Khaye Winter Newsletter — 2021

– MeganRousseau &NathanNole Inspiring YoungTahltans – LaneHarris&Brandi MacAulay Active TahltansHealthy Culture –Stan Bevan Elder –AllenEdzerza. PERSONAL PROFILES Dease Lake Community –Freda Campbell Membership &Genealogy–ShannonFrank . Employment &Contracting –AnnBall Education & Training –Cassandra Puckett . Culture &Heritage–Sandra Marion Language –Pamela Labonte . Fisheries –CheriFrocklage . Wildlife –LanceNagwan Lands –NalaineMorin DIRECTORS’ Impact-Benefit Agreement. Tahltan Nation&Silvertip Mine FEATURE TahltanWorks becomes Tahltan OnTrack . Tahltan OnTrack . TAHLTAN ONTRACK Ombrielle Neria–CommunicationsSpecialist . Adam Amir –Director ofMultimedia. NEW STAFF Condolences . New Tahltans Tahltan Stewardship Initiative . Memorandum ofUnderstanding . COVID-19 Updates Save theDates Message from the Vice President Message from thePresident INTRODUCTION TNDC Update UPDATES Treaty 8Update ...... REPORTS . . .

...... 49 38 39 29 26 45 35 43 33 23 42 18 19 16 37 47 15 27 31 41 21 17 11 3 1 9 5 4 Contents 1910 Declaration of the Tahltan Tribe WE THE UNDERSIGNED MEMBERS OF THE TAHLTAN TRIBE, speaking for ourselves, and our entire tribe, hereby make known to all whom it may concern, that we have heard of the Indian Rights movement among the Indian tribes of the Coast, and of the southern interior of B.C. Also, we have read the Declaration made by the chiefs of the southern interior tribes at Spences Bridge on the 16th July last, and we hereby declare our complete agreement with the demands of same, and with the position taken by the said chiefs, and their people on all the questions stated in the said Declaration, and we furthermore make known that it is our desire and intention to join with them in the fight for our mutual rights, and that we will assist in the furtherance of this object in every way we can, until such time as all these matters of moment to us are finally settled. We further declare as follows:

FIRSTLY – We claim the sovereign right to all the country of our tribe—this country of ours which we have held intact from the encroachments of other tribes, from time immemorial, at the cost of our own blood. We have done this because our lives depended on our country. To lose it meant we would lose our means of living, and therefore our lives. We are still, as heretofore, dependent for our living on our country, and we do not intend to give away the title to any part of same without adequate compensation. We deny the B.C. government has any title or right of ownership in our country. We have never treatied with them, nor given them any such title. (We have only very lately learned the B.C. government makes this claim, and that it has for long considered as its property all the territories of the Indian tribes in B.C.)

SECONDLY – We desire that a part of our country, consisting of one or more large areas (to be selected by us), be retained by us for our own use, said lands and all thereon to be acknowledged by the government as our absolute property. The rest of our tribal land we are willing to relinquish to the B.C. government for adequate compensation.

THIRDLY – We wish it known that a small portion of our lands at the mouth of the Tahltan river, was set apart a few years ago by Mr. Vowell as an Indian reservation. These few acres are the only reservation made for our tribe. We may state we never applied for the reservation of this piece of land, and we had no knowledge why the government set it apart for us, nor do we know exactly yet.

FOURTHLY – We desire that all questions regarding our lands, hunting, fishing, etc., and every matter concerning our welfare, be settled by treaty between us and the Dominion and B.C. governments.

FIFTHLY – We are of the opinion it will be better for ourselves, also better for the governments and all concerned, if these treaties are made with us at a very early date, so all friction, and misunderstanding between us and the whites may be avoided, for we hear lately much talk of white settlements in the region and the building of railways, etc., in the near future.

Signed at Telegraph Creek, B.C., this eighteenth day of October, nineteen hundred and ten, by NANOK, Chief of the Tahltans NASTULTA, alias Little Jackson GEORGE ASSADZA, KENETL, alias Big Jackson And eighty other members of our tribe. TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2021

Message from the President

Everywhere I look, the TCG Team in each of our departments continues to grow, complete amazing work, and is moving our people forward. Each Director and their respective staff should be commended for their hard work and dedication to our Tahltan Nation. We are very lucky to have a collaborative team and I truly respect, admire, and appreciate each one of them. I want to personally thank them for their ongoing dedication to our Government, Nation and Team!

The Employment & Contracting Department, led by Ann Ball, is picking up steam by expanding the OnTrack initiative and building processes to verify and support Tahltan entrepreneurs and businesses. I encourage prospective Tahltan workers and entrepreneurs to learn of all the opportunities and tools available to you through the TCG. Our government is here to advocate for you, provide you with opportunities, and to help you succeed.

Chad Norman Day I hope everyone had a safe and loving holiday season The TCG recently signed an Impact Benefit Agreement in their respective households. Although 2020 (IBA) with Couer Mining on the Silvertip Mine, which President, Tahltan Central Government was a very successful year for the Tahltan Central is a project that hopes to be back in operations in the Government (TCG) and the Tahltan Nation, it was coming months. TCG and Couer have a shared vision also steeped in unprecedented challenges amid this of empowering Tahltan workers, entrepreneurs and COVID-19 pandemic. We as a Nation have overcome companies while working together to mitigate the project’s so much, and together we will get through this. negative impacts to the environment. Negotiations with other companies will also begin soon, which will include As has been the trend for the past year, we must updating the Galore Creek IBA (originally signed by the continue to acknowledge and thank all those essential Tahltan Nation in 2005) and beginning discussions for a workers who allow us to function through this difficult possible IBA with Skeena Resources, which may lead to time, as well as all of those working in the background the reopening of the Eskay Creek Mine. Every negotiation to make sure we can get through this pandemic as completed by the TCG and the ratification process required safely as possible. thereafter depends on a variety of factors.

All our local Tahltan communities and the Tahltan Nation Emergency Management Committee have been working hard to keep COVID-19 out of our homeland and their efforts have paid off. I am so proud and relieved that our Tahltan communities were amongst the first in Canada to receive the first dosages of COVID-19 vaccinations.

Further vaccinations are being delivered throughout the country every day and I look forward to having myself and our family vaccinated when it is our turn.

1 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

The Tahltan Stewardship Initiative (TSI) We have made significant efforts to also improve is an incredibly important initiative our lateral governance and collaborations with the Tahltan Band Council (TBC), Iskut Band Council (IBC), which continues making progress Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC) under the TCG’s Lands Director, and the Tahltan Heritage Trust (THT). Our three Tahltan governments recently signed a new protocol Nalaine Morin. TCG is strengthening agreement with TNDC and the TCG will have a seat our commitment to land and resource on the TNDC Board of Directors moving forward. stewardship by creating the TSI. All land We feel this step will help increase collaboration and accountability between TNDC and their vital use planning initiatives that enable relationships with Tahltan governments, our local us to fulfill our inherent stewardship Tahltan communities, the Province, industry partners responsibilities for Tahltan Territory will and others. We have also taken steps to work with the THT and are hopeful the trustees will begin creating fall under the TSI umbrella. In addition, structures to spend the interest funds from the THT in other negotiations with the Province 2021 and every year thereafter. via the Shared Prosperity Agreement Several years ago, I began the Healthy Active Tahltans and the Government-to-Government (HATs) initiative and we have been supporting Tahltan Agreement continue to protect more teams, visiting local schools, funding fitness initiatives in Tahltan Territory, and showcasing individual HATs areas and are improving environmental in our quarterly TCG newsletters. Unfortunately, 2020 mitigation measures and laws. was not a good year for HATs. We could not visit the schools and most fitness activities and tournaments Following our announcement that the TCG was going to that commonly included several Tahltan teams (ie. begin taking wildlife management into our own hands Yukon All-Native Hockey Tournament) were cancelled. through robust predator management, I am happy to We will bounce back stronger than ever in 2021and report our Tahltan hunters and Wildlife Department have have already made plans to fundraise for renovation already harvested about 50 predators (Black Bear, Grizzly projects for the fitness gyms/spaces in Telegraph Bear and Wolves). All such harvests were utilized in a Creek, Dease Lake and Iskut. As per usual, the TCG culturally respectful and appropriate way. In addition, a Team will do our best to ensure our people get some wolf collaring program was successfully launched and is HATs apparel so they can showcase the HATs initiative being implemented by our TCG Guardians. I encourage and their Tahltan ancestry with pride. our Tahltan hunters to prepare for spring bear hunting in the coming months. We must restore better balance In closing and as I always like to do, a big to our wildlife populations together and help ensure our welcome to all the new Tahltans who ungulate populations can recover. born this last quarter and my sincere Improving our internal governance by evolving with the condolences to each of you who has lost modern day realities we face is very important. This someone you loved. past TCG election was the first time we had Family Representatives voted in as elected officials and we are quickly learning how we can improve our structures Klane Nedischā. and create further accountability. I hope the TCG has an online Special Assembly in the coming months so we can potentially make history by allowing all Tahltan members, for the first time ever, to vote over the phone or online for new TCG bylaws or amendments. I encourage all our members to become properly informed prior to participating in some of these very important decision-making processes.

2 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2021

Message from the Vice President

I would like to acknowledge the companies who are embracing and respecting Tahltan rights to protect, benefit, and monitor activity on our Territory. To our people, we are at a stage of development in our collective history where we are now leading and are empowered to determine our collective future. As part of the Cultural Governance Framework (see: TCG’s Governance Accountability Framework signed in 2015), TCG has an internal process for collective engagement. It is important that our citizens understand how their system functions so they can bring forward their concerns and make their contributions to our collective framework.

As the Tahltan Nation moves into the future where we can collectively be involved, it is important that our citizens understand the rules for engagement and participation. It is Ken Edzerza Happy New Year! I hope everyone’s Christmas was an Vice President, Tahltan enjoyable event. As we begin to move out of COVID-19 also important that our family-based Central Government restrictions, I am hopeful that we will re-engage in our system improve so that individuals face-to-face gatherings. I still think we need to decide collectively on how we celebrate and acknowledge key can have meaningful participation milestones that have passed while we have been on moving forward. This is important. As COVID-19 restrictions, like the 110-year anniversary I get more experienced in my position of our declaration. as Vice President of the TCG, it is has With worldwide interest in our Territory, it has been become clear to me that we need to Tahltan Central Government’s primary focus to build our internal capacity to balance development with improve our individual participation environmental protection. Just prior to the British through our family system. Columbian provincial elections, TCG’s President Chad Norman Day and I met with government in Victoria to The next stage in Nation development is to develop get a verbal agreement that the Province will develop an economic governance framework and strategy. a world class wildlife management and take further TCG continues to build its internal capacity. It is now steps to protect our environment in Tahltan Territory. important to begin the conversation about our long-term economic strategy. This is about more than just Tahltan TCG continues to build its internal capacity that is Nation Development Corporation (TNDC). I want to start rule based for both external and internal relationship the conversation and get our citizens to think broadly engagement. It is important to understand the about what our economic future looks like. complicated nature of development and change while TCG develops its capacity for Tahltan’s benefit and for the protection of our Territory.

3 SECTION TITLE

SAVE THE DATES Upcoming holidays and Tahltan events

Ȗ APRIL 2: Good Friday – TCG Closed

Ȗ APRIL 5: Easter Monday – TCG Closed

Ȗ MAY 9: Mother's Day

Ȗ MAY 24: Victoria Day – TCG Closed

4 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2021

Remote Indigenous Communities in Canada Are Getting Priority Vaccine Shipments

Article from Vice | Anya Zoledziowski | Published January 1, 2021

Above: The first doses of the Moderna vaccine arrived in Tahltan Nation in B.C. last week. Photo: Tahltan Central Government

Tahltan Nation in B.C. has already started vaccinating its members and Sioux Lookout in Ontario will administer the first shots later this week.

Remote Indigenous communities across Canada are Remote communities depend on the Moderna slowly starting to get vaccinated as provinces rush to vaccine, approved by Health Canada on December improve their largely criticized vaccine rollout plans. 23, which travels more readily. The Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine, which was approved about a week before, Tahltan Nation in northern British Columbia said needs to be stored at ultra-low temperatures of -70 C, it received 600 doses of the Moderna vaccine on and is difficult to transport. December 29, and the first vaccines have already been administered. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has promised that remote Indigenous communities, along with “Vaccinations of Tahltan members living in Tahltan healthcare workers and the elderly, are among Territory began and are continuing,” the Nation said on those who will get vaccinated first to mitigate Facebook last week, adding that the vaccines are only disproportionate risks associated with COVID-19, for Tahltans that live in the community. and provinces are expected to comply.

British Columbia has vowed to inoculate the approximately 25,000 people living in northern and remote First Nations across the province by the end of March, with most Indigenous elders likely receiving vaccinations in February. The plan is contingent on B.C. getting adequate shipments of the vaccine, Bonnie Henry, the province’s top doctor, said on Tuesday.

5 COVID-19 UPDATES IN TAHLTAN TERRITORY

TAHLTANS RECEIVING THE COVID-19 VACCINE

6 DUE TO THE ALARMING INCREASE IN COVID-19 INFECTIONS IN BC AND THE YUKON, THE FOLLOWING CHANGES/ADDITIONS TO OUR COVID-19 POLICIES AND REGULATIONS ARE NOW IN PLACE.

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL ONLY TO AND FROM TAHLTAN TERRITORY.

EVERYONE RETURNING TO TERRITORY AFTER ESSENTIAL TRAVEL IS REQUIRED TO SELF-ISOLATE FOR 14 DAYS.

STAY WITHIN YOUR CORE BUBBLE. YOUR CORE BUBBLE IS YOUR IMMEDIATE HOUSEHOLD AND DOES NOT INCLUDE EXTENDED FAMILY WHO DOES NOT LIVE WITH YOU.

COVID-19 TESTING

To minimize community spread of COVID-19, if you have symptoms please contact the nearest health centre at once. COVID-19 tests are available at every health centre. Call the health centre and request a test if you experience any symptoms. There are two types of tests available for everyone:

1 NASAL SWAB – Swab takes a sample of mucus from the nasal passage; and

2 GARGLE RINSE – Rinse and gargle with solution to collect samples of saliva.

THE FOLLOWING PROTOCOLS REMAIN IN PLACE:

Masks/face coverings are mandatory in all Anyone experiencing any symptoms should community spaces in Dease Lake, Iskut and get tested. Anyone who gets a COVID-19 test Telegraph Creek. Hand sanitizing is required. must remain in isolation while waiting for test results and continue to isolate for the full 14 days, regardless of test result.

Hand washing, sanitizing regularly, especially It is every individuals’ responsibility to keep after being in public spaces. our community and our elders safe by tracking your movements and whereabouts. This will be useful if contact tracing is necessary.

Social distancing, 6 feet apart is always required outside of your household.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 7 For the most up to date information visit the Tahltan COVID-19 landing page at: tahltan.org/covid-19 SECTION TITLE

8 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2021

NEWS RELEASE MOU presents opportunities for employment growth and skilled trades workforce development for the Tahltan Nation

January 15, 2021 Dease Lake, B.C. – As part of its commitment to The signing of this MOU presents great opportunities support success in trades education and apprenticeship for trades professionals in Tahltan’s resource industries, About the Industry for First Nations, and actively working towards particularly in the mining industry. Community-based Training Authority (ITA) reconciliation, Industry Training Authority (ITA), in sponsorship and training will allow apprentices

The Industry Training Authority partnership with the Tahltan Central Government (TCG), to continue to hone their skills, gain employment (ITA) leads and coordinates is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum opportunities, and register their hours toward a British Columbia’s skilled of Understanding (MOU) to increase sponsorship credential, all while staying local to their communities. trades system. ITA works for individuals pursuing an apprenticeship in the with apprentices, employers, trades, that will also lead to community-based training Historically, these partnerships have resulted in industry, labour, training opportunities in Tahltan Territory. positive growth for Indigenous communities. For providers and government to example, community-based training in the Nuxalk fund training, issue credentials, support apprenticeships, “Employment in the mining and construction sectors Nation, completed in partnership with the ITA and set program standards and continued to climb in the last year so we know that Camosun College, allowed 11 people to complete increase opportunities in the these are the types of partnerships that strengthen level 4 and 5 challenge for Red Seal Endorsement trades. For more information, opportunities for Indigenous apprentices and their successfully in carpentry while working on local visit itabc.ca. communities,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced construction projects and contributing to the overall Education and Skills Training. “Through these socioeconomic well-being of their community. sponsorships, participants can gain good, family supporting in-demand skills in a trade that builds “Fostering collaboration between the Indigenous the local economy, and improves the lives of future communities, employers, businesses, and local industries generations to come.” will strongly support increased apprenticeships and trades success for Tahltan people throughout B.C.,” said “This MOU is yet another example of the Tahltan Central Michael Cameron, Director of Indigenous Initiatives at Government providing its members differing paths ITA.* “We look forward to seeing how this partnership to high paid employment in Tahltan Territory,” said will support TCG’s career building program, OnTrack, Chad Norman Day, President of the Tahltan Central and increase career opportunities within their thriving Government. “With approximately 41 percent of B.C.’s mining industry. The apprenticeship program and exploration activities by expenditure in Tahltan Territory, sponsorship provide trades professionals with a clear trades and apprenticeships are in high demand. With pathway toward certification.” the signing of this MOU, it has now become a whole a lot easier for Tahltans, who want to become tradespeople, Recently launched by the TCG, OnTrack is an initiative to achieve their goals of a brighter future.” that connects Tahltan community members with fulfilling careers. The online tool assesses an individual’s skills and matches them with employers who are looking for particular qualifications. Learn more at ontrack.tahltan.org.

* Michael Cameron was ITA’s Director of Indigenous Initiatives from January 2018 to January 2021.

9 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU)

Memorandum of understanding increases opportunities for Tahltan trade apprenticeships

Article from The Interior News | Rebecca Dyok, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | Published January 21, 2021

Above: Tahltan underground miners at Brucejack Mine are seen in this video uploaded by the Tahltan Central Government

Tahltan Central Government and provincial Industry Training Authority ink agreement

The signing of a memorandum of under- Spanning 11 per cent of B.C., the Tahltan Community-based training completed in standing (MOU) will increase sponsorship Nation’s Territory includes 70 per cent partnership with the ITA and Camosun for Tahltan members pursuing an apprentice- of what is known as the Golden Triangle, College in the Nuxalk Nation at Bella ship in trades, particularly mining. where some of the world’s most significant Coola allowed 11 individuals to complete mineral potential lies. level four and five challenge for Red Seal The Tahltan Central Government (TCG) and Endorsement in carpentry while working on province’s Industry Training Authority (ITA) Employment in the mining and construction local construction projects. announced the signing Friday, Jan. 15. sectors continued to climb in the last year according to B.C. Minister of Advanced TCG recently launched the online assess- TCG president Chad Norman Day said the Education and Skills Training, Anne Kang. ment tool, OnTrack, which connects Tahltan MOU is yet another example of the TCG community members with employers. providing members differing paths to high The MOU will also lead to community-based paid employment. training opportunities in Tahltan Territory, ITA director of Indigenous initiatives, Michael allowing apprentices to continue to hone Cameron, said they look forward to seeing “With approximately 41 percent of B.C.’s their skills, gain employment opportunities how the partnership will support OnTrack exploration activities by expenditure in and register their hours toward a credential. and increase career opportunities within the Tahltan Territory, trades and apprenticeships thriving mining industry. are in high demand,” Day said in a joint release. Historically, these partnerships have resulted in positive growth for Indigenous “The apprenticeship program and sponsorship “With the signing of this MOU, it has now communities, claimed the release. provides trades professionals with a clear become a whole a lot easier for Tahltans, pathway toward certification,” he said. who want to become tradespeople, to achieve their goals of a brighter future.”

10 Tahltan Stewardship Initiative

In the Fall Newsletter, the Tahltan Stewardship Initiative (TSI) was introduced which aligns numerous related Tahltan governance, reconciliation, and land management activities. The Steering Committee would like to share progress on refining and building this initiative.

The TSI will support the Tahltan Nation to assert self- determination and fulfill our inherent stewardship responsibilities for 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 and manage our land, water, wildlife, and natural resources . It will ensure we take care of our Territory now and for future generations by conserving wildlife, managing economic development, protecting our environment and relationship with the land (including culturally significant areas), and asserting jurisdiction over our Territory by furthering our role in and refining shared decision-making processes .

11 THE TAHLTAN STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE

Stewarding Tahltan Territory Through Our Laws And Knowledge WHAT IS THE TSI?

The Tahltan Central Government (TCG) is responsible for, amongst other things, advancing Tahltan Title and Rights, protecting our relationship with the land, caring for our ecosystem, making decisions on the use of natural resources of Tahltan Territory, and managing sustainable economic development.

To this end, the TCG and its predecessor the Tahltan Central Council (TCC) have undertaken and completed many initiatives designed to protect our land for future generations including:

1980s Tahltan Ancestral Study with Elders 1987 Resource Development Policy 2003 Out of Respect Report 2005 Formation of the Tahltan Heritage Resources Environmental Assessment Team (THREAT) 2013 The Shared Decision-Making Agreement with the Province of British Columbia 2017 The Klappan Plan and the Klappan Management Board

2018 – 2021 The Collaborative Stewardship Framework with the 3 Nations and the Province of British Columbia

Thank you to every Tahltan who has contributed to this important work to protect all lands, air, water, wildlife, fish and natural resources in Tahltan Territory for future generations. The TCG is now strengthening its commitment to land and resource stewardship by creating the Tahltan Stewardship Initiative (TSI). All land use planning initiatives that enable us to fulfill our inherent stewardship responsibilities for Tahltan Territory will fall under the TSI umbrella.

12 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2021

WHY IS THE TSI IMPORTANT?

If Tahltan’s do not protect our land, air, water, wildlife, fish and natural The Province of British Columbia has now adopted the United Nations resources - nobody else will. We, the Tahltan Nation, must steward our Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) Territory through our laws and jurisdiction. We must uphold our Title and enshrined it in law through the B.C. Declaration on the Rights of and Rights so that future generations of Tahltan people may prosper. Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). The UN Declaration confirms the Tahltan right of free, prior, and informed consent before any of our lands Our goals for Tahltan land stewardship include to develop a strong and resources are used, the preservation of Tahltan culture, and the right foundation that supports the standard of Tahltan free, prior and for Tahltan’s to participate in decision-making matters which effect their informed consent regarding land and natural resource use and rights. The TCG is working with the B.C. government to implement the decision-making in our Territory; the implementation of our laws; UN Declaration. The Province acknowledges that this work must include a comprehensive land use planning based on Tahltan knowledge new land use plan through a new planning process with our consent. and worldview; local knowledge and science; and, building a Lands We now are working to design and implement land use planning throughout Department with enhanced capacity and capability. Tahltan Territory and participate in true consent-based decision making.

The TSI is a huge step forward. The Tahltan Nation is now working A Tahltan land use plan can help us take care of our land and towards proper recognition of its inherit rights while establishing a new resources now and in the future by conserving fish and wildlife, government-to-government (G2G) relationship to steward our resources. managing sustainable development, protecting our environment In time, we expect to make statutory decisions in our Territory. including important cultural areas.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

1. Steering committee made 2. A process that engages 3. A collaborative system up of various TCG Directors Tahltan membership including designed to learn and and Tahltan experts in land use youth and elders; and, improve from experience. planning and G2G initiatives;

WHAT IS UNDER THE TSI?

• The TSI will build on existing Tahltan policies through • Developing co-governance protocols between adjacent the development of a comprehensive set of Tahltan land First Nations (such as those being developed between the governance policies to plan and manage natural resources; Tahltan, Taku and Kaska Nations through the Collaborative Stewardship Framework); • Defining Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas; • Formalizing our consent-based shared decision-making • Continuing to build our environmental and archival databases relationship with the Province of British Columbia around via integration, studies, surveys, and projects, especially for lands and resources in Tahltan Territory; culturally significant species (e.g., salmon, caribou); • The TSI has established an operational protocol with • Aligning land use initiatives by implementing collaborative the Province to support a Joint Land Use Planning project departmental strategies; through true G2G decision-making; and, • Training & capacity building which empowers Tahltans to work • Technical working groups. on stewardship projects and initiatives wherever possible;

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

TSI includes a comprehensive communications and engagement process with Tahltan members, stakeholders, and the public. We look forward to sharing more information with you in the coming months and working with Tahltan members on this important initiative.

13 “The Tahltan Nation will fulfill its inherent stewardship responsibilities for all lands, water, wildlife, fish and natural resources in Tahltan Territory.” 15 TAHLTAN CENTRALGOVERNMENT

New – WINTER NEWSLETTER2021 Tahltans November 7,2020 Samantha &Graham Webb EVERETTJOE WEBB November 21,2020 Porsha Abou&Francis Quock CEDEZ QUOCK TIERRA BELLE December 3,2020 Crystal Jackson&Nate McMillan JAXON MCMILLAN TRAVIS JAMES 9lbs 15oz 8lbs 9oz

8lbs 4oz

NEW TAHLTANS · CONDOLENCES

MALCOM ANDRE PAXTON MAURICE TOPENGA CYNTHIA RICHARD MCLEAN WATSON NOLE LAYLA ETZERZA

Ty McLean & Soleil Desjardins Dreanne Watson & Dustin Nole Evan Etzerza & Destiny Fowler Gray December 4, 2020 8lbs 10oz November 30, 2020 7lbs 8oz December 13, 2020 6lbs 4oz

COLTON SAMUEL ANTHONY ROBERT FALINA SANTANA NEHASS JACK WOODS JR POUCECOUPE Fiona Nehass & Johnny Wilson Colton Woods & Alice Seymour Nicole Dennis & Anthony Poucecoupe January 24, 2021 7lbs 5oz December 11, 2020 7lbs 9oz January 2, 2021 8lbs 2oz

Condolences

GEORGE CAMPBELL SR. JOYCE (ETZERZA) GLAWE KODY HIPKISS

October 1931–December 2020 July 1938–December 2020 February 1983–January 2021

GLEN SIMPSON TIFFANY TASHOOTS BRIAN MCCARTHY JR.

October 1941–December 2020 March 1986–August 2020 April 1995–January­­­ 2021

MOLLY MCCLUSKY

October 1952–January 2021

16 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2021

New Staff Adam Amir

In January 2019, I joined the Tahltan Central Government as Communications Coordinator. For the next two years, I worked for the Communications Department producing videos and photos and assisting with the newsletters, website, OnTrack, and other projects. I will now focus on creative content production as the Director of Multimedia. In my new role, I will document initiatives through creative multimedia including videos, photo series, and maps. I will also research and develop unique multimedia projects regarding topics and issues of interest to the Tahltan Nation.

Along with creating new and original content, I am working with the Department of Culture and Heritage on collecting, archiving, cataloguing, and sharing multimedia regarding the Tahltan Nation. This includes scanning and digitizing recordings on old media such as photographs, slides, cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, VHS, and Hi8.

If anyone is interested in contributing their own multimedia to the Tahltan Nation archives, please do not hesitate to contact Sandra Marion or myself. We at the TCG are developing a tiered permission system to Adam Amir protect the media you contribute. We welcome family photos, home videos, music and songs, dances, old Director of Multimedia articles, and newspaper clippings.

Any documentation that you are willing to contribute, be it of Tahltan culture or Territory, families, stories, identity, lifestyles, events, heritage, histories, and anything of interest in archiving for the Tahltan Nation.

“If anyone is interested in contributing their own multimedia to the Tahltan Nation archives, please do not hesitate to contact Sandra Marion or myself. We welcome family photos, home videos, music and songs, dances, old articles, and newspaper clippings.”

17 NEW STAFF – ADAM AMIR & OMBRIELLE NERIA

New Staff Ombrielle Neria

It is with great enthusiasm that I introduce myself as the new Communications Specialist for the Tahltan Central Government. I have a strong background in communications, strategic planning, negotiations, and program development with over fifteen years of experience. I bring expertise developing and executing complex communications projects and strategies across multiple organizations, levels of government, and stakeholder groups.

I join Team Tahltan after working with the Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe, the S’ólh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance, and the Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre. There, I led communications initiatives and managed various projects including those focused on internal governance, government to government relations, rights and title issues, cultural heritage and site protections, environmental stewardship, land use planning, economic development, and major projects. This deeply enjoyable and meaningful work strengthened my ability to navigate the complex legal and political landscape facing First Nations in the Province of British Columbia and in Canada.

I am blessed to be the Mother of two amazing boys. Ombrielle Neria In my spare time I serve on the Board of Directors for a non-profit Children’s Childcare Centre. I love spending time Communications Specialist in the natural beauty of S'ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō Traditional Territory) where I reside with my family. As a person of Indigenous descent, I believe this work is my calling. I am humbled and grateful for this responsibility. I look forward to working together with you all to create lasting good for future generations and sharing the message of the Tahltan Nation with the world.

“I join Team Tahltan after working with the Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe, the S’ólh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance, and the Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre. This deeply enjoyable and meaningful work strengthened my ability to navigate the complex legal and political landscape facing First Nations in the Province of British Columbia and in Canada.”

18 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2021

Tahltan OnTrack

The Tahltan Central Government is working hard to connect Tahltans–no matter where you live, your education, or your job experience–with the vast array of job opportunities in Tahltan Territory!

19 TAHLTAN ONTRACK

ABOUT TAHLTAN ONTRACK Discover your perfect career Find a career, not just another job. Join the Tahltan OnTrack website and discover Tahltan-exclusive jobs – tailored to fit your life.

Vanessa McLean began her career working as a housekeeper at Galore Creek . While out in the field one day, an operator let her try one of the machines and she was hooked . Vanessa then decided to take the ITA Heavy Equipment Operator Training and pursued a career as an equipment operator . View her and other success stories at ontrack.tahltan.org

HARDWIRED FOR SUCCESS

Tahltans have always known that we have a unique skill set and problem-solving is in our blood. Tahltans who work in resource development know that these skills are transferable to the workplace. The resource development industry needs workers with a vested Ready to test interest in their projects. OnTrack showcases our skills and connects Tahltan job-seekers with opportunities. your skills? IN CONTROL OF YOUR FUTURE By creating your own profile in the OnTrack database, Visit Tahltan OnTrack to learn more Tahltans are able to create a resume and connect with and match your skill set with current Tahltan-exclusive employment opportunities. After completing an essential skills assessment, you will employment opportunities. automatically be notified of new jobs that match your career interests and essential skills.

GET ON TRACK ontrack.tahltan.org Learn about the jobs you qualify for, regardless of formal education. Tahltan Members can earn certification and qualifications for their skills, identify opportunities for education and training, and follow career building paths.

20 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2020

REDEFINING HOW WE CONNECT TAHLTANS TO JOB OPPORTUNITIES TahltanWorks becomes Tahltan OnTrack

Above: Tahltan OnTrack With the launch of the Tahltan OnTrack website, the Facebook Group. TahltanWorks Facebook group has been rebranded to Tahltan OnTrack.

We will continue to post all job, training, and education opportunities to this private page. We can also provide assistance registering for the Tahltan OnTrack site and guidance for the OnTrack database, test and assessments.

The group is available only to Tahltan Members and it will not show up in searches on Facebook. To join, message Ann Ball (Employment & Contracting Director) or Freda Campbell (Dease Lake Community Director) on Facebook and we will add you to the Tahltan OnTrack Facebook group. If you are not on Facebook, please send Ann Ball your resume directly to: [email protected].

Be specific about the type of opportunities you are looking for and please include a cover letter detailing your interest and experience.

Remember, if you’re unable to qualify for a job due to lack of proper education or certificates, there are funds available to all Tahltan people through TCG’s Education & Training Department.

21 22 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2021

NEWS RELEASE Tahltan Nation and Coeur Silvertip Sign Impact- Benefit Agreement Regarding the Silvertip Mine

January 19, 2021 Chicago, Illinois – The Tahltan Nation and Coeur Silvertip Holdings Ltd. (“Coeur Silvertip” or the “Company”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Coeur Mining, Inc. (“Coeur”) (NYSE: CDE), today announced the signing of a About Coeur comprehensive Impact-Benefit Agreement (the “IBA”) in connection with the Company’s Silvertip silver-zinc-lead

Coeur Mining, Inc. is a mine located in northern British Columbia. The IBA provides a framework for a mutually beneficial, long-term U.S.-based, well-diversified, relationship between the Tahltan Nation and Coeur Silvertip, and supports Coeur’s commitment to socially and growing precious metals environmentally responsible mining. producer with five wholly- owned operations: the Palmarejo gold-silver “The Tahltan Central Government is very “The signing of this IBA is another step complex in Mexico, the Rochester silver-gold mine in pleased to establish an IBA with Coeur towards building a strong relationship Nevada, the Kensington gold Silvertip for the Silvertip mine located in with Coeur Silvertip, a relationship that will mine in Alaska, the Wharf gold mine in South Dakota, the northern portion of Tahltan Territory. benefit our people and our communities.” and the Silvertip silver-zinc- Our Nation will work collaboratively and lead mine in British Columbia. Chief Carmen McPhee, Tahltan Band Council In addition, Coeur has in partnership with the Company to fully interests in several precious implement this agreement immediately. metals exploration projects throughout North America. We have a shared vision of empowering “We are honored to have the Tahltan Tahltan workers, entrepreneurs and Nation’s support for Silvertip and take our companies while working together to commitments to uphold Tahltan values, mitigate the mine’s impacts to our including respect for the land, very seriously. Tahltan Territory, culture and values.” The IBA lays the foundation for a strong partnership and shared benefits between President Chad Norman Day, Tahltan Central Government Coeur Silvertip and the Tahltan Nation by aligning our interests across several key measures of success at Silvertip, including “I am happy that we have signed an IBA environmental protection, employment and with Coeur Silvertip that ensures our economic opportunities for surrounding Tahltan environmental concerns and First Nations communities and financial economic interests are respected.” returns, among others. This agreement is Chief Marie Quock, Iskut Band Council also an important step towards a potential restart and expansion of operating activities at Silvertip.” Terry F .D . Smith, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer, Coeur Mining

23 TAHLTAN NATION AND COEUR SILVERTIP SIGN IMPACT-BENEFIT AGREEMENT REGARDING THE SILVERTIP MINE

Tahltan Nation & Silvertip Mine Impact-Benefit Agreement

What does this deal mean for the Tahltan Nation?

Provides benefits for Tahltan members and businesses, including:

Employment and Support for training and internship opportunities education of Tahltan members

Business development and contracting opportunities

Sets out obligations and processes to ensure Tahltan values and culture are respected and protected, including:

A joint implementation A joint environmental committee committee

Collaboration on permitting and Protection of Tahltan environmental management heritage resources

Incorporation of Tahltan knowledge into reclamation planning

What else do we get?

The agreement contains financial provisions to ensure that the Tahltan Nation will share in the economic success of the mine, and thus creates a shared objective of working together to see Silvertip return to commercial production and be a long-term sustainable business.

Note: some of aspects of the agreement come into effect immediately while others are dependent on the mine’s return to commercial production

24 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2021 Directors’ Reports

28 — Lands, Nalaine Morin

29 — Wildlife, Lance Nagwan

31 — Fisheries, Cheri Frocklage

33 — Language, Pamela Labonte

35 — Culture & Heritage, Sandra Marion

37 — Education & Training, Cassandra Puckett

39 — Employment & Contracting, Ann Ball

40 — Membership & Genealogy, Shannon Frank

41 — Dease Lake Community, Freda Campbell

25 LANDS – NALAINE MORIN

Lands Director Report

GOVERNMENT-TO- GOVERNMENT(G2G)

The Lands Department is responsible for implementation of the Shared Decision-Making Agreement. In 2020, we reviewed the current agreement and recommended changes to improve our G2G processes including permitting and working groups.

A jade placer working group was formed in 2020 with the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, and Kaska to review current placer jade practices. The group is working on multiple studies such as a Tahltan land use and occupancy study and a socio-economic analysis for the jade placer area.

RED CHRIS MINE

A technical subcommittee was formed in 2020 to Nalaine Morin address the ongoing technical work required for new Lands Director projects and permitting at the mine. The committee is currently reviewing a permit application for an adit which is required to support exploration programs for the proposed block cave mine project.

The Environmental Oversite Committee met virtually on December 4th, 2020. Newcrest Red Chris Mine (NCRM) representatives presented updates on environmental projects at the mine site. The company has made improvements to the mine water management strategy including updating water balances and monitoring stations throughout the mine site area.

ESKAY CREEK MINE PROJECT

The Lands Department participates in regular technical and update meetings for the Eskay project. We are currently developing options for our participation in environmental assessment processes for projects in Tahltan Territory which will focus on Tahltan rights and title, decision-making, and the ability to incorporate Tahltan criteria and assessment tools.

26 LANDS – NALAINE MORIN

Wildlife Director Report

TCG Wildlife Guardian experiences in the field continue to inform department field operations including the development of multi-year strategy and predator management objectives with successes and failures contributing to the improvement of our trapping program. Four wolves have been caught as of January 11, 2021.

University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) Masters student Oliver Holt will begin conducting his research to develop a Predator Prey Dynamics Study with endorsement by the TCG Wildlife Director to collect wolf DNA samples from all animals turned in through the Tahltan Predator Management Plan.

2020 TAHLTAN WILDLIFE WOLF COLLARING PROJECT

The data collected throughout the Territory will inform wolf population density and will provide locational Lance Nagwan As 2020 came to an end, the holidays provided me with information for the next three years. Eight wolves Wildlife Director a chance to refuel and renew my energy to work for the were captured and released with very high frequency Tahltan Nation. It was also a welcomed opportunity to (VHF)/ global positioning system (GPS) radio collars in contemplate the notable milestones and events which December 2020. occurred over the last hunting season. The shortened days of winter provided the chance to reflect on ways to improve the overall operations of the TCG Wildlife ; Department including the Tahltan Predator Management ;;; ; ;;;; ; Plan which is being advanced in the upcoming 2021 year. ; ; ;; ; ;; ; ;; ; ;; ; ; The Wildlife Department will be consistent in its ; ;; operations with the TCG strategic vision and workplan ; ; ; approved by the TCG Board of Directors along with ; direction provided from Leadership and input from community members.

The Tahltan Predator Management Plan was endorsed TAHLTAN STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE – WILDLIFE by the Tahltan Central Government Board of Directors PROJECTS LOCATIONS & MOVEMENTS in April 2020. This included an incentivised harvest by Tahltan members for grizzly bears, black bears, and wolves WOLF within the Tahltan Territory. A total of eleven wolves were harvested by Tahltan members.

27 WILDLIFE – LANCE NAGWAN

E # # U # L TAHLTAN WILDLIFE CARIBOU B

T #

E COLLARING PROJECT # S # Úð # ÚðÚðÚð L ÚðÚð #

I Úð Úð Cassiar # Our team successfully captured forty caribou in N Úð # Úð ÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚðÚðÚð ÚðÚð # ÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚð December 2020 which are now providing the Tahltan Úð Úð ÚðÚðÚðÚð # Úð ÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚð E ÚðÚðÚð R ÚðÚð Úð S Úð ÚðÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚðÚðÚð A # ÚðÚð Úð Úð ÚðÚð ÚðÚð D E # Wildlife Department with the locations and movements Úð Úð ÚðÚðÚðÚðÚð Úð Úð ÚðÚðÚð ÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚð Úð # Úð ÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚð # of cow caribou within caribou ranges. Twenty collars ÚðÚðÚð # Úð ÚðÚð Úð # Úð Úð Úð # Úð # Úð # were deployed on the Tseneglode caribou herd and Úð R # N Úð # E # R Úð # V # Úð Úð twenty collars were also deployed on the Level/Kawdy Úð Úð I # E

Úð R # V Úð # Plateau caribou herd. Guardian Clement Brace net ÚðÚð # I ÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚðÚð ## ÚðÚðÚð Úð R Úð ÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚðÚð # Úð ÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚð ÚðÚð Úð gunned his first caribou as a part of this project. Úð ÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚðÚðÚð Úð ÚðÚð Úð ÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚð ÚðÚð Dease Úð ÚðÚð Úð ÚðÚðÚðÚð Úð N ÚðÚðÚðÚð ÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚð # ÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚð ÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚð ## ÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚð ÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚð # #### I ÚðÚð ÚðÚð Úð ÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚð Úð L ##### ÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚð ake # # ÚðÚðÚðÚðÚð ÚðÚð Úð ÚðÚðÚð ### ## # A ÚðÚð Úð ÚðÚð #### #### Above: TCG Wildlife Guardian Úð ÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚð ##### # # G ÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚð ÚðÚð ÚðÚð ### # ÚðÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚð # # A ÚðÚðÚðÚð Úð Úð ÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚð ##### # # ÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚð Úð ÚðÚðÚðÚðÚð ### ## N Clements Brace, blindfolding a ÚðÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚð #### # Úð ÚðÚðÚðÚð Úð #### ## R ÚðÚð A ####### ÚðÚðÚðÚðÚð Úð ### # ##### U ÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚðÚð ############# # T caribou for collaring. Úð ÚðÚð Y # ##### # ÚðÚðÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚð ################# # # ÚðÚðÚð ÚðÚðÚð # ########### ## Úð ÚðÚðÚð ########## # # Úð Úð U ## ########### ÚðÚðÚð ##### ### # ÚðÚð # ##################### T ################ ## # ############# #### Úð # ## # ########### # ## ## ## ##### ### # #### ## ### ###### # # #### # ## # ## ## # # #### ### # ### # # ## ### # ## #### # #### ## # ## # #### # ### # R ########## ########## ######## I # ## ####### V ## ## E E ### N R I Telegraph K Creek I MOUNT Iskut TAHLTAN STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE – WILDLIFE PROJECTS LOCATIONS & MOVEMENTS

18 LEVEL MOUNTAIN CARIBOU

20 TSENEGLODE CARIBOU

10 TSENEGLODE CARIBOU

28 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2021

Fisheries Director Report

The Tahltan Fisheries Department staff have been busy drafting written and financial reports from the 2020 field season. We are working our way through postseason meetings with discussions still ongoing. November and December included attendance at the Transboundary Technical Committee and Enhancement Sub-Committee, Stikine River Salmon Management Advisory Committee, Fisheries Department and TCG Executive meeting, and TCG - Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Government-to-Government tables.

The new year finds us attending both the Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC) - Transboundary Rivers (TBR) panel postseason session and the First Nation Caucus of the PSC sessions. Pre-season meetings will be held in February and March in preparation for the upcoming field season. Run forecasts for 2021 will be available following the February sessions. Cheri Frocklage Like many of you, I bid an exuberant farewell to the Fisheries Director prior year. 2020 certainly dealt its share of disruption to our daily lives on so many levels. Despite these big challenges, obstacles, and changes, I reminded myself that I have a lot to be grateful for.

I am hoping that each and every one of you is fortunate enough to have perhaps one or two joyous memories from an otherwise disappointing and disruptive year. I am looking forward to a much kinder 2021 and a swift return to some level of normalcy in both my work and my personal life.

Right: Lower Stikine from Elbow Mountain.

29 FISHERIES – CHERI FROCKLAGE

Left: Fisheries & Oceans Canada (DFO) and Tahltan Central Government Fisheries Department testing sonar on the Chutine River.

POST SEASON REVIEW Chinook 13,400 – pre-season forecast The following run information has been estimated 9,753 – actual system wide for the 2020 Stikine River salmon returns: escapement estimate

Chinook – Pre-season forecast was 13,400 and the Sockeye 103,000 – pre-season forecast actual system wide escapement was estimated at (64,000 from Tahltan Lake 9,753 large Chinook. 39,000 from Mainstem spawner) 11,158 – Tahltan Lake escapement Sockeye – preseason forecast was 103,000 comprised 5,039 – Mainstem estimate of 64,000 Tahltan Lake and 39,000 Mainstem spawners. 11,872 – Canada harvest Tahltan Lake escapement was 11,158 and mainstem 5,931 – US harvest estimate was 5,039. Canada harvested 11,872 sockeye and the US harvested 5,931 sockeye salmon. The 2020 2020 Stikine sockeye terminal run Stikine sockeye terminal run sizes are estimated at sizes estimates: 26,742 Tahltan Lake and 8,756 mainstem which is well 26,742 – Tahltan Lake below both the preseason forecast and the adjusted 8,756 – Mainstem in season forecast. The Tahltan Lake smolt count of 798,047 was comprised of 81% enhanced and 19% wild Tahltan Lake smolt count smolts, which translates into only 694,000 enhanced 798,047 – 81% (694,000) enhanced and and 106,000 wild smolt respectively. 19% (106,000) wild smolts

The historical indicators that managers rely on to Tahltan Lake sockeye fry count forecast returning adults (smolt production and adult 377,771 – surviving sockeye fry (from returns) are no longer reliable. The smolt survivals are the 502,000 delivered) incubating at the not producing accurate data and information which is Port Snettisham used to inform the management plans, total allowable catch (TAC’s) or forecasting methodologies. The poor wild egg to adult survivals at Tahltan Lake are suspect for this recent breakdown of reliable indicators.

Currently, there are 377,771 surviving Tahltan Lake sockeye fry (from the 502,000 delivered) incubating at the Port Snettisham Hatchery which have been thermally marked and will be released back to Tahltan Lake in the spring of 2021 after ice-out.

30 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2021

Language Director Report

The safety and wellbeing of everyone are paramount as language reclamation progresses during this global pandemic. The near future will see the Language Department focusing on innovative ways to provide accessibility and visibility to language through the many exciting, planned initiatives. One of our first priorities is to build capacity to move forward with language initiatives. Specifically, this means building a strong language team with a shared vision of trust and accountability in effectively carrying out the department's vision. Key strategies will focus on engaging learners through digital and non-digital platforms to facilitate the development of Tāłtān proficiencies through a multi-faceted approach to language reclamation.

I am pleased to report that work has resumed on the FirstVoices project, a

Pamela Labonte Over these past months, the Language Department has continued language initiative with The Language Director been working diligently behind the scenes developing a First Peoples Cultural Council (FPCC). Strategic Language Plan that will lay the foundation for all reclamation initiatives moving forward. FirstVoices is a web-based platform that provides online tools that support language reclamation This methodical plan identifies concrete steps towards initiatives such as language archiving among others. re-establishing the TCG Language Department as a strong These next months will see close collaboration between the TCG Language and Culture and Heritage united part of Tahltan Central Government. The TCG Departments as the work progresses into year Language Department's overall vision is to facilitate the two of the project. Visit the FirstVoices website at: firstvoices.comto browse through the existing development of proficient Tāłtān speakers through Nation- repository of Tāłtān sentences and follow along with wide reclamation initiatives that reach everyone of Tahltan the progression of the online portal with the addition of new Tāłtān sentences, narratives and more. ancestry – in and out of Tahltan Territory. I am also incredibly delighted to announce that Kathy TCG membership includes all Tahltan members living Cottrell has re-joined the TCG Language Department. within and outside of the traditional Territory, so Kathy has reassumed her position as the lead technician ensuring that language resources have widespread on the FirstVoices project and brings with her a wealth of availability and accessibility is at the forefront of knowledge, experience, and expertise in reclamation best all initiatives. As such, the Language Department practices. We are fortunate to have her as a contributing will support language initiatives that cultivate an member of the team and I look forward to working with environment to develop Tāłtān proficiencies by making her on many other future language initiatives. language visible and accessible, engaging with Tahltan people, and creating spaces to learn the language.

31 LANGUAGE – PAMELA LABONTE

New Language Department Staff Kathy Cottrell

My name is Tsahtsoyemā, Kathy Cottrell . I was born and raised in Prince Rupert, British Columbia . My parents are Cathryn (nee Callbreath) and Wally Thompson . My maternal grandparents are Charley and Julia Callbreath .

I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology with a minor in First Nations and Endangered Languages at the University of British Columbia. I am currently working on my Master of Arts in Linguistics of a First Nations Language at Simon Fraser University.

I am so happy to re-join the TCG Language Department.

Why am I pursuing a career in language revitalization for the Tałtan language? I am doing it for my grandparents, Julia and Charley Callbreath, who were such a great influence in my life. They were silent speakers who shared what they could about the language with their grandchildren. I am doing it for my children and grandchildren so that one day Tałtan will be spoken fluently by the young and old.

Kathy Cottrell

“Why am I pursuing a career in language revitalization for the Tāłtān language? I am doing it for my grandparents, Julia and Charley Callbreath, who were such a great influence in my life. They were silent speakers who shared what they could about the language with their grandchildren. I am doing it for my children and grandchildren so that one day Tāłtān will be spoken fluently by the young and old.”

32 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2021

Culture & Heritage Director Report

We are hoping to finish the hiring process for both the Cultural Team Lead and Archivist positions very soon and will have more updates to follow regarding those projects. We will be sending out a request for proposals to get the work started on further digitizing documentation, so you will see that available soon. I will be working closely with our Multimedia Director, Adam Amir, to gather further information, photos, video, and audio from our members who feel comfortable donating their information. We will explore avenues to digitize submissions for you and will provide you with a preserved copy along with your originals. We at the TCG will keep a copy for our archives. This information, depending on its content, can help us further build our strength of claim to our Territory by showcasing use Dẕenēs̱ hoti’e Tahltans, it has been a wonderful winter and occupancy of our land. We can also use this as thus far here in Dease Lake. We have about a foot and a an avenue to further share the history of our families among our family groups, showing future generations half of snow on the ground. I hope everyone had a safe valuable informative memories. and wonderful holiday season.

Sandra Marion I am currently working with Peter Morin, who has Culture & Heritage previously restored our Tahltan songs that were Director being held in the Canadian Museum of History in the James Teit collection. We will be rolling those out on the backdoor of the TCG website soon. Once we can gather again, I would like to hold a ceremony where we honour these songs and acknowledge the recording artists.

“We will be sending out a request for proposals to get the work started on further digitizing documentation, so you will see that available soon.”

33 CULTURE & HERITAGE – SANDRA MARION

Top: Willie Campbell with mail sled pulled by dog-team – Telegraph Creek. BC Archives E-01143

Above: Telegraph Creek from the water; Hudson’s Bay Company building at centre. BC Archives – G-02756 – W. Flieger Collection.

Left: Group of summer houses or-fishing lodges – Telegraph Creek.

34 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2021

Education & Training Director Report

RED CHRIS BURSARY AWARDS

Post-Secondary

1st Place Benjamin Chief

2nd Place Kody Penner

3rd Place Caden Wallace Booth

4th Place Taylor Peterson

5th Place Shelby Wallace Booth

6th Place Alysha Hawkins

7th Place Haley McLean

8th Place Dylan Chapdelaine

9th Place Kyle Risby

There have been some exciting new developments since the 10th Place Ocean Van Mierlo

Fall 2020 Newsletter. The TCG is excited to share that the TCG 12th Place Melinda Hole and the Industry Training Authority of BC (ITABC) signed a 13th Place Keelan Frocklage Memorandum of Understanding on December 18th, 2020.

Cassandra Puckett Through collaboration and partnership, the TCG can Skills & Development (Trades) Bursaries: Education & Training sponsor Tahltan members entering trades as a viable Director pathway to gainful employment. As a sponsor, the 1st Place Jordan Botel TCG can provide financial resources for apprentice training in foundations and level 1 courses to ensure 2nd Place Megan Rousseau Tahltan members will have the education and training 3rd Place Brendan Wagner to be an apprentice in their chosen career path. The TCG Employment and Contracts Director will provide further support to our apprentices in seeking Community Capacity employment opportunities. Development Bursaries:

In other exciting news, the Red Chris JV Mine Bursary 1st Place Agneslyn Dennis closed on November 29th, 2020 with a total of twenty- four applicants in Post-Secondary, Trades/Skills 2nd Place Teneal Nole training, and Community Development. The following seventeen Tahltans received Red Chris Bursary Awards totaling $30,000.00. As always, we are grateful for the generosity of our partners at Newcrest and look forward to the continued support of education and training opportunities for Tahltan members.

35 EDUCATION & TRAINING – CASSANDRA PUCKETT

The TCG is pleased to announce that As part of the application process, the TCG requires Seabridge Gold is offering a Tahltan students to apply to federally funded programs such as the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training specific bursary opportunity open program and/or their band prior to accessing TCG to all registered Tahltan Central funds. By partnering in this way, the TCG continues to demonstrate sound financial responsibility and Government members. enhanced partnership opportunities; thus, ensuring Seabridge is committed to supporting the enhancement there will be funds available as more and more Tahltans of a strong Tahltan workforce with a focus on post- engage in education and training initiatives. secondary education, apprenticeships, or a trade or skill development program. Bursaries are an excellent Furthermore, we continue to support, expand and raise opportunity for current students to alleviate financial need. awareness of OnTrack, the Tahltan skills inventory. One of our most recent initiatives was a contest to win a pair of custom Tahltan made moccasins by Penny Louie for Currently, we have fifty-three Tahltan students completed registrations before December 10th, 2020. applying for funding for the 2020/2021 academic We congratulate Margaret Asp on being the winner of year. To date, we have provided funding to thirty-three the Make Tracks with OnTrack contest. students with several applications currently in progress: We have successfully signed up over one hundred Category # of Students $ Amount seventy Tahltans and have twenty approved employers who post current employment opportunities on OnTrack. Short-Term 1 $979.12 With a strong focus on essential skills, the OnTrack Certifications inventory will support the TCG to streamline and focus Post-Secondary 31 $102,015.49 resources to ensure we strategically offer education and Education training opportunities for all Tahltans. As we continue to fine-tune the OnTrack systems and expand into areas Trades Training 1 $1,500.00 such as administration and human resources, we aim Total 33 $104,494.61 to further capture the amazing skills and gifts of our Tahltan members.

Total investment of education funding for Tahltan students for the 2020/2021 academic year: In more exciting partnership news, Category # of Students $ Amount the Dease Lake Learning Center will

TCG Education & 33 $104,494.61 be opening in January 2021. The TCG Training Funding continues to work towards opening External Funding 16 $107,013.00 learning centers in both Telegraph Partners Creek and Iskut. Total 49 $211,507.61 Students will be able to access support services and participate in a diverse range of online and distance education/training opportunities. These exciting partnership initiatives will continue to enhance capacity by investing in Tahltan members now and into the future.

36 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2021

Employment & Contracting Director Report

Please, if you have yet to fill out your OnTrack profile, at minimum make the profile and insert your resume. Tests are not required immediately.

Click on the OnTrack link at: www.tahltan.org and follow the path to get started. If you have any questions, please reach out to me at: [email protected].

Statistics have been requested from the mining and exploration companies regarding all contractors utilized onsite. The focus will be on where our Tahltan entrepreneurs will become a fit within those organizations. A Tahltan business registry database is in development at the preliminary stages which will assist getting all registered Tahltan businesses Ann Ball I began this role on November 16th, 2020. There has acknowledged and able to bid on appropriate requests Employment & been a learning curve involved with the positions and for proposals (RFP). A business registration form is in Contracting Director getting to know the active mining and exploration development internally that will coincide with the TCG’s companies that are operating in Tahltan Territory. interim definition of a Tahltan business. The idea is Learning curves are important and keep you sharp. that this platform will be used by Tahltan businesses to update their profile in terms of company name, I am in the process of building relationships with all of location, services/goods provided, owner(s), etc. the existing operating mines and exploration companies This information will be searchable by proponents, within the Territory. Because of my extensive experience in contractors, and companies hoping to hire Tahltan the mining sector, many of these folks are well acquainted businesses. We also conceptually hope this transforms into a platform companies can use to with me already. We are now interacting at a different level post RFPs and scopes of work. Please stay tuned as I advocate for members from the Tahltan perspective. for this as it will be coming forth very soon to our entrepreneurs. We are also working on revamping our opportunities and sharing agreements to ensure ONTRACK inclusion for all Tahltan businesses and greater employment opportunities for Tahltans. OnTrack development is ongoing. It is extremely Visit ontrack.tahltan.org important for all of us Tahltans to make a profile on I am looking forward to working with all of our Tahltan to learn more about this site. This will ultimately be our overall human entrepreneurs and workforce in the upcoming months setting up your profile . resources Tahltan database that not only shows as the mining and exploration seasons ramp up in the who and what level of qualifications we have overall, spring and summer. I want to make sure that everyone but also has a component to it for our Tahltans to who has questions knows to please reach out to me take essential skills targeted upgrading to move at: [email protected] for both your themselves into the trades or supervisory positions contracting and employment desires. within these organizations.

37 SECTION TITLE

Membership & Genealogy Director Report

Fellow Tahltans. A call out to update.

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

What do I need to do exactly? Simple.

1. Go to the TCG website. 3. Scroll down to the Contact Update Form section and click on Contact Update Form. 2. At the top of the home page (upper right) click on Tahltan Membership. 4. Fill out and click Submit.

How often should I update my information? We need you to update your contact information regularly so we can keep you informed. We distribute updates not only regarding elections, but also with critical information for Shannon Frank you and your family, such as Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) votes, employment and Membership & Genealogy Director training opportunities, scholarships, education, and much more.

Are there any other reasons to update my information? For additional information please contact: Yes! And this is especially true for: Shannon Frank Teenagers and Young Adults – When Babies and Children – If you have a new Director of Membership & Genealogy registering children, parents use their own baby, or if you have children that may or informationdirector@tahltan .org email addresses and phone numbers. As may not be registered, please complete those children grow older and begin to and submit a new membership form on Roxanne Ball think about future education and training their behalf. This ensures their registration Membership Clerk opportunities, they need to update their and their eligibility for TCG programming. roxanne ball@tahltan. .org email, phone number, and address to stay Moved/Moving – If you have moved it is current and to receive information. very important to update your information. Married Recently/Name Change – If you Passings – It is important for our vital have decided to change your legal name statics to be accurate. Please register the you must update your information and passing of any Tahltan Members with us report your name change. to guarantee our information is correct.

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

38 SECTION TITLE

Dease Lake Community Director Report

Contact North is coming to Dease Lake and Telegraph Creek! Contact North will be setting up learning centers in our communities to bring online short- term certifications, post-secondary, essential skills, employment readiness, and soft skill curriculum to Tahltan members in Dease Lake and Telegraph Creek. Contact North student support staff will also be trained to help Tahltan members who would like to use OnTrack. The educational opportunities available to Tahltans in Tahltan Territory are going to explode and Contact North is committed to providing curriculum to our members in a way that works for us. We are super excited about the opportunities that will be in place to help Tahltan members pursue the career of their choice or find the job of their dreams.

We are happy to report that the Dease Lake funds were used to support the Dease Lake Emergency Management Committee and the recent work done Freda Campbell Recently, the TCG Education & Training Department on the septic system at the Haven. We are working with the Haven to provide elder services currently in Dease Lake signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Community Director the Industry Trades Authority. This MOU will make it place for on reserve Tahltan elders, to the Tahltan easier than ever for Tahltan members to get into trades, elders in Dease Lake who reside off reserve. but it will also bring trades training to Tahltan Territory. One of the priorities we are looking at is a fitness gym. We are looking forward to bringing With IR #13 on the horizon, we can expect a state-of-the- it to our schools in Tahltan Territory art gymnasium there someday, but we need something To learn more about in the interim. We are looking at renting space and the Memorandum and to the Northern Lights College purchasing equipment so stay tuned. We can expect of Understanding, a gym in Dease Lake soon; proper COVID-19 protocols see: “MOU presents here in Dease Lake. It is our goal to would be put in place as necessary. opportunities for have our high school graduates trade employment growth and skilled trades ready upon graduation and to offer a I am looking forward to spending some time at the workforce development trade foundations program in Tahltan Dease Lake School to get a better understanding of our for the Tahltan Nation” youth and what they would like to see in our community. on Page 9 . Territory every year. Quarantining has made that somewhat difficult, but I will be participating in Wellness Wednesdays and finding ways to interact with our youth. I am looking forward to participating in the land-based activities and learning “If you have any questions or if you would like more about our culture myself. to share anything at all about our community, My office is based out of the TCG office on IR #9 and our community members, and the services and I reside in Dease Lake. If you have any questions or resources available to us, please feel free to reach if you would like to share anything at all about our community, our community members, and the services out. This position is new to me so I appreciate and resources available to us, please feel free to reach any insight you can share.” out. This position is new to me so I appreciate any insight you can share.

39

Personal Profiles

Cargill Foundation, Private Collection – 2017 Red Cedar, Paint, 22ft. Stan Bevan 40 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2021

ELDER

Below: Allen outside the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. in front of The Spirit of Haida Allen Edzerza Gwaii, the Black Canoe.

Connecting with the land has been a part of Allen is currently interested in taking action Allen’s life from the beginning. He was born to ensure sustainable resource development in Lower Post, BC and moved to Atlin, BC occurs in Tahltan Territory in a way in which at the age of five. His dad owned a hunting the environment is not compromised. He concession in the Atlin area and was known says that our wild salmon stocks are moving as a successful big game outfitter. Allen went towards becoming an endangered species on the hunts where he would wrangle horses, and that we must act to protect them and set up camp, haul water, and cut wood. The their habitat. Allen’s company, Cheona meat from the hunts was the main food source Metals, in partnership with Resolve, a for the family and was also shared with many not-for-profit entity have created Salmon elderly bachelors throughout town. Gold. Salmon Gold, in partnership with Apple and Tiffany is working with placer miners Allen and his dad traveled together to restore their mined areas to ensure the throughout much of the Tahltan ancestral fish, migratory birds and wildlife habitat are homelands to areas such as: Mount Edziza, brought back to a natural state. Sacred Headwaters, and Turnagain Lake country. It is Allen’s view that the spiritual connection to his homeland is very important Three values have guided Allen Edzerza’s life: and helps to keep him grounded. family, education, and hard work. His parents, George and Grace Edzerza, had twenty children After graduating high school in Whitehorse, and instilled these values into their lives. Yukon Territory, Allen worked as a labourer and eventually a shovel operator at the Faro These values guided Allen Mine. He also operated equipment in the along his unparalleled life’s Fort McMurray oil sands. Allen worked as the Band Administrator for the Kwanlin Dun First journey which has taken him Nation and eventually found himself working from wrangling horses to for Indian Affairs as a Comprehensive Claims Analyst. This was the beginning of a becoming a special advisor to new journey in which Allen was a member the 34th Premier of British of the federal team that settled the first Columbia, Gordon Campbell. seven final agreements in the Yukon with First Nations including self-government Allen has done a multitude of agreements, implementation plans and Allen has faith that an things throughout his lifetime financial transfer agreements. educated younger generation but has always stayed true Allen decided to change paths to work with which is guided by Elders with to the Tahltan sacred duty of his people and served as Lead Negotiator for traditional knowledge will do the Tahltan Central Council, Assistant Chief protecting traditional land for a good job of protecting our Negotiator for the Kaska Nation, and Lead future generations. Negotiator for several other First Nations in ancestral lands. Holding true to the province. Working with some of Canada’s his values, Allen has worked to Allen Edzerza is a member of the Tahltan best lawyers, Allen stresses the importance Elder’s Council and a member of the Etzenlee of the government recognizing Aboriginal protect our unrelinquished title family. Allen and his wife Gwen currently live title and rights along with free, prior and and rights and to help preserve in Abbotsford, British Columbia and have two informed consent when looking to develop our sacred land so future children, Stacey Fox and Troy Edzerza along Indigenous land. with a Grandson, Ryan Fox who is an avid generations can enjoy it just as hockey player. much as he has.

41 PERSONAL PROFILES – ALLEN EDZERZA & STAN BEVAN

CULTURE Learning the traditional way of carving is a process that entails many layers of learning. During his six-year apprenticeship, Stan Bevan Stan absorbed everything he could from Dempsey.

As Stan’s skills developed, he eventually worked on his own pieces and would bring them to Dempsey for critique. Stan recalls bringing one of his totem poles to Dempsey for analysis. It took another three weeks to complete the piece but without the adjustments guided by Dempsey, the totem pole would not have been truly brought to life.

After completing his apprenticeship in the late 1980’s, Stan began selling his art in galleries throughout British Columbia. This propelled his career forward and allowed him to travel to New Zealand, China, and Japan to study other forms of art. He created sculptures full-time until 2006 when an opportunity to create an art program at Coast Mountain College arose. Stan, Dempsey, and Ken McNeil began developing a curriculum for the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art in Terrace to teach students the traditional practice of wood carving. Stan says his favourite part Pursuing a career as a professional carver takes passion, of teaching is watching students develop new ideas Above: The Lone Wolf dedication, and an openness to experiences. Only years that he can help them bring to life. of developing hands-on carving techniques coupled The carving is 8"x 7"x with countless hours analyzing other artwork can create 6.5", over all with hair 15". an artistic identity that provides a perfect finish to bring Made from alder wood, abalone shell, operculum artwork to life. With over forty years of carving experience, shell, paint, leather and Stan Bevan has put in the time needed to create his own horse hair. artistic identity and constantly learns new techniques to bring strength and life to his art. Left: The Dependants Stan Bevan is a Tahltan/Tlingit/Tsimshian man who This limited edition print lives in Kitselas, British Columbia. His Tahltan/Tlingit titled “The Dependants” mother is Merle Bevan (nee Bob), and his Tsimshian was published in 2020. Father is Mel Bevan. His Grandmother on his mother’s It was hand produced side is Flossi Jackson (nee Carlick), and his Great in the linocut printing process. The Artist’s Grandfather is Johnny Sinkoots Carlick. Stan has five design was self-engraved children: Eric, Jesse, Cheyenne, Elizabeth, and Brianna. and self- printed for He also has three grandchildren: Bryson, Sicily, and Es. each unique print of Stan is Wolf Clan from the Carlick/Bob family. the edition. The edition consists of 50 signed and After more than forty years of carving, Stan has numbered with 5 artists Developing a passion for anything can come from life’s developed countless totem poles and sculptures proofs. Prints are on a entanglement of experiences. When Stan was young, that are displayed across the world. He says that the mulberry paper with an oil based ink. The paper is he had the opportunity to watch his uncle, famed creative process comes and goes but is most alive 11" x 9.5" and the size of Tahltan carver Dempsey Bob, while Dempsey worked while working on a piece. When he gets in the zone, the image is 8.5" x 5.5". on various sculptures. This ignited a passion towards he can easily work for thirteen hours straight. Energy carving in Stan who decided to join the Gitanmaax management becomes a factor as pieces take weeks School of Northwest Coast Indian Art in Hazelton, to finish but the finishing process is where art truly British Columbia. Stan then made the definitive becomes alive and finally breathes life. He is always decision to become a full-time artist and started a innovating and is currently working on expressing his traditional apprenticeship under Dempsey Bob. vision through a new medium using woodcut print. Stan has developed his artistic style through years of study and practice which has developed him into an established artist who carries on the tradition of Northwest art through teaching and practice.

42 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2021

HEALTHY ACTIVE TAHLTANS Lane Harris

Kickbox, wrestle, workout, repeat. This is Lane Harris’s six months at Five-Star Boxing and Martial Arts in Fort St. daily grind towards achieving his mixed martial arts goals. John, he moved to Port Alberni, British Columbia to have better access to mixed martial arts (MMA) resources. In the eyes of many, this is not an easy path, but mixed He lived with his grandparents and joined Brazilian martial arts is not for everyone. Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing and high school wrestling. During his first year of wrestling, he battled extreme adversity Lane lives, breathes and sleeps fighting. He has faced because he had to catch up to the other wrestlers adversity on many occasions but never gives in to who had years of experience over Lane. During his last setbacks and always makes practice. Twelve-hour year of high school, he travelled to Windsor, Ontario workday packing fish? Straight to the gym after work. Long to compete at the National Wrestling Championships day of school and homework? Simple. Just run before where he wrestled some of Canada’s top talent. school, kickbox after school and lift weights at night. Lane says that This healthy active Tahltan knows what it takes to pursue After graduating high school Lane consistently listening to his his passion and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. kickboxed, ran, worked out and practiced Jiu-Jitsu while working various jobs. His first amateur MMA coaches and fully Lane Harris is a twenty-one-year-old Tahltan who fight occurred a year after graduation for which he had applying himself currently lives in Fort St. John, British Columbia. to drop twenty-one pounds in two weeks. He fought has been the key to He is part of the Etzenlee family and the Wolf Clan. a solid fight but sustained an injury that ended the success in the sport. His parents are Roxanne and Clinton Trevor Harris. fight early. Since then, he has kept up with his training His grandparents are Tammy and Harold McEachern. regime and has competed in multiple fights including The grit and two in Edmonton, Alberta and one in Fort St. John. determination Lane grew up in the country outside of Fort St. John. In addition, he had the opportunity to train at Team it takes to excel He always stayed active in the summer by hunting, Alpha Male where he met UFC greats like Urijah Faber, in MMA is what fishing, and riding dirt bikes while hockey kept him Chad Mendes, Andrea Fili and also received his blue Lane thrives on busy during the winter. Lane’s life revolved around belt in jiujitsu from the famous Royce Gracie. hockey which entailed early morning practices, and it keeps him personal training sessions three times a week, practice Lane enjoys every aspect of MMA and has met many entering the ring four times a week and extra workouts on his own. amazing people along the way. He plans to move to day in and day out. Being active is engrained into his DNA. Victoria, BC in February 2021 to pursue a diploma in sports and exercise at Camosun College while he At fifteen, Lane began to lose his love for hockey but continues fighting competitively. He says that listening never lost his love for being active. While growing to his coaches and fully applying himself has been the up, he would always watch the Ultimate Fighting key to success in the sport. The grit and determination Championships (UFC), so he decided to try kickboxing it takes to excel in MMA is what Lane thrives on and it and instantly fell in love with the sport. After training for keeps him entering the ring day in and day out.

43 PERSONAL PROFILES – HEALTHY ACTIVE TAHLTANS

HEALTHY ACTIVE TAHLTANS Brandi MacAulay

Joining the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command while earning a psychology degree and raising three children is no small feat that can only be accomplished through full dedication to a healthy lifestyle.

Years in the military and playing soccer has kept and-fifty-pound bag over a certain distance and other Brandi MacAulay active while pushing her to new anabolic exercises. After her training, Brandi moved to levels of achievement that now help her keep up to Trenton, Ontario to begin work as an air traffic controller. the busy lifestyle of raising three kids. She would be sent to places like Greenland, Hawaii, and the Netherlands for work and in 2015 she won the Brandi MacAulay is a Tahltan member who currently prestigious Airman of the Year Award. Also, she joined Years in the lives in Prince George, BC. She is a member of the the military soccer team where she was the leading military and Quock (Dekama) Family and the Crow Clan. Her parents scorer in the league. Her jersey number was eventually playing soccer are Gerri and Ken Cook, and her Grandparents are Lillian retired to honour her successful soccer career. Campbell and Doug Benjafield. She has three kids: Ava, has kept Brandi Kennedi, and Maxwell. After working in Trenton, Brandi was stationed in MacAulay active Chilliwack, BC where she always found time to hike and while pushing her Being active has been a part of Brandi’s entire life. stay active. She applied for the Canadian Special Forces, to new levels of She played soccer and consistently worked out while the highest-level military organization in Canada and after achievement that growing up throughout British Columbia until she joined multiple interviews in Ottawa, she was accepted. She now help her keep the Canadian Armed Forces at age twenty-five. She was spent one year with the Canadian Special Forces before up to the busy the only female in a sixty-person platoon who completed going on maternity leave and says it was an amazing the military baseline fitness test which includes a running experience where she practiced highly specialized lifestyle of raising beep test, push up test, fireman carry of another person combat training. Furthermore, as if playing soccer, three kids. and more. After the baseline test, she began the grueling working out daily, raising children and working a full-time thirteen-week basic training program which entailed military job was not enough, Brandi also completed a Brandi says her thirteen-kilometer hikes in full military gear, five a.m. Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Queens University. active lifestyle wake ups, daily runs, three weeks of sleeping outside does more than and weapons practice. She has many stories of being Presently, Brandi lives in Prince George, BC where she just keep her woken up abruptly to participate in mock guard routines raises her three children who always keep her active. physically fit, it and marching on an empty stomach with little sleep. She is currently completing her private pilot’s license and also maintains her afterwards will pursue her commercial pilot’s license. mental health. Once Brandi completed basic training she moved to From joining the Canadian Special Forces to completing a Borden, Ontario to start the five-month air force traffic psychology degree, Brandi has achieved many lofty goals technician training program. She had to maintain and is proof of how maintaining a healthy active lifestyle her fitness levels to meet the air force physical can have positive effects throughout all aspects of life. requirements which entailed dragging a one-hundred-

44 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2021

INSPIRING YOUNG TAHLTANS Megan Rousseau

Starting a new father at Bandstra Transportation in Dease Lake where journey is always she would operate the forklift, identify priority shipments tough but Megan and maintain proper inventory. This valuable experience says to simply would correspond perfectly with her future career. take the first step. At twelve years old, Megan moved to Prince Rupert, The thought of BC with her mother. After graduating high school, she attended an introduction to power engineering course accomplishing facilitated by LNG Canada. Upon completion in 2017, a big task like she started working for Sodexo at the Red Chris Mine attaining a Red as a Dining Room Attendant. After only nine months Seal is daunting at she was scouted by Imperial Metal’s Warehouse first but when you Superintendent to become a Warehouse Labourer. believe in yourself She had to quickly learn the names of hundreds of different parts while completing inventory counts and and break the operating inventory software. Two years later she was goal into smaller promoted to be the Warehouse Shipper & Receiver. steps, anything is This is a critical job that requires her to ship expensive possible. goods domestically and internationally while using high tech computer warehousing software. In October of 2019, she decided to take her career to the next level and applied to Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Cloverdale, British Columbia to earn her Journeyman From shipping heavy equipment parts costing Red Seal Parts person certification. hundreds of thousands of dollars to organizing high tech electrical components, the warehousing During Megan’s time at the Red Chris Mine, she department at a mine site is a crucial element towards became accustomed to the specific parts needed for an efficient operation. Without someone to constantly the mining industry. She instantly realized that her ship, receive, organize, and distribute parts, a mine schooling was based around small to mid-size vehicle simply will not operate efficiently. parts that were unrelated to mining. She studied hard, managed her time properly and learned all of the new Megan Rousseau is currently the Shipper & Receiver for material in three weeks. Megan went back to Red Newcrest Red Chris Joint Venture and knows what it takes Chris after completing her first of three segments of schooling and in October 2020 completed her second to ensure the mine has the critical materials it needs. She segment. In 2021 she will complete the last segment has worked in the warehouse for four years and will attain of school and attain her Red Seal. her Journeyman Red Seal Parts person certification in 2021. Starting a new journey is always tough but Megan says to simply take the first step. The thought of accomplishing a Megan is a twenty-four-year-old Tahltan who is part of big task like attaining a Red Seal is daunting at first but the Quock (Dekama) family and the Crow Clan. Her when you believe in yourself and break the goal into parents are Gail Louie and Andre Rousseau. Her Tahltan smaller steps, anything is possible. Megan knows what grandparents are Elisabeth (Betty) Collins (nee Campbell) it takes to pursue goals and with each day she comes and Steven Louie. She currently lives in Vancouver, BC. closer to achieving what she unknowingly started working towards when she was helping her father at Megan grew up in Dease Lake, BC where she was Bandstra Transportation in Dease Lake. always active in organizations such as Brownies, Girl Guides and the Junior Canadian Rangers. She learned valuable leadership skills through participating in activities such as building fires, preparing shelters and simply surviving on the land. Also, Megan helped her

45 PERSONAL PROFILES – INSPIRING YOUNG TAHLTANS

INSPIRING YOUNG TAHLTANS Nathan Nole

Consistency has given Nathan Nole everything he has today. Whether it was wrangling horses at twelve years old or learning all aspects of heavy-duty mechanics, consistency has carried him through many of life’s challenges. His daily actions of listening, giving his best effort and learning have allowed him to achieve many of his goals and keeps him on the path towards becoming a Red Seal career when he realized he wanted to be a full-time Heavy Duty Mechanic. mechanic and in February 2012 he was accepted for a heavy-duty mechanic apprenticeship through AltaGas. Nathan Nole is a twenty-seven-year-old Tahltan who He began working with Keith Marion, one of Nathan’s lives in Dease Lake, BC. His parents are Connie Edzerza biggest mentors. He has a great aptitude for listening and Doyle Nole. His grandparents are Liz and Chris and learned everything he could from Keith who is a Edzerza. He is part of the Cawtoonma family, the Crow dual ticketed tradesman. For the schooling segments of Clan and has three children: Deegan, Emrie, and Kolsyn. Nathan’s apprenticeship, he went to Okanagan College in Kelowna for his first two of four years of schooling Hard work has been a part of Nathan’s life since and Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops for his growing up in Iskut, BC. He would participate in an third year. He says he truly enjoyed school and learned a array of cultural activities such as fishing, hunting, lot. He currently works at Brucejack Mine and is looking and trapping. At the age of twelve, he started working to complete his fourth and final segment of school. as a wrangler for Vernon Marion and Fletcher Day’s guide outfitting company. Every summer from July until October he would wrangle horses, set up camps, and cook over a campfire. He worked long, hard days but says it was an amazing experience and sometimes did not even seem like work.

Nathan’s dad always had a mechanical project on the go and instilled a love for mechanics into Nathan. He was enthralled with his father’s toolbox and would sift through every nut and bolt. Also, Nathan started welding in Iskut where he would do meticulous work like welding heavy equipment parts which gave him a deep knowledge of welding. At seventeen, he moved from Iskut to Terrace, BC where he played hockey and attended high school. Nathan enjoyed automotive class and would help his teacher after class by winching cars around the shop When Nathan is not working, he enjoys riding his yard and taking special interest in projects. snowmobile, spending time with his family, hunting sheep and trapping. During his years of work After graduating high school, Nathan worked on experience he has been able to rise to every occasion diamond drills in Northern Quebec, Southern BC and by showing up to work daily and giving it his all. He Smithers. He excelled and became a full-time driller says that some days it is hard, but you have to always within two years. When he was not drilling, Nathan listen and be consistent. Nathan knows what it takes worked at the company’s shop in Smithers doing to accomplish his goals and is an inspiration for mechanical work. This was the tipping point of his everyone striving to do the same.

46 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2021

TNDC Update

Developing and employing our people We are pleased two more of our foremen – Bradley Creyke and Harvey Quock – obtained their Shiftboss Certification. These are important accomplishments that help TNDC meet industry requirements and drive our commitment to being a professional, qualified service provider.

We are exploring options to deliver training and development in advance of the work season while adhering to COVID-19 protocols. We will also begin ramping up employment to meet client projects as work is confirmed.

Serving our clients At Red Chris, construction crews continued the tailings impoundment area (TIA) build and winter road maintenance while our camp services team served an expanded workforce. We continued Clint Keso We closed 2020 on an unprecedented providing bus and air transportation to mine crews through our partnerships, as well as began leasing CEO, TNDC note, boosted by operational success a new piece of heavy equipment to Newcrest, and record winter employment activity supporting their business and growing our assets. (thanks to the Red Chris and Eskay At Eskay, construction and camp service crews have been supporting exploration and camp construction. projects) but tempered by ongoing We also have a small crew at the Forrest Kerr COVID-19 business impacts. Hydroelectric project.

The winter months have been busy as we have also Advancing business opportunities been preparing for the spring 2021 work season while The fibre optics build planning is edging toward a late moving many business opportunities forward. spring start while our forestry business is carrying out winter timber cuts in collaboration with the TCG’s Improving our safety performance Lands Department. Ensuring the health and safety of our employees, everyone we work with, and the communities we work We have made significant progress on several other in continues to be our top priority. Our health and opportunities to diversify our business and provide safety team has grown to strengthen our safety culture new employment opportunities. While some are and improve our safety performance across all project protected by non-disclosure agreements, I look sites and areas of operation. forward to sharing details on others soon.

While the safety journey is never ending, we are beginning to see positive results from new initiatives being introduced. I thank our employees for their commitment to health and safety and adopting the Safety First, Safety Always mindset.

47 TNDC UPDATE

TNDC SPOTLIGHT Supporting Community Health

Our new Dease Lake Airport operations business was proud to contribute to a critical community health initiative over the Christmas holidays, supporting distribution of the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for the Tahltan Nation.

Working with the Tahltan Emergency Response Team and the First Nations Health Authority managing distribution, our ground crews ensured the runways/taxiways were cleared and safe for flight landing/take off, and the aircraft de-iced. This is a positive feat, demonstrating our team’s capabilities to support emergency community health services in future.

Planning for the 2021 season Spring work season planning has focused on equipment rebuilds and repairs as part of our Preventative Maintenance Program, while our Fleet Management Plan has been identifying equipment needs to meet client commitments. As well, we are in discussions with key exploration companies and clients in other sectors to identify project plans and how TNDC can support them.

Elevating our performance Working within COVID-19 protocols will continue to be our business reality for the foreseeable future. I thank our employees for their dedication in delivering on TNDC’s commitments to clients, and our clients and partners for their support of TNDC. As with our pledge to safety, the quest for excellence in service delivery is relentless.

Gearing up for the 2021 work season, our efforts will focus on applying our strengths and implementing changes to elevate our performance. Working together, we will build upon our successes of 2020 and become the trusted service partner for all our clients in year ahead.

48 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – WINTER NEWSLETTER 2021

NEWS RELEASE – TREATY 8 UPDATE Supreme Court of Canada denies Treaty No. 8 Western boundary leave applications – Tahltan Central Government asserts Treaty No. 8 bands have no rights in Tahltan Territory

Left: One of the eight maps (The OIC 2749 Map) of Treaty 8 Territory submitted as evidence in West Moberly First Nations v. British Columbia.

“The Tahltan Central Council ( became involved in this case with intervenor status in 2013 to defend the title and rights of the Tahltan Nation” said Tahltan Central Government TCG President Chad Norman Day. Our Tahltan Nation has always asserted that the Treaty No. 8 bands have no connection to or rights in our Tahltan Territory While we would have liked the SCC to hear the appeal, we are confident that the BC Court of Appeal decision is clear: nothing in this litigation establishes Treaty No. 8 rights in Tahltan Territory.”

The TCG was granted intervenor status in the case at both the trial and Court of Appeal and argued that a decision on the location of the western boundary does not mean the Treaty No. 8 bands have harvesting or other rights in that boundary area. Treaty No. 8 was intended to protect the traditional harvesting rights of the Treaty bands in their territories, and none of those bands have any history January 23, 2021 Dease Lake, BC – The Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) of use or occupation of Tahltan Territory. All three on Thursday denied applications by the Province of judges of the Court of Appeal agreed with the TCG BC and the McLeod Lake Indian Band (MLIB) for leave on this point, clearly finding that a decision on the to appeal a May 19, 2020 decision of the BC Court of boundary does not establish any harvesting rights by For more information Appeal ruling on the location of the western boundary Treaty bands in the boundary area. regarding the May 19, of Treaty No. 8 in BC. The May decision upheld a trial 2020 BC Court decision that found the boundary within the language “We expect the Treaty No. 8 bands, th e Province of of Appeal’s decision, of the treaty lies along the Arctic-Pacific divide, which BC and Canada to respect and abide by the Court of and to read the full creates an overlap between the western part of Treaty Appeal’ s decision said Day. “The TCG respects the document, visit: No. 8 and Tahltan Territory. The Province and MLIB rights of the treaty bands within their territories and bccourts.ca/jdb-txt/ca/ 20/01/2020BCCA0138.htm sought to appeal that decision to the SCC, arguing asks them to respect Tahltan title and rights in our the Court of Appeal made various legal errors in its Territory. We will continue to take all necessary steps decision. With the SCC decision to not hear the appeals, to defend our position and maintain our title and the case is now over. rights for future generations.”

49 TREATY 8 UPDATE – SUPREME COURT OF CANADA DENIES TREATY NO . 8 WESTERN BOUNDARY LEAVE APPLICATIONS

50 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2021

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