January V4-3.Indd

JANUARY | Kha∙yo di∙dze 2014 ‘Middle of winter month’

Central Council

In this edition:

r President’s Message r Two Tahltan- Tlingit Artists Awarded r Honouring Our Elders: Willie Williams r Chief McLean Donates Moose Meat r Bill Adsit: Aboriginal Business Visionary r Callison & Hanna Earn Law Award r Michael Cohen on his passion and successful career r Tahltan Author Louise Framst r Tahltan Leaders’ Retreat on Health Celebrating Tahltans! r Lisa Lawley - For this edition of the Tahltan Central newsletter, our focus is on celebrating the achievements of Tahltan FASD work people near and far. Join us in acknowledging the achievements of Tahltan people in all areas of work r Leadership Camp and life. Beginning with this issue, we will be honouring our Tahltan Elders and artists with proﬁ les so we for two young can all learn more about these special people from our communities. Tahltans r Artist Pro" le: In this issue, we congratulate Ken McNeil and Dale Campbell, two artists who won BC Creative Achievement Awards for First Nations’ Art, Callison & Hanna, a law ﬁ rm that won a Special Contribution Mary Dennis Award for their consistent dedication to Aboriginal people, as well as Bill Adsit, former CEO of the Tahltan Nation Development Corporation who won an Aboriginal Business Visionary Award for his dedication to improving the lives of Tahltan members through smart economic development.

We also get to learn more about the work Lisa Lawley is doing to support mothers dealing with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, as well as hearing from Louise Framst on being an author. This issue also includes the tale of two Tahltan girls going to Leadership Camp in Ottawa, and Michael Cohen’s story on his love of Star Wars and his career as a graphic designer. Finally we are also thrilled to share the story of Chief Rick McLean donating moose meat for First Nations people on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Happy New Year from the Tahltan Central Council team. Wishing you all the best in 2014! President’s Message Annita McPhee, President of Tahltan Central Council the workers who were willing to protect face in approaching development. these lands and for their recognition that the lands need protection. On the National Day of Action against reckless tar sands expansion, pipelines, This past month I’ve been travelling and runaway climate change, I spoke to places across the country and in at a rally in Terrace against Enbridge the United States to share the Tahltan and supertankers along our coast. I approach to development and to ensure spoke to show the federal government people know and understand why we that communities across Canada are oppose irresponsible development. standing up with a united voice against such developments. We need to work In the words of the late, great Nelson together to defend our coasts and Mandela, “Education is the most protect the salmon that so many First powerful weapon which you can use to Nations communities depend on for their change the world.” survival and sustenance.

In November, I attended the Canadian Later in the month, I travelled to San Aboriginal Mining Association Francisco with Christine Ball, TCC Conference. The conference provided Director, Nancy McGee, Tahltan Elder the opportunity for First Nations to share and Oscar Dennis, Tahltan Language Happy New Year Elders, members information on how to address mining Instructor to a conference for investors and youth. This edition of the TCC developments in our territories. in minerals and metals. Fortune Minerals newsletter is a true celebration of all the had a booth there, and it was important achievements our people are earning I was honoured to give a special to share the Tahltan’s opposition against in various ﬁ elds. I am very proud of our presentation at the University of Toronto their Arctos project. accomplishments in 2013, as individuals named “Saving our Sacred Headwaters and as a nation. - triumphs and challenges in the battle to I was also honoured to present a lecture protect Canada’s northern wilderness.” at the Justice Institute of BC on First I raise my hands to our warriors who The presentation was at Faisal Moola’s Nations engagement and the resource stood out in the cold, heat, rain and even class, who is the executive director of sector. During the lecture, we discussed snow to protect our Sacred Headwaters. David Suzuki Foundation. good and ‘not so good’ practices when I raise my hands to all the people who it comes to development. helped us in getting Shell Oil out of I understand the difﬁ culties the First the Klappan. I raise my hands to the Nations in Ontario’s Ring of Fire are I am looking forward to the new year as children and youth who are learning facing and was glad to share our story there is still much work to be done. from their parents about protecting our and knowledge in the hope that it helps lands for the future. I raise my hands to them with the complex decisions they Meduh!

2 | Tahltan Central Council News - January 2014 HappyHappy NewNew YearYear

Two Tahltan-Tlingit Artists Earn BC Creative Achievement Awards

The British Columbia Creative Achievement Award for First Nations’ Art is a competition celebrating artistic excellence and highlighting the cultural signiﬁcance of the arts of the First Nations in British Columbia. The awards are for artists from BC First Nations who have dedicated themselves to their artwork, created a body of work, and who are recognized in their community and peers as artists. Six artists were recognized for their work at a ceremony at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel Vancouver. Among them were Tahltan-Tlingit artists Ken McNeil and Dale Campbell.

Ken McNeil is a master carver who works exclusively with wood. He has art work all over the world, from small sculptures to very large totem poles, one of which stands at the University of British Columbia’s First Nations House of Learning. Ken was trained by his uncle, traditional teacher Dempsey Bob, and has taught First Nation Fine Arts at the Northwest Community College in Terrace since it opened in 2006 when it opened. He enjoys passing down his knowledge to his students.

“All artists have to learn their own history and know themselves before they start creating,” he said. “Then you can work by that, leaving room for innovation.”

Dale Campbell is also a master carver, and she was also taught by Dempsey Bob – as well as his teacher, the renowned carver Freda Diesing. Dale is known for her masks, plaques, and totem poles, including a 30-foot totem pole she carved with her brother Terrence. That piece was selected by the Prime Minister of Canada to be given to Hong Kong during the Canada Festival Celebration in Hong Kong, which they were a part of. Dale’s work has been shown in museum collections in North American and abroad, and is also featured in numerous books.

“We were honoured to be representatives for First Nations people from Canada,” said Dale. “We were there for ﬁve weeks, carving another totem pole so people could watch.”

Tahltan Central Council News - January 2014 | 3 Honouring Our Elders: Willie WiIliams

The Tahltan Central Council is committed to building a strong, Later, he worked as a riverboat deckhand hauling freight to united Tahltan Nation. As part of that commitment, we will be Alaska and trapped and hunted with his Uncle Benny. honouring an Elder in each issue of our newsletter. We look forward to continuing to share the stories of our Elders and our In 1959, Willie married Grace and began his 30-year career as ancestors. We are pleased to share the story of Willie Williams. an operator at the Department of Highways. Since 1965, they have owned land and a little horse business along the Stikine Willie Williams has had a long and happy life, and is quick to River, taking tourists on excursions throughout the beautiful credit his wife Grace (nee Creyke) and his mother Mary Williams Tahltan territory. Willie’s five children and 23 grandchildren enjoy (nee Frank) as the good women behind this achievement. coming out to explore the territory and to help. Willie says that Grace, and her father, John Creyke, were very important influences on him. Mary raised Willie and his five It is on this land that they have hosted a gospel music festival siblings on her own after Willie’s father, Jack Williams, passed for the past 16 years with their friend Andy Quock, who takes away when Willie was just two years old. care of all the music and equipment.

At 14, Willie left school in Telegraph Creek, where he was born “It’s like a big family reunion,” said Willie. “Everyone volunteers and raised, to work as a horse wrangler, packer, and guide for to make it work. It’s all about honouring God for the many George Ball Big Game Hunting. blessings He has given us. There is no better life.”

Artist Proﬁle: Mary Dennis

In 1982, Mary Dennis was taught to tan hides and sew by an Elder. Since then, she has been creating moccasins, gloves, vests, button blankets, ribbon shirts, shawls and much more. She enjoys embroidery and beading, and says working on her projects is therapy for her when she goes through difﬁcult times.

Mary is well known for her high quality, beautiful work. Twenty-ﬁve years ago, Mary made two pairs of mukluks for a customer who had had two babies. Recently she came across one of those pairs of mukluks and was proud of how well they kept after all these years.

Mary likes to hunt and work the hides herself. Usually Mary would spend her winters hunting, but was not able to get out this year. At 71 years old, she still loves getting out and snow-shoeing in the bush. This past summer, Mary was not able to spend much time on her projects as much of her energy went to protecting the Klappan.

Mary was a teacher for 31 years. She lived in Telegraph Creek for 20 years before moving to Iskut, then to Cassiar for 5 years before moving back home.

4 | Tahltan Central Council News - January 2014 Happy New Year

Bill Adsit - Aboriginal Business Visionary Award Winner

commitment to developing Aboriginal/non- paid for by the other company rather Aboriginal business relationships. than TNDC.

The awards recognize individuals and From there, TNDC was able to start businesses that demonstrate outstanding making money and began to expand accomplishments in creating economic the business base beyond the existing opportunities where Aboriginal and non- four companies to generate additional Aboriginal people prosper together. revenues.

When Bill began his work with TNDC Another hurdle Bill encountered was the in 2004, the corporation owned four lack of computer systems. During his fi rst separate companies but was facing year with the organization, Bill oversaw the serious challenges. entire building being re-wired, staff training, a new accounting system, and computer Bill reviewed TNDC’s fi nancial statements systems replacing existing paper systems. and learned the organization was essentially bankrupt. TNDC was over $13 Bill noticed old equipment was affecting Bill Adsit, former CEO of the Tahltan million in debt and was losing money in profi ts due to downtime and repairs. Development Corporation (TNDC), its contracts. Rather than spend money on repairs, Bill received one of two Aboriginal Business saw an opportunity to cut repair costs and Visionary awards for 2013 from the To begin the job of rebuilding the improve reliability by spending the money Industry Council for Aboriginal Business. organization, Bill phoned each of the on new equipment that would get traded contractors to negotiate debt repayments in before the warranty expires. He also Throughout his life and career, Bill has of 50 cents on the dollar, reducing TNDC’s ensured all TNDC wages were aligned with combined his passion for the Tahltan debt by half overnight to $6.5 million. market rates. people, his interest in helping others and his business smarts into a philosophy About half the remaining debt was for Over time, TNDC expanded to 26 joint that promoted change, improved lives previously purchased equipment, and Bill ventures, bringing in real economic and created more than 20 joint venture was able to negotiate stopping payment opportunities to the Tahltan nation partnerships and business ventures. on the equipment and delivering the through training, employment, and profi t equipment for sale, reducing the debt sharing. This has resulted in real success The Industry Council for Aboriginal another $2.5 million. for the corporation and for the local Business Recognition Awards celebrate Tahltan economy. the success of Aboriginal and non- At that point, TNDC owed $4 million, but Aboriginal individuals and corporations was able to renegotiate all contracts for the All of this hard work has led to a very who have shown leadership and a same rates but with the cost of fuel being strong fi nancial future for TNDC.

RIP Nelson Mandela The TCC would like to pay tribute to the life and legacy Nelson Mandela, who passed on December 5th at the age of 95.

An inspiration to us all, Nelson Mandela’s commitment to reconciliation and his journey to building a uniﬁ ed nation among black and white South Africans parallel the goals and aspirations of many First Nations. Let us continue to carry his teachings forward in our journey towards reconciliation here in Canada.

Tahltan Central Council News - January 2014 | 5 Callison & Hanna Win Chief McLean Delivers Moose Prestigious Law Award Meat to Downtown Eastside

At the end of October, Chief Rick McLean was contacted by a friend who provides catering to shelters in Vancouver. The caterer had many First Nations people requesting moose meat. At that time, Rick had just come back from a hunting party and had 60 Cynthia Callison and Darwin Hanna were in the legal profession through their lbs of moose meat. the first ever recipients of a 2013 Special law partnership. Contribution Award as recognition of their “It’s nice to help in any way we can,” consistent dedication to Aboriginal people The special presentation was made he said. “There are so many First in the law by the Aboriginal Lawyers by Grand Chief Ed John and Mike Nations people living in urban areas Forum, Canadian Bar Association, BC McDonald of McDonald & Duncan, both that don’t get the chance to enjoy Branch. well-known First Nations lawyers, at moose meat. It’s the least we can do the holiday banquet on November 29, to bring them a taste from home.” The partners of the Callison & Hanna 2013. Cynthia and Darwin are honoured firm are Cynthia Callison, who is a to be the recipients of this award and Letter of Acknowledgement member of the Tahltan Nation and have thanked their colleagues, clients, Darwin Hanna, who is a member of the family and friends for recognizing and Rick brought the meat to the caterer Nlha7kapmx Nation. The two began the supporting their law firm over the last who prepared and delivered it. The firm in partnership seventeen years ago 18 years. Vancouver Native Health Society’s and were joined by associate lawyers, Positive Outlook program staff was Chaslynn Gillanders, Michael Segelken Cynthia Callison received a Masters of so appreciative of the donation, they and Adam Munnings. The firm represents Constitutional Law from Osgoode Hall wrote a letter acknowledging Chief Aboriginal governments in a wide range Law School in June 2013. This innovative McLean’s generosity. They decided to of legal matters with a specialization in and cutting-edge two-year, part-time keep some of the meat for two special negotiating complex land and resource Professional LLM program is designed for events this month, to be served with agreements and arrangements with the practitioners across Canada who want to bannock. Crown and companies. develop greater expertise in this dynamic area of law. Rick has previously donated meat to This award was given to Cynthia and Elders, meals on wheels services, for Darwin as they have provided leadership Her father, Dempsey Callison, was able funerals, and other community events and worked to address the issues facing to attend her graduation this summer in through the year, so he thought it was Aboriginal law students and lawyers. Toronto and he was pleased that his three a great opportunity to help people Cynthia and Darwin have enhanced the daughters have all successfully completed living away from their communities. stature and influence of Aboriginal people post-graduate studies.

6 | Tahltan Central Council News - January 2014 Happy New Year

Michael Cohen A career built from passion

From left to right: Michael Cohen, Graphic Designer & Podcast Commentator; Joel Aron, CG Supervisor on Star Wars: The Clone Wars; and Dave Filoni, Supervising Director of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Taken at Star Wars Celebration IV in 2012, in Orlando, Florida.

Michael Cohen, son of Laura Gordon Star Wars obsession aside, Michael’s “We have a family crest of beaded and Seth Cohen and grandson of Irene bread and butter is his graphic design flowers that Grandma beads into and William Gordon, has never outgrown business, Arkangel Wulf Studio (AWS) everything, like moccasins,” he said. “I his passion for cartoons, art, design Creative. Before starting AWS, he made a graphic design interpretation of it and Star Wars – in fact, he’s built an studied film at the Art Institute of for the family table, and different designs enjoyable career out of it! Vancouver for two years, then enrolled for other tables.” in Douglas College’s one-year Self- The 28-year-old Tahltan living in Employment Program. Michael credits his family, some of Vancouver has been a graphic designer whom still live in Telegraph Creek, with since 2005, and has co-hosted the “This program is what really got me supporting him in his decision to pursue weekly podcast, “Frontlines: The Clone started,” he said. “I had some skills and an artistic career. Wars Podcast,” a popular commentary education before that, but the program on the Star Wars cartoon series, since showed me how to create a business “My mother in particular always felt 2008 (www.clonewarspodcast.com). plan and build up a business.” that by [pursuing art], I was fulfilling my Aboriginal heritage,” he said. Michael travels to the Star Wars AWS Creative helps other small Convention in Orlando, Florida, every few businesses with all their creative “Some people think of art as a hobby, years to be part of the celebration and needs, from logos to websites to not a real career. But I’m lucky that hang out with the voice actors, directors special projects. my family has always valued art as an and other show creators and fans. important part of our culture.” Michael’s favourite project so far is a The “Clone Wars” series ended this year, personal one: a series of West Coast You can find out more about but a new cartoon series, “Star Wars First Nations designs he created for his Michael’s business at Rebels,” starts in September 2014, so wedding in 2010. www.awscreative.com. Michael will start co-hosting “The Rebels Podcast” (www.rebelspodcast.com).

Tahltan Central Council News - January 2014 | 7 Catching up with successful Tahltan Author Louise Framst

We recently caught up with Tahltan author Louise Framst to talk about her I just do whatever I think is right. Maybe experiences as an author. Louise has self- that’s part of being Tahltan, we think of published four children’s books and three cookbooks, and this busy grandmother what we want to do and we just do it. shows no signs of slowing down. “ Q: How do you come up with ideas Q: Are you planning to write any Q: What inspired you to start writing? for your stories? more books?

I woke up one morning thinking that I Anything can spark an idea. I’m a Oh, who knows. I already have a couple had to get busy with something, which native person, so everything I write written and I haven’t published them yet. was very strange because we lived on a reflects my heritage in some way. I’m farm off in the boonies, so we were very allergic to feathers – so I got the idea Q: How does being Tahltan impact busy. It took me a long time to figure of writing about a plains boy who is the way you approach your writing? out that what I had to do was write allergic to feathers. Other children something. could play with the birds, but he It’s hard to know, because I’m just me. couldn’t, and that was the basis of the I just do whatever I think is right. Maybe Q: How did you write your first whole story in the book Feathers. that’s part of being Tahltan, we think book? of what we want to do and we just do Q: What kind of feedback have you it. Our people were very self-sufficient. It’s very hard to find books for beginning received from the kids when they We believed we could do whatever we readers. One day my friend who is a read your stories? wanted. We figured out how and made it teacher said, ‘If any of you are thinking of happen. That’s still what I’m doing. writing, you go home and write the book Oh they love them. I was selling them at and sent it to me’. So that’s what I did. a craft sale and a teenager came over To purchase one of Louise’s books, I wrote a book called On My Walk and and she said, ‘Oh my goodness! You’re you can ask at any bookstore, or published it myself. She still uses that the one who wrote my book! I love that visit her website at: http://www.pris. book today. book!” So I know the kids love them. bc.ca/framst/bookstore.html

8 | Tahltan Central Council News - January 2014 Happy New Year

Leadership Camp Leaves a Lasting Impression for Two Young Tahltans

When 14-year-olds Bluebell Louie and The path to get to the conference wasn’t One of the best parts of the trip was Jessie Carlick arrived at the Encounters easy. The girls worked hard, raising getting the chance to see Ottawa, even with Canada Arts and Culture Youth money through bake sales and delivering though it took almost two days to get Forum in Ottawa this October, they didn’t candy-grams. They also had a little help there from Dease Lake. The big city quite know what to expect. Three days from a Canadian Football team. certainly left an impression when they later the forum was over, they had gained ﬁrst arrived. lifelong skills, made new friends, and had “I wrote a letter from me and Jessie to a great time. Bluebell is the daughter of the BC Lions, and they gave us money, “I was thinking, wow, this is a big, big Andrea Louie and Jessie is the daughter which paid for almost our whole trip,” place,” said Jessie. “It’s very beautiful of Carol and Mike Danielson. said Bluebell. Because it was an arts there. I like the scenery.” and culture forum, there were a lot of Leadership is not a new thing for opportunities to develop old skills and The girls also gained some new this dynamic pair as they have both learn new ones. perspective on what they would like to participated in their school leadership do when they’re ﬁnished high school. “I council since Grade 7. But when they “My favourite part of the conference was would like to be a teacher, and I would found out they were chosen by their the workshops,” said Jessie. “We did like to write a book,” said Bluebell. “I teachers to attend the conference, they all sorts of art stuff; wire sculpting, art would like to travel abroad – somewhere were surprised. therapy, even African dancing.” in Asia.”

“One day they took us out of class and They also learned new things about Now that they’re back home, Bluebell we thought, ‘Oh no, we’re in trouble!’,” youth from across the country. “I learned has advice for aspiring Tahltan leaders: said Bluebell. “Then the teacher said, the different ways they live and the “Work hard, try your best, and ‘You’ve been chosen to go to Ottawa.’” different tribes they come from,” said never give up.” Bluebell. “Micmac, Cree, a lot of places.”

www.tahltan.org

Tahltan Central Council News - January 2014 | 9 Supporting Mothers in Elders tour Forrest Kerr Dealing with FASD

Left to right: Louie Quock, Lucy Reid; DJ (Dawn) Loverin, Mary Dennis; Lee Marion; Earl Jackson, Loren Kelly, Clements Tashoots, and Brandon Marion in the service bay of the Forrest Kerr powerhouse.

In November the Tahltan Elders toured the Forrest Kerr and Volcano Creek Lisa Lawley has been working for the who are not judgmental and want to energy projects. Loren Kelly, Manager Kermode Friendship Society for 13 provide support for those struggling Environment – Hydro at AltaGas years providing support to families that with addictions. It can be hard for many organized the tour, and for some of the are dealing with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum mothers to get the tests done to arrive Elders it was their fi rst time visiting an Disorder (FASD). Kermode’s ‘Circle at an FASD diagnosis. Lisa wants to help underground construction facility. of Life’ program assists mothers with mothers go through this process without lifestyle changes by bringing awareness, fear of labels or judgement from their During the tour they were able to see education and prevention of FASD to peers. fi rst hand the progress at the Forrest communities. Kerr powerhouse. They saw a turbine Lisa’s own healing journey began when assembled and readied for installation Through supportive care, the program she stopped to refl ect on her own three on its foundation, as well as the helps women overcome personal children and realized she had consumed completed intake area and river weir. At challenges and supports their goals for alcohol while she was pregnant. At that Volcano Creek, they had the opportunity growth and improvement. time, there were no support services to see the construction progress at in Terrace to deal with FASD, and the the powerhouse and intake weir. The The team mentor mothers in alternative diagnostic tests needed to confi rm a tour was followed by a hot lunch in styles in family dynamics and healing diagnosis were also not available locally. the cafeteria where the Elders had the from substance abuse, including opportunity to visit family members assistance with parenting, family The focus of Lisa’s work has been to working at the site. planning, budgeting, time management, bring an awareness to communities mediation and referral to community about the true history of Aboriginal services. This mentorship empowers women and bringing a level of Upcoming Events Aboriginal women and their families. understanding as to how the situation The next Socio-Cultural Working got like this after colonization. She Group will be in January, please Lisa understands mothers need support wants people working in the fi eld to watch for announcements. to make positive changes in their lives. understand the inter-generational trauma In order to make this, they need to move these women face and to change the past the shame and guilt they may feel conversation about FASD. about their children having FASD so they can begin their healing journeys. Lisa wants to ensure all mothers have It is critical that mothers have a safe a voice, as people living with FASD are place to have conversations with people experts in it more than anyone else.

10 | Tahltan Central Council News - January 2014 Happy New Year

Tahltan Leaders’ Retreat on Health Services

Family and Community Development Family development

The second day of the retreat Culture/language focused on Family and Community Healing Development. Another working group Lifeskills was created to develop a framework plan for services within Tahltan territory Youth and elder support based on the scope of Family and Child care/ child development Community Development. Food security Tahltan Leaders met to discuss the next The working group includes: Income assistance steps for the nation in health services on Nov 23-24. During the first day of Annabel Nole Housing the retreat, discussion focused on TCC Carol Quock Family wellness governance and the Tahltan partnership with the Northern Health Authority Ramona Quock Preventive measures (NHA). Tahltan leaders appointed a Rocky Jackson Family and Community Development working group to negotiate a partnership Geraldine Quock agreement between the Tahltan Nation There are also plans for Tahltan and the NHA. Lorraine Callbreath leadership to have meetings with Northwest Inter-Nation Family and The working group includes: Melva Quock Community Services (NIFCS) to discuss Ken Etzerza – TCC Leadership defined the scope of Family a service plan for the Tahltan, and Terrilynn Nole – Iskut and Community Development to include: to continue lobbying the provincial government not to reduce funds that Geraldine Quock – Tahltan Band Early childhood development may impact any social programs. Shana Dennis – Dease Lake Child welfare Tahltan leaders will meet again in the Jeannie Norby – THSSA Justice and policing new year to discuss services specific to Feddie Louie – TCC/SCWG Sports and recreation child welfare.

Tahltan Membership Initiative Reminder Please tell your Tahltan family and friends!

In order to ensure Tahltan members don’t miss out on any of the upcoming opportunities, ancestry has to be veriﬁed by Louise Framst.

To register, go to our website (Tahltan.org) and click on “Governance,” then “Projects,” then “Tahltan Membership List Update”.

From there, click on “More details” to access the forms you need to update your information or add your name to the Tahltan Membership List. You can then ﬁll out the form to have their name put on the Tahltan Membership List.

A downloadable PDF version of the form is available by clicking on “Administration,” then “Forms”. Alternatively, you can call Lousie Framst or (250)964-4158.

Tahltan Central Council News - January 2014 | 11 Congratulations Tahltans!

Kelly Edzerza-Bapty just graduated from UBC with a Master of Architecture Koral Anne Sauve-Brown and Jody (M.Arch). Kelly is the ﬁ rst female from Shilling are proud to announce: the Tahltan Nation and BC to complete a Master of Architecture degree at the Carter Jameson Sauve-Shilling School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture at UBC. Born on December 3, 2013 in Toronto, Ontario She is the second female and fourth Weight: 7 lbs 11 oz ever First Nations student to graduate from this program. Kelly is the youngest His late great grandmother was granddaughter of Agouta and NithTayyea Jean Asp Davis. Edzerza (George and Grace), daughter of Bev Bapty (Edzerza) and a member of Proud grandparents: Alita Sauve the Tahlogo Dena Etzenlee. Carter Jameson is also part Dene, Tamar Taylor recently received her Cree, Objibway and Onieda Bachelors of Arts in Social Science with a major in Political Science from the University of Victoria. She chose Political Science because she has a passion for Indigenous politics within Canada and development politics. Tahltan Central Tamar hopes to pursue a Masters degree in either Political Science or Council Public Administration within the next three years. She is currently a mom Facebook Page to two, the second due before the new year, so Tamar will wait to start If you are not yet a fan of graduate studies until her youngest is TCC’s Facebook Page, please in preschool. Tamar’s career goal is to head to www.facebook.com/ begin a process of decolonization within tahltancentralcouncil to stay the government at a federal level. up-to-date with nation news and events, job postings, member Judy and Orville McLean celebrated their birthdays, anniversaries, and other 49th wedding anniversary this year. Judy accomplishments. is also celebrating her 66 birthday on December 21. (Pictured in middle)

Meagan Stewart was one of thirty students chosen to be a Ch’nook Winter Words English Word Tahltan Word Scholar this year from Ch’nook Mittens Bat Indigenous Business Education at the The holidays are a great time Snow Zas Sauder School of Business. to remember and learn our traditions. Why not take some Winter khaŸye Meagan, who is a student at Vancouver time to learn, use and share Candy łeŸdiŸhi Island University, is one of only 30 these Tahltan words? December Gah uŸghaŸse students chosen for this honour from institutions across BC and Alberta.

12 | Tahltan Central Council News - January 2014