physically active on the land. About the Iskut - Telegraph Creek Trail
The Iskut-Telegraph Creek trail is an important trade route that connected Tahltan families and communities for centuries. It was built by the Tahltan ancestors and this year it will be re-opened. This trail is of great significance for
Tahltan history and cultural identity.
For further information about the expedition and how to participate please contact Christine Creyke, Lands Director at [email protected] , Telephone (250) 771-3274.
– 23 – Health & Fitness
Healthy Active Tahltans
Mindy Lou Henyu Scott Hawkins Jr. Mindy keeps fit and active while raising three beautiful children Scott balances his life between school and sports and is on his way and has a full-time job with Shell. to becoming a carpenter.
Hi folks, I am Mindy, a wolf girl. I have a Tahltan father - Andy I am 20 years old. My parents are Heather and Scott Hawkins Sr. My Peter Henyu and a Cree mother - Donna McCallum. My grandparents on my mother’s side are Christine and Phillip Louie. My grandparents are Lawrence and Clara Henyu. Currently I grandparents on my father’s side are Emma and Herbert Hawkins. I reside in Fort St John. I am also a mother of three lovely kids. belong to the Crow Clan and the Dekhāmā family. I live in Whitehorse and am currently in my first year apprenticeship for carpentry. Being active is a daily part of my life. I see being healthy and On my free time I play hockey for the Tahltan Selects in a Native active as a key benefit to my overall lifestyle and strive to be Hockey League. We play at the Native Hockey Tournament every a role model for my children. As a First Nation individual and year held here in Whitehorse. I’ve always loved hockey, growing up it knowing the health challenges we as a nation face, I want was such a big part of our communities and still is. When I moved to to do my part to stop this cycle. Active living contributes to Smithers at 14 I knew it was my opportunity to join and kill it. Some my overall emotional, physical, mental and spiritual people say starting late in hockey is a hard thing to do but well-being – it brings balance to my life and to I was able to start skating at fourteen and still adapt to my children’s lives. To further add to being the players that started at a younger age. It makes active, it also includes eating healthy! We me feel very confident knowing how far I’ve come do our best to stay away from fast food since first starting and knowing how hard work can pay off. I really enjoy the competitiveness and processed foods. and atmosphere that comes with playing and Don’t get discouraged if you feel you being part of a team. As a team you feel like are falling behind, or think it is brothers, you get to experience everything together as one. I love the trophies, the impossible - we are strong indigenous heartbreaks, the memories and even the smell people and every step forward is a step while being in those arenas not to mention the towards success! We can be active in so friends you make along the way. many ways: taking a walk, hike, yard work, playing with our children, dancing, the I usually train four times a week but sometimes I options are endless – and are also more fun done squeeze in an extra session here and there. I believe with friends or family! being active is a good lifestyle to keep and if you’re planning to play any sport you should be in good shape so you don’t end up I will be running my first 10k run at the Vancouver Sun Run being the weak link in the chain. Why only dedicate half your energy April 17th , followed by our local Mother`s Day Rotary 10k instead of putting everything into it? I believe if you’re going to do it, run on May 8th! go all the way not half way. My advice; If you’re wanting to start or achieve something in life, then do it. Don’t let laziness get in the way of your goals, just get off the couch and kill it.
– 24 – HealthSECTION & Fitness HEADER
Tahltans at the All Native Hockey Tournament
On behalf of the Tahltan Central Government we would like to honor all Tahltan teams that participated in the All Native Hockey Tournament in Whitehorse, YT. They made our nation proud and continued to contribute to the healthy lifestyle model we promote throughout the Tahltan Nation. Be healthy, be active and live well.
This year’s tournament saw seven Tahltan teams hit the ice: The Tahltan Bear Dogz, The Mooseheads, The Iskut Wolverines, The Jr Wolverines, The Tahltan Selects (Men’s Division), The Tahltan Selects and the Jr Tahltan Selects. They played hard, they played fast and they played aggressive. But most of all, they had fun.
The Vancouver Sun Walk/Run
The TCG would like to give a shout out to the Tahltans that participated in this event. We saw some awesome pictures all over Facebook of Tahltans taking part in this annual event - good job!
– 25 – Health & Fitness
THE TAHLTAN SELECTS
GM: Kimberley Marion
Head Coach: Troy Creyke & 2016 Cory Higgins
GOLD Coach: Chris Vance
In this year's All Native Hockey Tournament in Whitehorse, ideas of building a hockey team that would later turn into YT, the Tahltan Selects placed 1st, taking GOLD. This is the a legacy. We would rant and rave all the time, we had our third Gold Medal in the last four years, with one Bronze hearts set on accomplishing this together.” She continued Metal in 2015 (due to the loss of four valuable players.) with “Clyde was one of the best hockey players to come out of the Tahltan Nation, if he were here, he would have been “I can’t describe the feeling of them winning and building so dedicated and involved with our players. He would have something to be proud of for our Tahltan Nation” says helped them grow.” Kimberley Marion, Founder of the Tahltan Selects. With the help of her company she was able to attain this History of the Tahltan Selects: goal. To honor the dream she shared with her best friend, she had placed C4 on the jersey. The 'C' stood for Clyde and The Tahltan Selects were founded in 2013 after a long the '4' represented the fourth letter in the alphabet. three-year process. It all started with the building of the arena in Dease Lake B.C. Kim saw major improvement "It didn’t come without a fight, my three rules for with the local players during this time and saw a perfect participation are; be committed, respectful and work hard,” opportunity to start a Tahltan rep team. The love for says Kim. hockey is strong in the Tahltan Nation, therefore the competitiveness was definitely there. The try out sign ups for the Tahltan Selects will take place in “When my friend Clyde Dennis and I were younger we used the Fall. For more information, contact Kimberley Marion. to skate all the time together. We were really close friends; he was my best friend,” says Kim. “We would exchange
THE JR SELECTS
The Jr Tahltan Selects also took This amazing year of 2016, they had home Gold at the 2016 All Native Tahltans from all over the country Hockey Tournament, taking first play together. Tahltan kids from place of the Jr Division. Both teams Whitehorse to Calgary joined in on played their hearts out and walked the ever-evolving Jr Selects team. away victorious. Margaret says that the enjoyment she feels with bringing Tahltans home The Jr Tahltan Selects were to their country is a blessing in itself. founded in 2015 by Margaret Asp; In this years All Native, the Jr Tahltan she collaborated with Kimberley “One of the biggest enjoyments of being a Selects brought home Gold. In just a Marion to come up with a Jr team part in this is seeing the improvements that two-year span, she brought them from to open the doors for the younger you helped with” says Margaret. “It’s hard to an unknown group of Tahltans to a 1st generation to play with a name they explain the feeling when you see the kids place winning team. could be proud of. thrive on playing.”
– 26 – Health & Fitness
Wynonna Creyke Update
Catching up with Tahltan Hockey Star Wynona Creyke:
Through the hockey season of 2015 to 2016 Wynona Creyke has been on fire. She has played many games and worked with many teams. She was all over Canada playing the sport she loves.
The biggest achievement she received this year was the surprise of making the Aboriginal Team BC where she played in Mississauga from May 1 to 7, 2016.
Wynona is a role model for other Tahltan girls, she is a talented young Tahltan woman and her nation is behind her all the way. It is going to be interesting to see where her Hockey Career takes her.
“I feel very proud of myself and my accomplishments this hockey season,” she says. “I also felt like my hard work and dedication was paying off and I feel inspired to keep going.”
Healthy Active Tahltan Funding Distributed to Communities
As reported in the Winter Newsletter, the Tahltan Central Government received approximately $50,000 from many generous corporate and individual sponsors for our annual Healthy Active Tahltan initiative, supporting the TCG’s commitment to establishing community events in Tahltan Territory that aim to educate, encourage and inspire the Tahltan Nation to live healthier lifestyles through better nutrition and fitness. The Healthy Active Tahltan events held in Telegraph Creek, Dease Lake and Iskut in October 2015 cost approximately $7,200, leaving enough funds for more HATs events and allowing the TCG to give cash donations to several community groups. We’ve recently sent $1,500 cheques to the following recipients: • Dease Lake Rec Centre Society • Jr. Tahltan Selects hockey team • Iskut Wolverines hockey teams • Dease Lake Mooseheads hockey team • Tahltan Beardogz hockey team • Tahltan Selects hockey teams We’re developing more ideas for healthful and fun ways to continue this initiative while contributing to the communities – watch for the next update in the Summer Newsletter.
– 27 – SECTIONLANDYouth HEADER
Inspiring Young Tahltans
Sage Nowak Laurin Corico Sutherland
My name is Sage Nowak, I am Tahltan My name is Laurin Corico. I am from the First Nations along with Vuntut Crow clan. My grandmother is Ginger Gwitchin. I am 23 years old and belong Henyu. I am married to Eric Corcio and to the wolf clan. At the moment I together we have fourteen children. am basing out of Whitehorse YT. Their ages range from 2 to 25. We are a Meanwhile, I am currently living as an artist on the road in transit blended family. Currently at home we are raising five children. around British Colombia. I am a carver and will be returning to I am also a student at SFU working towards a degree in Health school in the fall. Sciences as well as a minor in First Nations studies. I live in I studied in Alberta college of art and design for a degree in Chilliwack B.C and work part time as a Representative with fine arts but dropped out to travel the world. I traveled for five Primerica Financial Services. years and ended up in the Yukon studying traditional west coast Currently I am at SFU working on my undergrad in Health design, I have now been carving masks for a few here and have re applied to go to Freda Diesing school of northwest coast art Sciences and First Nations studies. My motivation to pursue and will be a student there in the fall. education is my family. I would like to make a difference among First Nations communities with assisting in the rise of diabetes. My motivation as an artist is to follow my calling and passion of cultural arts and to learn about traditional life and teaching I face many challenges on a daily basis. Learning to balance through the form of art. work, school and family is my biggest obstacle. I would not be able to overcome these without the assistance of my husband I have a hard time committing my self to anything, especially my time and freedom. I have a hard time staying in one place and family. From my program I have learned a lot about First for too long, being a traveler and all. So classroom life is hard Nations history and the colonization. Prior to university I knew for me.This program of life and experience through traveling nothing about First Nations issues. and tradition, I have learned to express myself freely and be Anyone who wants to pursue education should go for it. This comfortable with who I am and comfortable with my place in has been a major impact in my life. the world as a First Nations young person. My interests and hobbies right now are all about a healthy I am not very good at writing. I think lifestyle. In May of 2015 my husband suffered a stroke. He was one of my work can showcase what 300lbs, diabetic and not in a good place. The day after the stroke kind of art that I am doing. As they we both changed our eating habits and started on the road to a say 'one picture says a thousand healthy lifestyle. Now we both live a healthy lifestyle as well our words.' children now eat healthy food.
Sage's Advice and other Passions Laurin's Graditude and Main Focus
My advice is to study something that feeds you and learn about I would like to thank my Family and their wonderful support. As something that interests you, so you can learn and grow in your well as the Tahltan Band for funding my education. Isabel Reid truest form. Follow what feeds you and give your self room has always been there to answer any questions I have. My biggest for forgiveness and growth. This is internal education Besides support comes from my husband. He is my rock and is always carving, I also love skateboarding and country music, rambling there no matter what. and the arts. I want to thank My family and all of my teachers in every way. Without them, I would never be who I am today.
– 28 – SECTIONCulture HEADER
Elder Profile Roy Quock
Roy Quock believes the future hinges on preservation of Tahltan traditions.
Roy’s Recipe Over the past nine decades, elder generations and had respect for those Roy Quock, age 95, has experienced older than us,” he says. Traditional ‘on the trail’ moose roast remarkable social and technological and moose liver. change—some good and some For Roy, hunting and exploring the not—but one constant is his belief land as a child was the norm, and was that a strong future for Tahltan people key in shaping who he became as an Ingredients: hinges on the preservation of Tahltan adult. traditions. Moose roast “As a child we were taught the Moose liver “The youth are our future,” he says. “As importance of the land, how it Salt for taste after cooking. elders and parents we need to teach provided food, our well being and by example and help them find the the importance of protecting and right path through our traditions.” preserving it for future generations,” Method: he says. Roy is concerned Tahltan youth are Make a fire, stack the wood with a being pulled in too many directions, Roy is cautioned by the technological small section to place the moose there’s a lack of discipline and fewer revolution underway, and has a strong roast and moose liver directly next and fewer being taught the Tahltan opinion about the impacts technology to it. (no grill) traditions which have bonded the is having on Tahltan youth. He Tahltan people together for centuries. believes we should use the technology for good, for sharing Tahltan traditions Cook the roast for 20 minutes and “They are consumed by technology rather than isolating our youth behind remove. Scrape the roast until all and loosing sight of what is TV screens playing games. coals are off, don’t worry about a important—family, culture, language little left over it’s good for the and traditional hunting methods,” he Roy has fond memories of his past; immune system. says. dog sledding, trapping and especially community gatherings. When Roy was young he recalls how Cook the liver for 13 minutes, Elders and parents would talk to their “At gatherings people would travel remove from flame. Peel the cooked children, teach them about respect from all the communities to sing and layer off like an orange and you’ll and the importance of looking out for dance. I loved to travel between have the perfectly made liver. one another. Today he thinks there the communities and discover how are too many distractions for Elders, beautiful the land was,” he says. parents and youth and there is not Add salt to both and enjoy! enough emphasis put on ‘sharing the “I hope our future generations past to help shape the future.’ continue these traditions so our Roy says eating Moose roast and Tahltan people will grow strong, be Moose liver using the recipe helps “When I was young we listened and healthy and prosper.” your body fight off sickness. learned from our Elders and parents. We shared stories between the
– 29 – SECTIONCulture HEADER
Development of Tāłtān Language Curriculum for Schools Our new curriculum will be accredited by the BC Ministry of Education so that students in grades five to eight can always study Tahltan instead of French, and so high school students can receive graduation credits for their Tāłtān language studies
Since the fall of 2014, a dedicated team of language language, it is not intended to create fluent speakers. champions has been working on a new curriculum However, it’s an important step towards building students’ framework for Tāłtān second language programs in public listening comprehension, speaking proficiency, and and independent schools. This curriculum framework will understanding of Tahltan culture and values. help current and future Tahltan language teachers develop Our new curriculum will be accredited by the BC Ministry of lessons that build students’ proficiency from kindergarten Education so that students in grades 5 to 8 can always study through to grade 12. The new curriculum will be specific to Tahltan instead of French, and so high school students the structures of the Tāłtān language, and to the cultural can receive graduation credits for their Tāłtān language worldview of the Tahltan People. It will be organized by studies. The curriculum development team’s work will also proficiency levels instead of grades so that all students can influence the development of new provincial standards for feel proud of their individual progress regardless of where Indigenous language curriculum in BC. their language journey started. Children who have attended Mēduh to the school language teachers Angela Dennis one of the Tāłtān Language Nests will be more proficient and Pauline Hawkins; Elders Regina Louie and Pat Etzerza; than their peers, while a student who may have just moved and other members of the curriculum development team home to the community will be able to self-assess and take – Odelia Dennis, Patricia Louie and Sonia Dennis. As well, pride in her/his own language learning progress. many thanks to School District 87 and Tahltan Central As the new curriculum framework is designed for the Government for their ongoing financial support of the part-time school programs teaching Tāłtān as a second project.
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2015 July 27th, Red Chris Co-Management/Revenue Sharing Signing Condolences
Doris Aldyne Etzerza
Doris Aldyne Brooks was born on March 3, 1926 in Telegraph Creek, to parents Estella Clem and Ned Brooks. She was the third child born of 11. Doris loved growing up in Telegraph Creek and playing along the Stikine River. It was there in Telegraph Creek that she met her life long partner and husband of 63 years Ralph Etzerza. When Doris was in her late twenties, she and Ralph adopted nephew Edward. Doris was always respectful of others and had a quiet gentle nature but always loved a good giggle. She passed away peacefully on January 21st, 2016 at the age of 89 in Terrace, BC. She lived a wonderful full life but will be greatly missed. She loved her family greatly and was loved by many. Gilbert Dan Handel
Gibert Dan Handel was an intelligent man, very kind and caring. He was creative and inventive. He was a father to four beautiful children; Cassidy, Joe Dan, Nova-Lynn and Mercedes. He was also a grandfather to Deklin, the child of his daughter Cassidy. Gilbert was born on March 20, 1979 to Fritz and Clara Handel in Sechelt, B.C. He was the only boy of two children, his sister Julie-ann being the older sibling. Gilbert was raised on the land with his family, moving from place to place until he was 16 years old. This experience on the land gave him numerous life lessons on how to survive in the wilderness. Gilbert had many close friends but most of them were from the community of Iskut. He had many memories there that would live on through his family and friends. He spent the last half year of his life with his girlfriend Dreanne Watson, who he came to love. His humor and presence is something that will be greatly missed by all who knew him well. He is now resting peacefully with his beloved mother Clara. George Asp
Sahnee Dena, George Edward Asp was a remarkable man. He was talented artistically and creatively and was highly successful in the practice of law and business. George was an original thinker, a natural leader and always eager to guide and mentor others. Above all, he loved family. George was the first born to Thelma (nee Edzerza and later Norby) and Phil Asp on the trapline at Porter’s Landing, at the north end of Dease Lake. George cherished Norma, his wife of 46 years, and was extremely proud of the decent, accomplished men his sons Aaron and Eldon have become. George was a firm believer in standing up for what is right and he played a key role in organizing our people to defend our native rights in Canada. George was a passionate man who never did anything halfway. He role modeled life-long learning, living life to the fullest right to the end. He was still studying art magazines and teaching himself more complicated guitar chords not long before his passing. He truly has been an inspiration to us all.
On behalf of the Tahltan Central Government we would also like to send our condolences to the families of Edith Carlick and Sydney Creyke. Out of respect to the families' privacy requests, we did not create profiles for these loved ones. Our hearts go out to these families. Their loved ones will forever be in our hearts.
– 31 – If you have any stories that you would like to share for the next newsletter, please email them to [email protected], or bring in a hard copy to the TCG office in Dease Lake.
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