Ibehi Summer Newsletter — 2020
Executive Director –CalvinCarlick DIRECTORS’ OnTrack inthenews. Tahltan OnTrack . TAHLTAN ONTRACK Freda Campbell–DeaseLake Community Director NEW STAFF 2020 Graduates Condolences . New Tahltans COVID-19 Update Save theDates Message from the Vice President Message from thePresident INTRODUCTION Healthy Active Tahltans –Roy Carlick& Terri Nole Finance –MichaelShaker Membership &Genealogy–ShannonFrank . Contracting &BusinessDevelopment –AdrianCarlick. Employment –Kody Penner . Education & Training –Freda Campbell Culture &Heritage–Sandra Marion Fisheries –CheriFrocklage . Wildlife –LanceNagwan Lands –NalaineMorin Inspiring YoungTahltans Culture –Gayle Ball Elder –MargeryInkster PERSONAL PROFILES Forestry Update . Treaty 8Update . TNDC Update UPDATES – Westin Creyke & Telleighla AprilGies . . . . REPORTS . . . . .
...... 50 40 30 49 39 36 44 45 35 25 34 43 33 24 32 37 47 27 51 31 11 3 1 9 9 5 4 Contents TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
Message from the President
Although the pandemic has created several distinct challenges, it has also created new opportunities and allowed our governors to refocus on internal priorities and continue to expand our team. The Tahltan Central Government (TCG) recently posted five new employment positions, including three director roles, and I am very excited to welcome some new faces into the TCG Family. Freda Campbell has accepted her new role as the Director of Dease Lake and I am excited about what she has planned for Dease Lake. Kody Penner will also be leaving the team as he has decided to further his education on a full-time basis; we wish him the very best and hope he’s involved with the Tahltan Nation for years to come in his future career. It is also worth noting that the restructuring of our Tahltan Language Department is running smoothly as several of our language staff have successfully transitioned over to the Tahltan Band and Iskut Band as they continue their important work Chad Norman Day Tahltan Nation, with our Tahltan communities and youth. President, Tahltan Central Government As we prepare to transition from the Summer season We are also working closer than ever with the Tahltan to the Fall season, I want to begin by thanking our three Elders Council, we are in the process of rebooting the community Emergency Management Committees, all Tahltan Youth Council, and we are creating, amending those Tahltan people, allies, front-line workers and and finalizing protocol agreements with the Tahltan others that have been diligently working hard to keep Band, Iskut Band, Tahltan Nation Development our people and communities safe in these challenging Corporation and the Tahltan Heritage Trust. All of times. The Tahltan Nation has remained free of any these policy and legal updates are extremely important COVID-19 incidents due to a collective effort by to the functionality and growth of the TCG and for the everyone, including all those individuals who have relationships, collaboration efforts and accountability respectfully not travelled into Tahltan Territory during mechanisms between us and these other Tahltan this vulnerable and stressful time. entities. I expect in the coming year the TCG will also work closely with the Tahltan Nation Constitution We continue to assert our title and Committee and possibly amend some important rights and respectfully ask all hunters, governance and/or membership bylaws that govern the TCG and determine several of our decision-making wildlife enthusiasts and non-residents and implementation processes. All bylaw amendments to refrain from travelling to Tahltan must be supported by 2/3 of the Tahltan Members who participate in voting, and for the first time ever, Tahltans Territory during COVID-19. will be able to participate and vote online or by phone. Tahltan Territory’s remote location makes our region of British Columbia amongst the most vulnerable in Canada. With limited healthcare facilities, a lack of adequate RCMP resources, and large numbers of Elders, COVID-19 is a grave threat that the Tahltan Nation takes extremely seriously.
1 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
On July 4th – due to the COVID-19 pandemic – the Never has there been more opportunity for Tahltans TCG held our first ever Zoom AGA Webinar.It was to get training/education support from the TCG. so successful that the use of Zoom Webinar’s will I encourage everyone to apply for scholarships and be considered again in the future for important funding and take advantage of the services provided engagement opportunities with our Nation, such as by the Education & Training Department and the Land Use Planning. I would like to thank everyone Employment Department. Both are here to support you. for participating and commend the TCG Board and I am particularly excited about Tahltan OnTrack, which Staff for all their hard work during the last fiscal year. is designed for Tahltan to discover their perfect career Please be reminded that you can watch the recording in Tahltan Territory. Join the Tahltan OnTrack website of the Zoom AGA Webinar on the 2020 Annual General and discover Tahltan exclusive jobs – tailored to fit Assembly page which can be found in the TCG your life. Check it out: ontrack.tahltan.org Members Only section on our website. Here you will find information on each TCG department, including As always, I would like to acknowledge Director videos. Due to the inability to gather this year all the new Tahltans who have joined our for our AGA, we tried to bulk up our Annual Report and have mailed it to each household in Canada. Nation this last quarter and express my sincere condolences to those who have After several years of negotiations with the Province lost someone they love. of British Columbia, the TCG has signed a historical agreement called a Shared Prosperity Agreement (SPA). This agreement will provide the Tahltan Nation with significant funds which will allow us to further negotiate several outstanding issues (ie. wildlife, land use planning, economics etc.) and to strategically make investments and grow our Tahltan economy.
Unlike the BC Treaty process of the past, the SPA will not require the Tahltan Nation to cede any of our Tahltan title and rights.
Instead, the SPA is about coming together with the Province to better co-manage Tahltan Territory by creating more processes that will recognize Tahltan self-determination in compliance with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Since UNDRIP was signed into BC Law the Province has been steadily making steps to uphold and implement the new legislation with indigenous groups that were organized and prepared to do so. The Tahltan Nation is widely recognized as one of the most progressive and organized Indigenous peoples in the Province and we were the first, but likely not the last, to sign the SPA. Although the agreement is signed, due to COVID-19, the Province and our Nation have yet to make a public announcement at the time this Newsletter went to print. More details will be communicated soon, the agreement will be made available to the public online, and all major decisions flowing from the SPA will have a thorough engagement process with Tahltan governments, committees, experts and, of course, with our Tahltan communities and people. TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
• Demonstrating the truth assumption: I know Message from the truth and I will prove that I am right, and you are wrong
• Looking for blame vs mapping the contributions the Vice President to an issue • Challenging people’s competencies and credibility • Turning false information into the truth because you want to believe it
There are many official points in our system for Membership to question, provide critical feedback, engage in the collective dialogue, and provide solutions. The problem is some people turn into chronic complainers because they feel they are not being heard. They repeat the negative commentary until someone validates what they have to say. This type of behaviour only creates conflict, which has a negative impact on our culture. I encourage our citizens to develop the skills we need to think critically. These skills are varied and include observation, analysis, interpretation, reflection, evaluation, inference, explanation, problem solving, and decision making.
Tahltan Leaders have collectively developed the “Tahltan Nation Strategic Governance Plan”, which Ken Edzerza TCG is building the infrastructure for moving forward identifies the following Governance Principles: by translating the collective interpretation of our Vice President, Tahltan 1. Maintaining respectful relationships Central Government engagement into local actions. We are working on a formal process to evaluate the collective experience 2. Collaborative working relationships dispersed across our system. This requires collecting 3. Shared responsibility information from different points within the system. 4. A shared vision and commitment to working together
TCG has developed an internal structure to create standards surrounding ‘leadership accountability’. Encouraging people to follow a Tahltan civil code only Now it is time to create the dialogue around citizens’ goes so far because it requires internal discipline. accountability. Creating ‘participatory governance’ Developing this internal code requires an external requires that our citizens join the conversation while consequential environment. Our Nation is going keeping themselves informed. To do this effectively through a recovery phase from colonization and requires developing critical thinking skills, rules for disempowerment. TCG is beginning dialogue with key engagement, and a consequential environment. cultural knowledge keepers around how our people historically dealt with conflict and disagreements. The issue that TCG struggles with is that no matter TCG will be working with the Elders Council to bring how much information we present, we have members back the ‘Kuwegahn’ form of justice. In the words of of our collective who demonstrate some of the Thomas Henry Huxley, “logical consequences are the following behaviours: scarecrows of fools and the beacons of wise people.”
• Distrust of genuine documents As the Tahltan Nation recovers and rebuilds itself, we all • Confirmation bias (only looking for share a responsibility to maintain respectful relationships. information to back up your opinion) This Tahltan vision can only be built by following the • Attribution of false conclusions to books governance principles while working together to make a and sources better place to live for our future generations.
• Manipulation of statistical data • Deliberate mistranslation of the information presented
3 SAVE THE DATES Upcoming holidays and Tahltan events
Ȗ AUGUST 3: BC Day – TCG Closed
Ȗ SEPTEMBER 7: Labour Day – TCG Closed
Ȗ OCTOBER 12: Thanksgiving – TCG Closed
Ȗ OCTOBER 18: Tahltan Day/110th Declaration – TCG Closed
Ȗ NOVEMBER 11: Remembrance Day – TCG Closed
4 TAHLTAN NATION UPDATE IN-TERRITORY RESIDENTS ARE ALLOWED ESSENTIAL TRAVEL ONLY WITHIN NORTHWEST BC (TERRACE, PRINCE RUPERT, KITIMAT AND AS FAR AS SMITHERS ONLY) . WITHOUT HAVING TO SELF-ISOLATE FOR 14 DAYS UPON RETURN TO THE TERRITORY . UPON RETURN, YOU ARE MANDATED TO WEAR A MASK IN PUBLIC PLACES .
THE FOLLOWING MEASURES REMAIN IN PLACE IN TAHLTAN TERRITORY:
NON-TERRITORY RESIDENTS ARE ASKED TO ASSIST THE TAHLTAN NATION IN OUR EFFORTS TO STAY SAFE. PLEASE STAY AT HOME AND DO NOT TRAVEL TO TAHLTAN TERRITORY.
NO HUNTING, CAMPING, OR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY IN TAHLTAN TERRITORY.
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL ONLY.
TAHLTAN NATION COVID-19 LOCKDOWN PROTOCOL
If a positive test for COVID-19 is confirmed by health officials in any of the three Tahltan 1 communities, all the communities will go into immediate lockdown. Emergency Management Committee's and/or Tahltan leadership (President and both Chiefs) 2 can declare a lockdown; however, only Tahltan leadership can lift the lockdown order upon approval from the Public Health Officer.
PLEASE ENSURE YOU DO THE FOLLOWING:
WEAR A MASK AVOID ALL NON-ESSENTIAL Community Members are mandated to TRIPS IN YOUR COMMUNITY wear a mask in public places after traveling Stop going to other communities. Limit the outside of Territory. number of times you go to high traffic areas such as the store and post office.
STAY HOME WASH HANDS REGULARLY Unless you must go to work, or you are going Wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds or onto the land to exercise with those in your more. Soap is the best-known remedy for killing household (people you live with). this virus so wash frequently.
PHYSICAL DISTANCING DON’T TOUCH YOUR FACE Do not gather in groups. Ensure you stay a Don’t transfer the virus into your body by minimum of 6 feet away from other people. touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION For the most up to date information visit the Tahltan COVID-19 landing page at: tahltan.org/covid-19 COVID-19 UPDATE & EVENT CANCELLATIONS
EVENT CANCELLATIONS Tahltan Leadership would like to announce the following cancellations due to COVID-19:
AUGUST
Ȗ Tahltan Music Fest
Ȗ Iskut Cultural Camp Kawdy
OCTOBER
Ȗ October 18: Tahltan Day / 110th Declaration Celebration
Right: Iskut Culture Camp hosted July 2019.
6 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
HUNTERS & WILDLIFE ENTHUSIASTS TRAVEL ADVISORY: DO NOT TRAVEL TO TAHLTAN TERRITORY DURING COVID-19
“The Tahltan Nation is asserting our title and rights in order to protect our communities, and respectfully asking all hunters and wildlife enthusiasts to refrain from travelling to Tahltan Territory during COVID-19. In order to protect our communities, the Tahltan Nation encourage everyone in British Columbia to engage in all recreational activities
where they reside.” Chad Norman Day, President, Tahltan Central Government
“Before travelling, check on whether there are travel advisories in place for transportation routes and recreational sites, and be sure the community you want to visit is open to
visitors.” Dr. Bonny Henry, Travel Manners
Remote and Vulnerable Shutting Down Access Points Tahltan Territory’s remote location makes this region of All non essential travel to Dease Lake, Iskut and British Columbia amongst the most vulnerable in Canada. Telegraph Creek should be avoided and all recreational With limited healthcare facilities, a lack of timely transport of activity is strongly discouraged north of Bob Quinn. patients needing critical care, and large numbers of Elders, Hunting and recreational activity access points, including COVID-19 is a grave threat that the Tahltan Nation takes the Stikine Bridge, will be blocked with gates and extremely seriously. monitored.
Limited Medical Capacity Patrolling Our Territory The closest hospital from Tahltan Territory is approximately The Tahltan Central Government’s Wildlife Department 600kms away. We have a limited amount of aircraft, airport and our Guardians will be patrolling Tahltan Territory and infrastructure, and pilots available for any emergency asking all visitors to follow appropriate procedures or medical evacuations. Our clinics have very limited staff, that leave if they choose to ignore this travel advisory. we desperately need for our local communities and Tahltan people. In fact, there is no longer a functional pharmacy in Tahltan Territory during this time.
For more information and updates visit tahltan.org/covid-19
Above: We ran our COVID-19 Territory Restrictions as ads in the Smithers Interior News and Terrace Standard newspapers.
7 COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS
Tahltan Nation closes hunting and recreational activity access points Article from The Willaims Lake Tribute | Rebecca Dyok, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | Published July 30, 2020
Above: Tahltan Guardians Clements Brace and Jarett Quock post COVID-19 Restrictions at the southern border of Tahltan Territory.
The remote and vulnerable territory has limited medical capacity
Isolated in the vast wilderness of northwestern “One of those issues became real just a couple the enforcement capabilities to do much else B.C., the Tahltan Nation is stepping up of weeks ago, which really scared us,” Day said. other than the local governments deciding to enforcement of its non-essential travel ban. put up gates and that’s their prerogative.” When a medevac could not fly into Dease Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lake in a timely manner to transport an elder Day said the shutdown will impact up to the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) has who had broken a leg at a fish camp, Day 12 access points, and that there would been asking everyone — including hunters said the elder’s family hastily drove through have been more had it not been for natural and their own off-territory people — to refrain the night to Prince Rupert so the elder could events including the devastating 2018 from travelling into their territory as the nearest have emergency surgery in the morning. wildfires around Telegraph Creek that hospital is approximately 600 kilometres away. burned some bridges that would normally “This kind of thing actually happens quite be used by Tahltan, resident hunters and In a press release this morning, the TCG often, unfortunately,” he said, noting there industry. Recreational activities are strongly announced it will now be blocking hunting is no capacity to medevac more than one discouraged north of Bob Quinn, including and recreational activity access points with person at a time, and there is no functional hunting regions 6-19 to 6-26, he noted. gates, which will be monitored, including pharmacy in the territory. with video surveillance. The Klappan Road has also been washed out With Highway 37 being a corridor into Alaska by the Klappan River and landslides. The territory includes the Tahltan communities and attracting large amounts of traffic from of Dease Lake, Iskut and Telegraph Creek. British Columbians, Yukoners, Alaskans and Day said the TCG is working with the Americans, Day added a COVID-19 outbreak province to get additional RCMP and Tahltan Central Government president Chad could spell disaster in the territory because conservation officer support. Norman Day said until the province works of its limited medical capacity. with the Nation to ensure that people can The Tahltan territory will be patrolled by the be properly medevaced in the case of a “It’s been a bit disappointing. There’s been TCG’s wildlife department and guardians, who medical emergency, more people shouldn’t a lot of our own urban members that have will be asking all visitors to follow appropriate be allowed into the territory. been coming into the territory as well that we procedures or leave if they choose to ignore respectfully asked not to do, but we don’t have the advisory prohibiting travel to visitors.
8 NEW TAHLTANS · CONDOLENCES
New Tahltans
UNA JESSI ANNE ETZERZA NAZLUND ANTHONY BRACE QUINN RAELYNN HADDEN
Justine Dennis & Dwayne Etzerza Twila Merrick & Roger Brace Shanna Creyke & Ian Hadden June 7th, 2020 8lbs 15oz May 8, 2020 8lbs 12oz June 13, 2020 6lbs 12oz
SETH WEBSTER DINGWALL ROMAN SAMMUEL JOHNNY STEEL CALLBREATH-DENDYS
Carlene Dingwall & Ian Dingwall Roslyn Reid & Sammuel Johnny Shantell Callbreath & Emil Dendys July 1, 2020 7lbs 9oz June 9, 2020 9lbs 5oz June 29, 2020 9lbs 4oz
Condolences
VERNELLE (NOLE) QUASH LEAH QUASH THOMAS DENNIS
March 1966–July 2020 August 1991–June 2020 September 1992–June 2020
JACOB CHITZE LUCILLE SEYMOUR
August 2000–June 2020 February 1936–July 2020
9 NEW TAHLTANS · CONDOLENCES
10 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020 2020 Graduates
SHELDON ADSIT
What did you graduate with? • Red Seal Industrial Electrician
Where do you live? • Kamloops, BC
Who is your family? • Quock, son of Tina and Eddy Van Mierlo, son of the late Glen Adsit
KITTY L ASP
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • Adult Dogwood, Coast Mountain College At this moment I don’t have plans but to continue raising my three daughters. Who Where do you live? knows what the future holds? The sky is • Smithers, BC the limit. You are never too old to achieve Who is your family? your dreams. • Simgaldtadta
REGAN ASP
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • High School Diploma, I am now doing the welding foundation Smithers Secondary School program in Houston, BC. I hope to get an apprenticeship with the gas industry or Where do you live? with Tahltan companies in our Territory, • Smithers, BC and then to continue on to get my Red Who is your family? Seal in welding. • Shoe-Kawk, son of Margaret and Edward Asp
11 2020 GRADUATES
WAYLON ASP
What did you graduate with? Where do you live? • High School Diploma, Mount Douglas • Victoria, BC Secondary School Who is your family? • Greater Victoria School District • Etzenlee, Son of Michelle and Indigenous Valedictorian Elson Asp • Recipient: Judy Bourne Memorial Scholarship for Indigenous Students, What are your plans for the future? Optimist Club Curling Scholarship, Mount I plan on taking a gap year, training and Doug Performing Arts Drama Shield, Lana competing in kickboxing, and building Simpson Award for Overall Best English a portfolio for Capilano University’s 2D Student, Subject Awards in Fitness and Animation and Visual Development Program. Conditioning & Comparative Cultures
FAITH BOB
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • High School Diploma I plan to go to school here in Terrace for about a year and then transfer. Where do you live? • Terrace, BC
Who is your family? • Eth’eni, granddaughter of Sheila Frank and Lorgan Bob
RAYDEN BURGESS/MCPHEE
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • High School Diploma I plan to attend college to become an electrician. Where do you live? • Red Deer, AB
Who is your family? • Cawtoonma, son of Roxanne Mcphee, grandson of Gwen Mcphee
SHESLEY BEA CALLISON-HANNA
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • Bachelor’s of Science, Natural Resources I am working to become a registered Conservation, University of British Columbia, professional biologist and pursuing a Major: Science and Management Master’s degree.
Where do you live? • Vancouver, BC
Who is your family? • Daughter of Cynthia Callison, granddaughter of Dempsey Callison
12 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
DEAN BENNETT
What did you graduate with? • High School Diploma, Fort Nelson Secondary
Where do you live? • Fort Nelson, BC
Who is your family? • Carlick, great great grandson of Willie and Viola Dennis
WESTIN ROWDY CREYKE
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • Bachelor’s of Science, University of In the future I hope to work as a wildlife Northern British Columbia, Major: Biology biologist in Tahltan Territory.
Where do you live? • Smithers, BC
Who is your family? • Thud ga, son of Troy and Dayle Creyke, grandson of Bruce Creyke and Louise Carlick, Gay and Mark Frocklage
WYATT CREYKE
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • Master’s of Education, University of I plan to work with Indigenous populations Northern British Columbia within the mental health field.
Where do you live? • Prince George, BC
Who is your family? • Thud ga, son of Troy and Dayle Creyke, grandson of Bruce Creyke and Louise Carlick, Gay and Mark Frocklage
WYNONA JOANNE CREYKE
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • Certificate in the Veterinary Medical I will go back to school to study the Assistant program Animal Health Technologist program after studying business and playing college Where do you live? hockey for a few years. • Smithers, BC & Edmonton, AB
Who is your family? • Thud ga, daughter of Troy and Dayle Creyke, granddaughter of Bruce Creyke and Louise Carlick, Gay and Mark Frocklage
13 2020 GRADUATES
SHAUNTI MAYA DAVIS
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • High School Diploma I plan to take a year off and move down South during this year off. I am looking to Where do you live? apply to UVIC for Environmental Studies. • Fort St. John, BC I hope to pursue a career in environmental Who is your family? sustainability so I can help protect and • Eth’eni, daughter of April and Dennis Davis, conserve land. great granddaughter of Melvin and Verna Callbreath, Jerry and Alvina Davis
WENDA CHRISTINE GAYLENE DAY
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • British Columbia Adult Graduation I plan on continuing to grow my artist's Diploma (BCAGD) portfolio and skills in college, so I can represent the Tahltan Nation through Where do you live? my artwork. • Telegraph Creek
Who is your family? • Simgaldtada, daughter of Korena Quock and Dwayne Day, granddaughter of Mary and Jerry Quock, Fletcher Day and Doreen Dennis
TAYLOR DENNIS-PEACE
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • High School Diploma I plan to attend post secondary school to become a Social Worker. Where do you live? • Thunder Bay, ON
Who is your family? • Carlick Family
ISADAYA VIOLET EDZERZA
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • Bachelor’s of Arts, University of British I am currently working at the Okanagan Columbia, Major: Indigenous Studies Nation Alliance (ONA) on the communications team. And I am pursuing Where do you live? the Indigenous Internship program. • Kelowna, BC
Who is your family? • Etzenlee, daughter of Ken and Felicity Edzerza, granddaughter of the late Donald Edzerza and Lilian Esquire
14 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
CALLISON GRACE FOREMAN
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • Double Dogwood Diploma, French Callie has a Lacrosse scholarship to Immersion Program, Earl Marriott Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in High School Florida, where she will study Aerospace Physiology in September. She hopes to Where do you live? return to Canada to study medicine at UBC • South Surrey, BC once she graduates from Embry Riddle. Who is your family? • Thud ga, daughter of Tanya Foreman and Otis Hiltz
PAYTON HENRY
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • High School Diploma Payton will attend Douglas College and pursue a degree in Psychology. Where do you live? • Prince George, BC
Who is your family? • Quock, daughter of Sonny and Angie Henry , granddaughter of Holly and George Henry
TYLER HENRY
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • High School Diploma Tyler is taking online courses while she waits to hear back from colleges. She will Where do you live? study to become a Social Worker. • Ayansh, BC
Who is your family? • Quock, daughter of Joy Henry & Daniel Henry
RAINBOW HORSEMAN
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • Bachelor’s in Social Work, NVIT, Rainbow works for the Minister of Specialization in Child Welfare Children and Family Development and plans to continue working there. Where do you live? • Northern BC
Who is your family? • Good-za-ma, daughter of Bonnie McLean, granddaughter of the late Gloria McLean (née Callbreath), great granddaughter of Eva Callbreath
15 2020 GRADUATES
ASHLEY JAY
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • Bachelor’s of Science in Chemical My ultimate goal is to work in wastewater Engineering, University of Calgary treatment and reclamation so that I can work on water quality issues within Where do you live? indigenous communities in Canada. • Calgary, AB
Who is your family? • Cawtoonm, daughter of Anne Robertson and Bob Jay, granddaughter of Mary Ida (McPhee), and the late Vera and Raymond McPhee
FELICIA ERIN LAMOUREUX/MCPHEE
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • Medical Office Administration Degree, My future plans are to keep learning in Reeves college the medical industry, to keep growing on the right path. Where do you live? • Calgary, AB
Who is your family? • Cawtoonma
FEDDIE BEE LOUIE
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • Master’s of Business Administration, Beedie I plan to continue working for our School of Business, Simon Fraser University communities in Territory for a couple more years, then I will retire and focus on Where do you live? my own businesses. • Iskut A heart-felt thank you to my husband, Who is your family? my family, TCG, Iskut and Tahltan Bands • Carlick for your unwavering support during my educational journey. Meduh!
ASHLEY MARISSA SHEENA LOUIE
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • High School Diploma, Hazelton I will attend TRU for Criminology. Secondary School
Where do you live? • Hazelton, BC
Who is your family? • Eth’eni
16 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
OLIVIA BREE LOUNSBURY
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • High School Diploma with Honours, Ashley will go to Camosun College Unity Christian in Victoria. She is registered in the Nursing Program and was recruited to Where do you live? play on the Camosun Charger Women’s • Chilliwack, BC Basketball team. Who is your family? • Daughter of Kyla and Brett Lounsbury, granddaughter of Grandparents Ethel and Gervan Lounsbury
GRAESON TIMOTHY LOUNSBURY
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • Primary Care Paramedic Diploma, I am applying to jobs as a Primary Care Justice Institute of BC Paramedic and/or Medical Technician for the Armed Forces. Where do you live? • Chilliwack, BC
Who is your family? • Son of Kyla and Brett Lounsbury, grandson of Ethel and Gervan Lounsbury
ETHAN MCBRIDE
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • High School Diploma I plan to attend the SAIT School of Transportation in 2021. Where do you live? • Cochrane, AB
Who is your family? • Thud ga, son of Blayne and Candice McBride, grandson of Michael Palmer and Lynda Quock, great grandson of Henry and Edna Quock
TRISHA LYNN MCCREERY
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • High School Diploma, DP Todd I plan on attending UNBC this upcoming Secondary School fall semester and I intend on achieving an undergraduate degree. Although I have Where do you live? not yet decided what vocation I would • Prince George, BC like to work towards, I have developed an Who is your family? interest in elementary school teaching. • Shoe-kawk, daughter of Juanita Jensen and Shane McCreery, granddaughter of Evelyn Jensen (Woods)
17 2020 GRADUATES
THERESA MCLEAN
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • High School Diploma My plan is to take a gap year and then go to UNBC for Political Science. Where do you live? • Telkwa, BC
Who is your family? • Shoe-kawk
BRANDON MCPHEE/SCOYNE
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • High School Diploma I plan to pursue a career in the medical field. Where do you live? • Fort Nelson, BC
Who is your family? • Cawtoonma, son of Eileen McPhee and Mark Scoyne, grandson of Janet McPhee, great grandson of the late Vera Williams/Frank/ McPhee and Raymond McPhee
HAILEY ROSEMARY VERA ALICIA MCPHEE
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • High School Diploma, North Peace My current future plans are to work in Secondary School the Oil & Gas industry and begin putting away money for my son. I want my son, Where do you live? Brylee, to have a good chance at life, and • Fort St. John, BC I will work hard to give him that chance. Who is your family? Eventually, someday, I would like to be • Cawtoonma, daughter of Teresa McPhee, active in my Tahltan community and unite granddaughter of Geraldine McPhee and with distant relatives to work towards Walter Inkster creating a vibrant and successful future for our children.
SPENCER MATHEW DARREN MCPHEE
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • High School Diploma, Completed Academy I was accepted into the Automotive of Indigenous Studies Technician Diploma program at the Okanagan College in Kelowna for the Where do you live? next two years. • West Kelowna, BC
Who is your family? • Howd-a-ghtte, grandson of Bobby McPhee Sr. and Audrey Dennis McPhee
18 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
VERA MCPHEE
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • High School Diploma Nursing.
Where do you live? • Fort Nelson, BC
Who is your family? • Cawtoonma, daughter of Patty McPhee and Steve Gairdner
JOSHUA NASH
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • Doctorate of Medicine, In the future I would like to work with communities University of Calgary in the North, helping to address and advocate for the ongoing health issues that affect Indigenous youth. As Where do you live? a doctor I would like to create a supportive campaign • Vancouver, BC to help increase interest for careers in medicine Who is your family? amongst youth and provide support during that • Eth’eni, son of Tina Creyke- journey. My career interests include improving access Nash, grandson of Dinah to equitable and safe healthcare to marginalized youth and John Creyke and families, youth in our corrections system, and educating parents on healthy practices.
NINA NEY
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • Bachelor’s of Education, As a future teacher, I see myself making University of Victoria a positive impact in my local community by being a role model and advocate for Where do you live? non-Indigenous and Indigenous youth. • Port Alberni, BC I think it's extremely important for our Who is your family? children and youth to have strong mentors • Quock, granddaughter of Jessie Tibbett within their lives because we can help support them through their journeys in finding their true passions in life and to be proud of their identity.
JESSE NOLE
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • Journeyman Heavy Duty Technician, My plan is to gain more knowledge and passed exam on June 26, 2020 experience in trades, especially in Heavy Duty Mechanics. Aside from work, I plan Where do you live? on doing things I enjoy like spending time • Prince George, BC with my family, hunting, sledding and Who is your family? learning new things such as woodwork. • Thud ga, son of Maxine Quock and Marty Nole
19 2020 GRADUATES
TENEAL SANDRA NOLE
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • 1st certified housing manager for I plan to run a stable, self-reliant housing Tahltan (Two year program) program. I will build trust within the Nation around housing and build more Where do you live? homes for members to be able to love • Dease Lake their homes. I will also build more Who is your family? knowledge around housing. • Etheni, Callbreah/Henyu, married into the Nole family
TAYLOR PETERSON
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • High School Diploma with Honours, Taylor is honoured to have been accepted French Immersion Program, Kelowna into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Senior Secondary program at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. Where do you live? • Kelowna, BC
Who is your family? • Eth’eni, daughter of Stacey Day and Jim Peterson, granddaughter of Norman Day and Jan Anderson
CHANTEL QUOCK
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • Bachelor’s of Science in Not long before completing my degree, I was offered Environmental Practice, Royal a position at Newcrest Red Chris Mine as the Tahltan Roads University Project Environmental Coordinator. The position I hold is great because I am part of the technical team, Where do you live? which teaches me a lot about different parts of the • Terrace, BC mine, including water quality management, air quality Who is your family? management, acid rock drainage and more. I look • Eth’eni, daughter of Gayleen Day forward to what my future holds, because I want and Calvin Quock to continue gaining work experience and hopefully achieve my Masters of Science.
BRITTANY SEYMOUR
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • Bachelor’s of Education, University of My plans for the future are to teach British Columbia elementary level, and incorporate Indigenous education within the school Where do you live? and classroom, as well as to further my • Terrace, BC education with a diploma in outdoor Who is your family? environmental education. • Cawtoonma
20 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
LAUREN AMELIA SHULAR
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • High School Diploma I am attending UBCO and want to become a member of the RCMP and give Where do you live? back to communities. I am grateful for • Kalden, BC all that I am blessed to have: my health, Who is your family? my family, and my history/ancestors as • Howd-a-ghtte, daughter of Jimmy a proud Tahltan member! and Christina Shular
OCEAN VAN MIERLO
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • High School Diploma, Terrace My plan for the future is to attend the University of Victoria this Fall, focusing Where do you live? on Environmental Studies. I aspire to get • Dease Lake a career that has to do with wildlife and Who is your family? the environment. • Quock, daughter of Tina and Edward Van Mierlo
EDGARD HUMBERTO VILLANUEVA-CRUZ
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • High School Diploma I plan on creating a better future for our people, to conquer corporate colonialism Where do you live? and to self-determine our Nations and • Vancouver, BC peoples, in full exercise of our inherent Who is your family? right to self govern and attain jurisdiction. I • Quock, grandson of Yvonne Moon seek to continue the entrepreneurial vision of creating a platform for our racialized entrepreneurs and to build, build!
21 2020 GRADUATES
JADA WAGNER
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • High School Diploma, Holy Trinity I am attending the sciences program at High School the University of Calgary in the Fall.
Where do you live? • Heritage Pointe, AB
Who is your family? • Howd-a-ghtte, daughter of Jody and Ken Wanger, granddaughter of Vivian Wolfe, great granddaughter of Lawrence and Clara Henyu
CHELSEA WILSON
What did you graduate with? What are your plans for the future? • High School Diploma, Westside Academy Chelsea has been accepted to UNBC and will pursue a degree in Where do you live? First Nations Studies. • Prince George, BC
Who is your family? • Quock, Daughter of Shannon and John Wilson, granddaughter of Marge and Andy Quock
22 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
23 NEW STAFF – FREDA CAMPBELL
New Staff Freda Campbell
Beginning July 2020, I will be moving into my new role as the Dease Lake Community Director. It was a very difficult decision for me to make, as I very much enjoy the Education & Training Director role, and I absolutely love working with Tahltan students. However, I also love living in Tahltan Territory and I love my community of Dease Lake. I believe that this role is very important to the future of Dease Lake and it is critical that the person in this role is a Dease Lake community member, so I put my name forward and was successful in the competition.
I will be taking in-Territory training programs with me into my new role, such as the Dease Lake Bootcamp and Wildfire Training courses, and I will be bringing more programs to the Tahltan Territory including trades training and essential skills training. I will also continue to be part of the team bringing Contact North to Tahltan Territory and I will continue working with Tahltan OnTrack: ontrack.tahltan.org.
The new Education & Training Director will be handling all the Post-Secondary, Trades and Short-Term Certification Freda Campbell students and all the Tahltan Scholarships. I will sincerely miss all the Tahltan students that I have had the pleasure Dease Lake Community Director to work with and I am excited to see the investment in our people pay off in the future. The very best of luck to all our Tahltan students.
I am honored to continue to serve my Nation and now, to serve my community as well. My office will continue to be in the TCG office on IR #9 and my email address will now be [email protected].
“I believe that this role is very important to the future of Dease Lake and it is critical that the person in this role is a Dease Lake community member, so I put my name forward and was successful in the competition. ”
24 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
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!
25 TAHLTANSECTION ONTRACK TITLE
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.
Chantel began as an entry level assistant working with Galore Creek as a summer student and is now the Tahltan Project Environmental Coordinator and senior technician at the Red Chris Mine . 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 Visit Tahltan OnTrack to learn more By creating your own profile in the OnTrack database, Tahltans are able to create a resume and connect with and match your skill set with current Tahltan-exclusive employment opportunities. After employment opportunities. completing an essential skills assessment, you will 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.
26 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
Tahltan Central Government in northern B.C. launching new skills database
Article from the Terrace Standard | Ben Bogstie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | Published July 22, 2020
Above: Johnny Hawkins, a foreman with TNDC, at work at Red Chris Mine. Photo: Tahltan Central Government
OnTrack Skills Inventory will link Tahltan members with jobs in the Territory
The Tahltan Central Government (TCG) is launching Plumbing, repairing vehicles and traditional activities a resource to help connect members with jobs inside like hunting, trapping and guiding also require a high Tahltan Territory. Members can register an online essential skill level. profile in the OnTrack Skills Inventory, a database with current job opportunities. “Basically by living in the north you will develop a higher essential skill level than somebody who doesn’t have to “One of the main reasons we created it was to help do those things,” said Campbell. people understand the opportunities that are available to them and which ones they are qualified for, and if “We are encouraging employers to use essential skill they have a particular occupation in mind it will help levels in hiring decisions so if someone has the essential them understand the numeracy, document use and skill level to be a millwright apprentice then we are reading skills they need,” said Freda Campbell, TCG encouraging employers to use that instead of a grade education and training director. 12, so we might have somebody who didn’t graduate but developed those skills somewhere else and has the skill One innovative feature of OnTrack is that it takes into level to be successful in an apprenticeship.” account skills that many Tahltans have by virtue of living in the north. When a mining company begins to reach the end of their exploration phase on Tahltan Territory and starts “I’ve found that people who live in the north have a high planning for mineral extraction, the company and TCG essential skill level because basically we have to fix negotiate an Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA). Those things ourselves,” said Campbell. are negotiated separately with each company, but they usually contain a clause compelling the company to try to hire Tahltan workers.
27 ONTRACK IN THE NEWS
The TCG has IBAs for the the Red Chris and Brucejack The TCG offers boot camps and training programs that mines, and are in the process of negotiating an will be linked to OnTrack. Also, the TCG is participating agreement with the Silvertip project. There is also an in a pilot program with Coast Mountain College and IBA signed by the TCG and Seabridge Gold, despite the Contact North, an online curriculum provider originally fact their project is in the exploration phase. established by the Ontario government. Contact North has decades of experience delivering curriculum to Kody Penner, TCG employment director, said that Indigenous and remote communities. the TCG has a good working relationship with mining companies in the Territory. Campbell said that Contact North takes curriculum and adapts it to specific community needs, including “All the companies are fantastic with communicating a mix of online, in-class and elder education. That with us, they send me any new jobs postings that they gives Tahltan members options to learn in the Territory have, all of them, we post them, we have OnTrack instead of travelling to an institution elsewhere. moving forward so it’s a really good relationship with basically all the contractors and companies that work The OnTrack database is not fully filled yet. The TCG within the Territory.” is working out some bugs and is focused on having employers enter information first so that when Tahltans OnTrack provides a direct link between members register, the site is already populated with jobs. and jobs, which would make it easier for companies to fulfill their IBAs. OnTrack was set to be rolled out in March, but that was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Campbell also While the mining industry is the largest employer said that the atmosphere was less than ideal to unveil in Tahltan Territory, Penner thinks that OnTrack will the database because people were concerned about connect members with the many different types of jobs contracting COVID-19 while working at mining sites and available in the industry, even if they aren’t interested in then bringing the virus back into their communities. the mineral extraction side of the business. An 18-month TCG marketing strategy to promote “One thing that I am trying to communicate and I OnTrack will be starting soon, mostly over email, want to get through with OnTrack is the array of jobs newsletters, Facebook and the TCG website. There will available to people,” he said. be some face-to-face promotion within the Territory in the communities of Dease Lake, Telegraph Creek, Iskut “There’s so many different jobs that are available to and likely Lower Post. people in the mine industry, maybe you want to be an accountant or get into human resources, or get The Tahltan Central Government is the administrative into safety or the environment, you don’t necessarily governing body of the Tahltan Nation and the have to go in and blow up rock, you can live out your representative of the Tahltan Nation with respect to passion by using mining as the vehicle for it.” inherent Aboriginal title and rights. The Iskut Band and Tahltan Band govern Tahltan interests in relation Penner said that 80 per cent of Tahltans live outside the to the Indian Act. Territory and in the past it was common for members to leave to pursue education or career opportunities not Tahltan Territory spans nearly 96,000 square kilometres readily available locally. in B.C.’s northwest, close to 11 per cent of the province’s total area. According to the TCG, the Territory is home to OnTrack, coupled with other programs, aims to give approximately 41 per cent of B.C.’s exploration activities members the opportunity to receive the training and by expenditure, and around 70 per cent of the province’s education they need in Tahltan Territory. For example, resource-rich ‘Golden Triangle’. if a Tahltan member’s essential skill levels are not where they need to be for a specific job, there are links in OnTrack they can use to improve their skills.
28 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020 Directors’ Reports
30 — Executive Director, Calvin Carlick
31 — Lands, Nalaine Morin
32 — Wildlife, Lance Nagwan
33 — Fisheries, Cheri Frocklage
34 — Culture & Heritage, Sandra Marion
35 — Education & Training, Freda Campbell
36 — Employment, Kody Penner
37 — Contracting & Business, Adrian Carlick
39 — Membership & Genealogy, Shannon Frank
40 — Finance, Michael Shaker
29 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT – CALIVIN CARLICK
Executive Director Report
As COVID-19 makes its way around the world, once again we must respond to these changes so that our Government can continue to effectively serve our people. This year, we held our first-ever Annual General Directors Assembly (AGA) in an online video conference setting. ’ This solution was selected through a thorough process of requesting feedback from Membership, and through democratic processes at the Board of Directors level. On July 4th, 2020, we held our AGA via a ‘Zoom Webinar’ platform. We had up to 70 attendees and 25 panelists. During the meeting we reported on the financial and operational state of TCG’s activities. The AGA was deemed a huge success by those involved, Reports especially considering the challenges we face with the logistical restrictions caused by COVID-19.
Pandemics have shaped our Nation over time. It is priceless to know that our ancestors never wavered in dark times. COVID-19: Where do I start? I am in awe and shell-shocked by the impact a virus can have on our civilization, by all the lives directly affected by infections and the disease They stuck together and supported each and by all the lives affected by the restrictions placed on our society to prevent the virus’ other in pushing our Nation forward as spread. Many people are suffering physically, mentally, and financially, across the world. best they could. Now here we are today, A pandemic has shut down the world in hopes that we can spare the lives of our most vulnerable. Humanity has since quickly adapted to these health restrictions, providing able to read about their triumphs and to alternative solutions to move along with our lives as best as possible, while we extend a experience our own. Despite the challenges caring hand for the safety of thy neighbour. It is scary and beautiful at the same time. pandemics handed us throughout history,
Calvin Carlick We, the Tahltan, are not newcomers to the impacts we have made it through by relying on Executive Director of diseases. We have suffered immensely in our past each other, by working together, and by with great losses of life, especially after being exposed caring for each other. So, without question to foreigners and their pathogens. It amazes me that Below: The village of disease forced our ancestors to make changes to our the following sentiment rings true: Tahltan, September governing systems to adapt to the impact of disease. ‘Tough times do not last, tough people do.’ 1910. Photograph by Homer Sargent. As told in the book, Recording Their Story: James Teit Source: Thompson 2007 and the Tahltan (Thompson 2007, p. 33):
“Throughout this period, foreign diseases continued to decimate the Tahltan population. Around 1875, the remnants of several bands came together as one group and elected a principal Chief. They built a village of permanent log houses on a high terrace above the Stikine, about 1.5 miles from the mouth of the Tahltan River. The village called Tahltan or, by Tahltan speakers, goon-tdar-shage (“at the mouth of the spring”), was inhabited mainly in winter, however, as the traditional movement of families from summer fishing sites to fall hunting territories continued.”
30 LANDS – NALAINE MORIN
Lands Director Report
The Klappan Plan, signed in 2019, is the result of lengthy discussions between Tahltan and BC.
Along with providing direction on land and resource management within the Klappan area, the plan also establishes the Klappan Board. Made up of Tahltan and BC representatives, the Board meets quarterly and is responsible for implementing the Klappan Plan. Recent topics of discussion at Board meetings include ongoing efforts to establish legal protections for high priority zones, development of consultation procedures, and the Board’s role in decision-making.
The G2G Forum and the Klappan Board are actively involved in work to build this relationship for land Nalaine Morin In 2013, Tahltan signed a Shared protection. Lands Director Decision-Making Agreement (SDMA) For example, members of the G2G Forum are with British Columbia. The SDMA developing improvements to the mineral permitting established guidelines for BC to process that will reduce conflict and increase protection of areas important to Tahltan members. Likewise, consult with Tahltan on natural the Klappan Board is working to establish legal land resource development applications. protections for high value areas of the Klappan.
As part of this agreement, Tahltan and BC representatives meet quarterly through a Government- to-Government (G2G) Forum to discuss progress with natural resource management projects. Recent discussion topics at the G2G Forum include moose population health, land access by Tahltan members, and land protection.
31 WILDLIFE – LANCE NAGWAN
Wildlife Director Report
The Wildlife Department is conducting a Mount Edziza Post-Calving Caribou Survey from July 15-17th to determine the current population status and trends of the population. This will be followed by a quick fly over to conduct a Tseneglode Caribou Herd Post-Calving Survey using the operating GPS Collars currently on six female caribou.
We also scheduled Swift Water Rescue and Jet Boat Operator Safety Training for the Guardians from July 19-25 on the Stikine River. This Training will provide familiarity and practical first-hand experience as we prepare to begin patrolling the Territory’s waterways this hunting season. The Wildlife Department is currently sourcing options for a boat to perform operational tasks safely, in any conditions, as the Guardians will need to conduct patrols.
Our Guardians will continue to implement and Lance Nagwan Summer is already midway through and although further develop skills to move the Tahltan Predator Management Plan into the next stages of operation. Wildlife Director COVID-19 is still present, we began our field season by following the necessary precautions to keep our They will train in summertime predator trapping staff safe. techniques for both wolves and bears, a specialized training in line with operational plans approved at the You may see the Tahltan Guardians TCG Board of Directors level. The Wildlife Department out patrolling the Territory and you aims to reduce the number of predators on the landscape to assist in caribou and moose recovery may notice the new TCG rebrand. We efforts currently underway. will have a new look this fall hunting Current 3 Nations Collaborative Stewardship Framework season, as the Wildlife Department will work includes development of a Moose Action Plan. We present themselves in a professional are reviewing a Hunter/Community Survey questionnaire manner wearing uniforms as we to be circulated throughout the communities.
conduct our daily operations. The Guardians recently participated in the FREP (Forest Range Evaluation Program) around the Bell 2 The Wildlife Department is developing a strategy to area. They assisted Provincial staff in evaluating five restrict access into the Tahltan Territory for COVID-19 sample sites, which is mandatory two years after a safety measures. We communicated our message to cutblock has been harvested of trees. They look for necessary media outlets, informing resident hunters things such as stumpage, windthrow, slashpiles and that the Nation is closed off this year for all hunters, danger tree assessments. wildlife enthusiasts and non-residents.
32 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
Fisheries Director Report
As the fishing season progresses, it raises additional and alarming concerns regarding the strength of the Stikine sockeye salmon run.
The pre-season forecast was for 103,000 Stikine- bound sockeye salmon (64,000 Tahltan Lake and 39,000 Mainstem stocks).
The Canadian in-river commercial fishery is reporting very poor catches, as did the US commercial fisheries in Districts 106 and 108, off the mouth of the Stikine River. Representatives from the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G) report that many of the South East Alaska (SEAK) sockeye stocks are coming in weaker than forecasted.
The highwater conditions and high debris load in Cheri Frocklage the Stikine River hinder our ability to capture salmon efficiently, but typically fishers can adjust accordingly, Fisheries Director even during the highwater events.
Both Tahltan Fisheries and DFO Managers are hopeful that the sockeye run timing is late and that higher numbers of sockeye will show in the system as the season progresses.
The sockeye forecast will be adjusted as the in-season numbers are obtained in the fisheries. The Total Allowable catches for each country will also be adjusted accordingly.
It is not shaping up to be a very good year for our Stikine Sockeye Salmon runs.
“Both Tahltan Fisheries and DFO Managers are hopeful that the sockeye run timing is late and that higher numbers of sockeye will show in the system as the season progresses.”
33 CULTURE & HERITAGE – SANDRA MARION
Our Department has issued two job openings to the Culture & Heritage public. I just want to provide some background on how these positions developed. Originally, before COVID-19 hit, the Archives Project Committee was looking to Director Report partner with UBC to have technical support provided by one of their Masters or PhD students. The student would assist us in building the codes and structure to our archives. Because of the pandemic, we do not know when classes will resume, or when we can begin working alongside a student. And we learned that we would only have a student for about four months; that is not enough time to get the work needed done. Hence, we created a position for an Archivist and/or Historian. This will allow us to get started right away and provide the needed technical support for a longer period.
We created the second position, the Cultural Team Lead, after discussions around how TCG is a Nation-based organization, serving all Tahltan Members everywhere. As we brainstormed ways to bring cultural practices into our out-of-Territory member’s homes, we asked: how do we bring back the singing, dancing, and the sewing, while not creating further silos within our Membership?
The mandate for the Cultural Team Lead is to gather a Member from each out-of-Territory community that Sandra Marion Well, we just wrapped up another Annual General has 150-200 Members within the area and bring them together. While they are out on the land, they create a Culture & Heritage Assembly, this time conducted online due to COVID- Director 19. We carried out our yearly Tahltan business in this cultural practice ‘curriculum’, in partnership with Elders format with a very heavy heart. Unfortunately, like the willing to participate. Once completed, each member rest of the world, this situation was out of our hands. of the team then returns to their respective community with this curriculum in hand. They host workshops and The pandemic has made this a gatherings to facilitate the songs, dancing and sewing tremendously difficult year; life is not projects, teaching the other Tahltan Members in their community our cultural skills. Our main goals of this as it seems. I am sure we have all felt it team building are to provide accurate information on some level or another. and to be inclusive.
One of the hardest times I faced was when my The reason I focused on our out-of-Territory communities grandmother passed in April and I could not honour her is because our home communities do a fantastic job in the right way. Losing loved ones during a pandemic is supporting these workshops in-house! We would just like difficult; our inherent need to gather and support one to reach out and provide any kind of support they may another is flipped on its head. We did what we could need, as well as make sure we are not duplicating efforts. with the time we had, and we look forward to holding The end game for this team is to ensure more Tahltan a proper ceremony when the pandemic ends. We can people are practicing our culture, no matter where they only hope that it is sooner rather than later. Grandma live, and to make it easier for Tahltans to come together always told us stories about when sickness had hit our and unite at various larger gatherings in the future. We people before. She spoke often about the time food was need to ensure our distinct Tahltan regalia, songs, dances rationed: that was why, when our people harvested food, etc. live on forever and I am really excited to see us come nothing from the animal was ever wasted. together more often.
“One of the hardest times I faced was when my grandmother passed in April and I could not honour her the right way. Losing loved ones during a pandemic is difficult; our inherent need to gather and support one another is flipped on its head.”
34 EDUCATION & TRAINING – FREDA CAMPBELL
Education & Training Director Report
We are also very excited about Contact North coming to Tahltan Territory.
Over the next few months, Contact North will be coming to Territory to talk about our educational needs and how we can meet them. Post-secondary education and essential skill development tools are coming to Tahltan Territory in January 2021. We are getting closer and closer to providing Tahltans in-Territory with the resources they need to prepare for the employment opportunities coming our way. I cannot wait to see us with the resources we need to develop thriving communities.
Never in history have Tahltans had the resources now available to develop their skills and put those skills to work. We have educational funding, tools to develop capacity online at our fingertips, and bursaries for post-secondary, trades, and short-term certification Freda Campbell We are very excited about Tahltan OnTrack. students. We bring short-term certification programs to Territory for entry level positions in industry and, Education & Training Director OnTrack connects Tahltan jobseekers in 2021, we will once again have curriculum at the with many ways to learn about Northern Lights College. We will be bringing trades training to Tahltan Territory as well. The opportunities opportunities and many ways to for skill development and employment for TCG showcase their skills. members is truly unprecedented; it is a good time to be Tahltan. It helps provide industry with the workforce it needs. We designed this cutting-edge tool specifically for the Tahltan workforce. Check it out: ontrack.tahltan.org
I simply cannot wait to see where we are at and to focus time and resources into getting us where we need to go. We will be able to develop capacity for resource development companies, but we will also be able to develop capacity for ourselves. This is very exciting indeed.
“Never in history have Tahltans had the resources now available to develop their skills and put those skills to work. The opportunities for skill development and employment for TCG members is truly unprecedented; it is a good time to be Tahltan.”
35 EMPLOYMENT – KODY PENNER
Employment Director Report
As summer comes, so do new challenges and opportunities for Tahltans. COVID-19 has changed everyone’s plans.
Exploration projects are developing and changing daily. Mines have maneuvered their working rosters and have implemented stringent COVID-19 protocols. As these things change and develop, TCG adapts by creating new systems to ensure Members have job security and certainty. New jobs are coming and going quickly; there must be a system that gives Tahltans the best chance to see these opportunities. OnTrack is this system. It is going to change the way Tahltans access jobs and it allows us to showcase our specific talents beyond what a traditional resume can provide.
It is open to everyone, whether you are employed, Kody Penner unemployed or just searching for that special opportunity. We are constantly working to update the Employment Director OnTrack Job Board to communicate new jobs and to help Tahltans realize the array of careers available to them. TCG provides many resources for Tahltans to pursue these careers through preferential hiring, education dollars, apprenticeships and more. We continue to update and improve OnTrack as Tahltan and employer needs change. Our workforce is continually building capacity while adapting to the changing work environments. OnTrack is going to allow us to identify workplace skill and education gaps so we can better allocate TCG resources and build a skilled Tahltan workforce, providing talent even in these uncertain times.
Check it out: ontrack.tahltan.org. “New jobs are coming and going quickly; there must be a system that gives Tahltans the best chance to see these opportunities. OnTrack is this system. It is going to change the way Tahltans access jobs and it allows us to showcase our specific talents beyond what a traditional resume can provide.” CONTRACTING & BUSINESS – ADRIAN CARLICK
Contracting & Business Director Report
OPPORTUNITIES SHARING AGREEMENTS WITH MINERAL EXPLORATION COMPANIES
Since the AGA, I have been getting some questions from members regarding these agreements. Historically, in the Mineral Exploration sector, companies would pay for services on their claim to “explore” for potential mineral deposits. During this exploration phase, they use various contractors and services to complete this work such as Drilling Companies, First Aid, Labour, Pad Building, Cook and Camp Maintenance, Core Cutters, Geologists, Environmental companies, Helicopter companies and so forth. Every season this industry in Tahltan Territory has tens of millions of dollars in expenditures while purchasing the services mentioned above and various materials therein. Historically, there was no formal mechanism or obligation on behalf of the companies operating in this industry to interact with Tahltan Adrian Carlick At the AGA, we provided an update on my department businesses or even communicate these opportunities. Thus, we decided to develop agreements that formalize Contracting & Business as well as updates on the various projects within Tahltan Director Territory and associated statistics. You can review this obligation and communication on these services. those in the Annual Report or on our AGA webpage. What are they for? They are basically an agreement TAHLTAN BUSINESS between TCG and a company that operates within DATABASE/WEBSITE IDEA Tahltan Territory to outline the process of how a company communicates contract and employment Moving forward, we are working toward a major opportunities pertaining to their project, preferably initiative to identify Tahltan businesses. The only ahead of time so we can communicate effectively way we can do that is if Tahltan businesses register with prospective Tahltan workers and entrepreneurs. their business with the Tahltan Central Government As we progress as a Nation, we have more and more via this Department. We are in the preliminary stages entrepreneurs which is great to see. We would like of developing a Tahltan Business website and/or to see these businesses get a chance to know of database for our business community, as well as contracts and, ideally, to provide these services. for potential services/goods purchasers. The idea is that this platform will be used by Tahltan Businesses to update their profile in terms of name of company, location, services/goods provided, owner(s), etc. in order to be searchable by proponents, contractors, and companies hoping to hire Tahltan businesses. We also, conceptually, hope this morphs into a platform in which companies can post Requests for Proposals (RFP’s), Scopes of Work, identification of goods to be purchased, etc., and that Tahltan businesses can review this section for prospective opportunities. Please send your company information to [email protected].
37 TAHLTANWORKS BECOMES TAHLTAN ONTRACK
REDEFINING HOW WE CONNECT TAHLTANS TO JOB OPPORTUNITIES TahltanWorks becomes Tahltan OnTrack
With the launch of the Tahltan OnTrack website, the Above: Tahltan OnTrack 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 me (Adrian Carlick) or Darcie Louie on Facebook and we will add you to the Tahltan OnTrack Facebook group. If you are not on Facebook, please send me your resume at: [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.
38 MEMBERSHIP & GENEALOGY – SHANNON FRANK
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 Roxanne Ball those children grow older and begin to and submit a new membership form on 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.
39 FINANCE – MICHAEL SHAKER
Finance Director Report
Part of my focus in this fiscal year will be on capacity building and continuous improvement on best practices and advancement of the accounting system. That will naturally lead to stronger internal controls and accurate financial reporting.
Also, we can jointly improve on creating more meaningful and practical policies and procedures that will help smooth our operations by using our resources and expertise more collaboratively in efficient and effective ways. This will help our leaders to better govern and make more informed decisions.
I thrive to contribute to the great success of the Nation and to make a positive impact on everything that we do to ultimately serve and progress the Nation and its members.
Thank you very much for allowing me this opportunity. Michael Shaker My name is Michael Shaker and I am TCG’s new Chief I look forward to seeing you all soon. Chief Financial Officer Financial Officer. I live in Prince George and joined the TCG Team in March of 2020. A little bit of a background on myself: I am a Certified Public Accountant, holding a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting. I have twenty years of experience under my belt, half of which was in Public Practice working in big four audit firms both nationally and internationally. The other half was working among a few of the most successful, progressive, and reputable First Nations organizations in BC.
I feel privileged to join the Tahltan Nation and TCG Team because, I tell you, I have quickly noticed during my very short tenure here that I am dealing with very bright people, well versed and educated, business driven, and very enthusiastic.
40
Left: Beadartwork created by Gayle Ball. Personal Profiles TAHLTAN CENTRALGOVERNMENT –SUMMERNEWSLETTER2020 42 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
ELDER Margery Inkster
She learned English at school in Telegraph So much was changing, Margery did not Creek, but the teacher was cruel, slapping end up going to the sacred place when she students with a willow branch for various turned thirteen. She learned these values reasons, such as being late. Margery came and lessons in other ways, particularly home with such bad bruises on her back through the language. In Tāłtān you are and legs, her mom pulled her from school in always talking about the laws, rules, and Grade 2. Instead Margery grew up learning culture, she says. The language tells you to Tahltan ways. When she was twelve, her go by everything the Elders tell you, do not brother eleven, and their baby sister only just go and do things on your own. two, their mother died at age 40. Margery's grandparents Loudecker and Honlelah took Today, Margery has few people to talk with. them in; she remembers them fondly. Hardly anyone speaks Tāłtān as she does. She used to meet an Elder and “we could sit When Margery was very young, her down for hours on end and talk in Tāłtān.” Grandmother Honlelah took her to a sacred Now Margery is an Elder herself. She place: “up on the bluff, near Tahltan, there is recognizes that others are no longer born a big hole there you could walk in.” It is like into Tāłtān, as she was, but hopes people a cave. Her grandmother set her down and will learn at least some of the language. told her this is where you will come when you turn thirteen. You will stay here for a She wishes younger and Margery (McClusky) Inkster Sr. is the daughter month. You cannot see your father or brother middle-aged people would of Winnifred (Carlick) McClusky and Willie or family, you see only the women who take Brown. Her grandparents are Loudecker care of you. This is the place you come to learn through language and Bessie (Shawneek) Carlick and Emma learn how to be a woman. You will learn groups. “They would change (Carter) Brown and Yahoo Brown. She is in the sewing, language, fishing, stuff like this. You if they spoke the language Tsesk’iye clan and the Shoe-Kawk family. Now will become a different person. This, Margery 81, Margery was married to the late Thomas says, was where they taught you respect: not again,” Margery says, “people Edward Inkster Sr. for 54 years. Their seven to laugh at people, not to swear at people, will know where to stand.” children are Perry, Ricky, Joyce, Thomas Jr., not to hit people or take things from them. Howard, Margery Jr. and Wilfred Inkster. You learned to always be honest. Margery shares advice from her grandfather: “Do not ever give your language to anyone. Margery lives in Telegraph Creek, where she They put it into books and write it up and they was born and raised. She lost her house in make money out of it. We are not greedy for the 2018 fires and, two years later, is still money, we are just living on our land and without a home. For now, she stays in Burns practicing everything we know.” Respect Lake with her daughter, waiting for her house animals, do not kill too much, share with to be rebuilt. people who do not hunt moose, caribou or bear as you do. Share everything you get, When asked about tradition, look out for each other. Margery says: “When you go home, you do not go “I think about my Mom home with nothing.” always talking to me in Tāłtān. We hardly spoke English when I was growing up, not until I was eleven years old. So Tāłtān is very important to me.”
Left: Marge’s grandmother Honlelah-Bessie (Shawneek) Carlick in 1978.
43 PERSONAL PROFILES – MARGERY INKSTER & GAYLE BALL
CULTURE Gayle Ball
Gayle loves returning home for a yearly harvest of salmon at her dad’s fish camp at Four Mile. “There really is no other place I would rather be. Sitting with the people I love around a campfire, listening to one another strum a guitar, an eagle blessing us for the day, watching the kids pull the net, canning or smoking fish...”
Each Fall, Gayle’s family hunts moose and small game animals. Last summer Gayle’s son Elijah and a few other young artists were hired to help paint a mural behind the Worker’s Compensation building in downtown Whitehorse. Elijah can now carve mini paddles and most recently painted on a memorial totem pole alongside his father, Gayle Ball is a member of the Tsesk’iye Calvin Morberg. Gayle’s partner Calvin clan and the Shoe-kawk family. Her parents is a devoted Tlingit Carver who teaches are Joanne Blackburn and the late Neil Ball other young artists form line design and (English). Her maternal grandparents are continues to pass this knowledge onto their Myra and Harold Blackburn and her paternal son. Elijah’s life dream is to become a carver grandparents are Opal and Alfred Ball. Since just like his dad. 1993, Gayle has resided in Whitehorse. She lives with her two beautiful children, Elijah Gayle began beading in 2011, which happens Gayle shares: “Growing up away Montana (14) and Jade Elizabeth (5). to be the same year she quit smoking. from our people and culture Beading proved highly therapeutic. Not was not easy. In 2012, I accepted Growing up, Gayle would camp with her only did it keep the mind and hands busy, it sobriety into my life. I turned to Blackburn family at Glenora Flats during created time to sit with oneself, to reflect the summer months, along with many and make healthy changes in one’s life. Over beading, joined sewing groups and other family members. During the haying the years Gayle learned different beading attended lands-based workshops season in the hottest months of Summer, techniques from various teachers but she with other Indigenous people of she and her sister Roxanne would stay always returns to Tahltan designs. She has all ages to gain knowledge and at her Aunty Nancy’s horse ranch to help made many pieces, including vests, beaded guidance. It is through connection her cousins Tammy and Rod. The family grouse fans/eagle feathers, moccasins, to others, returning home to our trips to Telegraph Creek, where both medicine bags, mitts, and various jewelry. ancestral land, and continuing her parents were born, taught her where her ancestors are from. They provided Gayle practices culture through traditional our cultural rights in harvesting everlasting memories and gave Gayle an medicines as well. Following the seasons, she and ceremony that I fully all-encompassing sense of belonging and a and her children enjoy picking medicines such encompassed healing into my life.” spiritual connection to the land. as spruce tips, sticky poplar buds, balsam bark and sap, pitch, caribou leaves (preferably from her Grandma Myra’s favorite patch that is not quite a secret…), red willow, rose hips, wild sage, flower petals and berries. Once the plants are picked, they become salves and ointment rubs, they are dried for teas or made into jam. “I really quite enjoy learning about medicines, as one plant can have multiple remedies,” Gayle says, “and that is something I will continue to learn and explore.”
44 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
HEALTHY ACTIVE TAHLTANS Roy Carlick
Roy’s transition to Kamloops was a tough one. He went from knowing everyone’s names to knowing no one’s. A larger school, new streets and organized hockey brought new challenges. He originally moved with his family, Roy, and Emma Carlick, who helped him with the transition. Right away, he started playing house hockey and he caught on quickly, impressing his coaches with his work ethic and dedication.
Compared to house hockey, rep hockey is a whole new level of competition. The hockey is fast, the hitting is hard; you must learn fast. Roy tried out for Sometimes a late start can mean a new beginning. the rep team during his second year in Kamloops and Roy Carlick started playing organized hockey at the “late made it. He had to quickly learn hockey positioning, skating, stick skills and more to catch up with the age” of 15. Some people may shy away from such a challenge, other players who had played their whole lives. He saying there is not enough time to learn a new sport. Roy did took in everything his coaches taught during the three-to-four practices a week. He also worked out not. He took it as a positive way to progress his life forward, and ran track and field during school. keeping him on a straight path. Hockey is one of the outlets allowing him to accomplish goals he never would The following years found Roy playing midget rep hockey until he graduated high school, at which have considered before he started. point he was signed by a Junior A hockey team, the Bellingham Blazers. Playing Junior hockey was a big Roy Carlick is a Tahltan Member and part of the Stikine- adjustment for him but nothing he had not experienced Claw family and the Ch’iyōne clan. His parents are before. His work ethic, good habits and support Patricia and Pat Carlick Jr. His Tahltan grandparents system helped him thrive in an environment where are Pat Carlick Sr. and Edith Carlick. He currently lives players were older and larger than he was. The first in Kamloops, BC but frequently moves for hockey. game was a shock, but he adjusted quickly. His hard forechecking, backchecking, hitting and overall work Growing up in Telegraph Creek does not offer a ton of ethic would bring the best out of his teammates. options when it comes to playing hockey. There is no ice rink year-round; playing hockey may not be the first Roy finished his first season with the Bellingham Blazers thought to some. Roy grew up in Telegraph hunting, in March of 2020 and continues his training. He says the fishing, and snowmobiling. He did not skate until he was energy the fans bring, and the pace of the game keeps eleven years old, when his cousin, Dustin Tashoots, put him working even in the offseason. Politics have been skates on him and said, “Let’s go”. After the first time, a hard thing to overcome, as he was always moving to Ray was hooked, but he could only skate in the winter new areas, but he worked through the problems with his until he moved to Kamloops at the age of fifteen. relentless drive and ambition to compete with the best.
45 PERSONAL PROFILES – HEALTHY ACTIVE TAHLTANS
HEALTHY ACTIVE TAHLTANS Terri Nole
Terri Nole is the daughter of Erma and James Bourquin. Her maternal grandparents are Loveman and Sarah Nole. She is Ch’iyōne clan and in the Simgaldtada (Ts’imgalteda) family. She has three children: Mikaela (16), Dayman (14) and Sophia (7).
Terri lives in Iskut and has always lived a fairly healthy Run groups happen at the end of the workday, granting Above left: lifestyle. In 2009, she received a Diabetes Prevention Terri time to relax and let go of the day’s events before September 2019 up on the mountain Tusayhadah, Certificate from Yellowquill College. Her studies taught she heads home to her family. They help her unwind across from Iskut. her to enhance her nutritional intake, but she learned a and separate her workday from her family life. Terri healthy, active lifestyle at an early age. does not follow a specific diet, but she tries to eat a Above right: Vancouver Sun Run variety of vegetables daily, along with chicken, moose, She grew up out on the land, with her grandparents and caribou. She eats a ton of eggs and her family and parents. They spent most of the summer at the loves seafood. A challenge for her arises when she family camp. They camped and went berry picking, comes home from work hungry: it is too easy to grab hunting and hiking. In August, they would move to an unhealthy snack. She worries, “I have not been very Burrage to pick blueberries. Her grandparents did not good at planning my meals in advance so if I have drive; someone would drop them off and they would unhealthy snacks on hand, it is easy to reach for the camp for at least two weeks: just Grandpa Loveman, salty foods like popcorn and chips. So, I guess my Grandma Sarah, her sister Kim, Terri, and the bears. major challenge is meal planning.” She remembers her grandparents taking her and Kim on walks when they camped at Tatogga too. In Her advice to other Tahltans that want to make a the winter, they went ice fishing and gathered wood. healthy life style change is to start small: Continuing this lifestyle with her own children came naturally to Terri and her husband. “Make one small change that you can live with
Terri found new ways to stay fit and healthy too. Starting and that you are ready to change; I stopped using in January, she joined the 13-week learn-to-run program, sugar in my coffee in 2002 and this year, as a New Indigenous RunWalk, offered in preparation for the Year’s resolution, I stopped using coffee cream. SunRun. From January to June, she ran at least three times a week. When COVID-19 cut this year’s program Buy a Fitbit and make it a goal to move every day, short, Terri continued running on her treadmill and start small if you are not moving much right now, took daily evening walks with her daughter Mikaela. She started running in 2011 when a nurse started and eventually increase your daily step goal.” the running group after the SunRun training, and then became the community Indigenous RunWalk leader.
46 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
INSPIRING YOUNG TAHLTANS Westin Creyke
Sometimes in life it takes time to realize our true passions. Westin’s first year of Biomedical Studies proved tough; he felt he was not following his passion fully. For his elective courses, he chose Wildlife Ecology and Animal Physiology. It took a year, but he realized his true passion was Wildlife Biology and transferred to the Faculty of Science to study Biology.
After changing faculties, Westin knew he was on the right path forward. His passion to protect and conserve wildlife was being realized as he learned the science behind it. He said school was tough but his habit of consistently working out helped him through. Also, he maintains a diet of mostly vegetables, other than ethically sourced fish and meat. This stays true to his value system and gives him the physical edge to continue his active lifestyle.
Wild animals live a hard, uncertain life; danger lurks around every corner. Some people recognize this and have a true respect for what these animals go through. After years of hunting in Tahltan Territory, Westin Creyke grew to understand this concept. He respects wildlife while hunting by putting in a true effort to hunt the animals and never speak badly about them. Since they work so hard to survive, should we not work so hard to capture them?
Westin Creyke is a 22-year-old Tahltan man whose parents are Troy and Dayle Creyke. His grandparents are Louise Carlick and Bruce Creyke as well as Gay and Mark Frocklage. He is part of the Thud-ga family and the Tsesk’iye clan. He lives in Smithers, BC. During university, Westin spent his last three summers working for the BC Wildfire Service in the Northwest The first twelve years of Westin’s life were spent in fire center and continued with them upon graduation. Dease Lake, where he was always exposed to wildlife. He spent long days carrying forty pounds of water His father did guide outfitting, so Westin spent time and equipment up and down mountains, dealing with on the land, hunted frequently and attended fish camp wildfires. It was exhausting work, but the camaraderie every year. He hunted moose, elk, and deer but his of the 20-person team and fast-paced learning were favourite is sheep. Having these traditional practices more than enough to keep him moving. as a cornerstone of his life brought a deep connection with the land and all it provides. Westin graduated in the spring of 2020 with a Bachelor of Science and a major in Biology. He continues to When Westin turned thirteen, he moved from Dease Lake work with the BC Wildfire Service but has plans to to Smithers to attend high school, where he found access help conserve wildlife in Tahltan Territory. He wants to extra programs and resources. He took full advantage to collect wildlife data and apply it to conservation by playing rep hockey, working out and making the in the Territory. His work ethic and ability to realize Principal’s list. He took all the necessary science classes his passion is truly inspirational. He says if you are for university and applied to the University of Northern pursuing your passion, just keep moving forward and British Columbia for Biomedical Studies. always listen to your true self, no matter what.
47 PERSONAL PROFILES – INSPIRING YOUNG TAHLTANS
INSPIRING YOUNG TAHLTANS Telleighla April Gies
After the summer working, Telleighla entered the College of New Caledonia in Prince George for general studies. She loved learning but fell in love with certain classes like Anatomy, where she learned the pathology of diseases. With her passion fully recognized, she applied to Thompson River University’s nursing program.
Moving to a brand-new area is tough for anyone, let alone someone starting their educational journey. Telleighla says she had a tough time going through high school classes but knew she had to step her game up in University. She was working alongside people who got straight A’s through high school. She took the challenge head-on and created a support system with friends that challenged her. She also worked part time at ‘It’s My Life Kamloops Society’ where she helped people with special needs. At times she would doubt herself, but What would you do if you were nine years old and a perseverance, good habits and discipline allowed her to family member suddenly had a seizure in your home? excel. She says that her good eating habits and working How would you react? Panic may set in, making you out kept her body full of energy, so she could finish long incapable of handling the situation. Some people may days of practicum and studying. stay calm and call 911. Then there are the few who stay calm, get help, and then analyze the situation to After four years, Telleighla graduated in the spring of become better prepared for the future. 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. During her nursing practicum, she worked at the Lillooet Telleighla April Gies went through this Hospital and was hired there full-time after graduation. traumatic situation when she was this Lillooet is a rural area with a small hospital. They do not have multiple nursing units for different problems. age and learned from it. She researched Sometimes it is just her, another nurse, and a doctor seizures and then taught her family working. She says that rural nursing is great because you have to know so many different things to make up about them. This experience led her for the lack of resources. She is working hard to learn one step closer to realizing her life’s the skills necessary to fulfill her dream of working for calling of becoming a nurse. the First Nations Health Authority. Perseverance and discipline have allowed this inspiring young Tahltan to Telleighla is a Tahltan woman who is part of the Shoe- live her life to her full potential. kawk family and the Tsesk’iye clan. Her mother is Joyce Gies and her grandparents are Margie and Tommy Inkster. She currently resides in Cache Creek, BC.
Growing up in Smithers BC, Telleighla attended Walnut Park Elementary and Smithers Secondary, where she played rugby and dirt biked. She also volunteered at the Bulkley Valley District Hospital with the candy stripers to collect valuable experience in a hospital. After graduating from high school, Telleighla started working at a residential group home in Smithers, where she helped people with special needs. She helped the residents with their daily activities such as their personal care, going on outings and doing volunteer work of their own. This was a turning point in Telleighla’s life where she truly realized her passion for helping others.
48 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
and airline support services. Our goal at Red Chris TNDC Update is to take on more responsibility in our work and additional contracts. We have hired engineers, project managers, maintenance supervisors and safety coordinators to deliver professional service and improve operations. As part of our commitment to develop people, we have also promoted crew into new roles. I thank Newcrest for their continued support of our Nation’s business.
Serving core industries While some project programs have been scaled back, others have expanded. We are working with Skeena Resources on multiple contracts at Eskay, including camp development and equipment services. For Seabridge and Galore Creek, we are providing catering staff. Crews have also kept busy on projects for the Ministry of Forests and Lakes District Maintenance on continued 2018 wildfire cleanup.
Diversifying our business Our air support business assisting Dease Lake Airport flights has garnered praise, with the scope Clint Keso of future services expanding to include baggage CEO, TNDC handling, ticketing, security screening and fueling. The first contract with Tahltan Forestry is logging at Red Chris, with winter timber license harvest planning underway. We are progressing well on The 2020 work season is in high gear and TNDC crews fibre optics planning and anticipate the build will are busy, however COVID-19 continues to influence start early next year. our operations. We continue to replicate and work Facilitating employment and training with our clients to support measures, initiatives and We continue to work on our training program at Red Chris to help those new to the workforce programs they have implemented to protect employees, gain experience and learn about careers at an contractors, their families, and local communities. operating mine. Unfortunately, the training program for Supervisors was delayed due to the COVID-19 response. We will revisit training and Strengthening our safety culture development initiatives and future workforce We have made positive progress in improving our planning over the fall and winter. safety culture and implementing safety practices across all project sites. Our safety team has grown Improving our business practices with the addition of coordinators, including a We continue implementing initiatives to improve Tahltan member in training. Safety is a journey operations, systems and client service. These not a destination. We must continuously strive to include establishing a fleet management system achieve zero accidents and ensure everyone comes to better care for our assets, manage our inventory, home safe. Our Health and Safety Plan charts the and monitor costs. We have also updated our HR course to guide this journey, but we must respond policies to guide employees in representing TNDC to industry changes as they arise and adjust our respectfully, responsibly and professionally. safety program accordingly. While change takes time, we continue to make Expanding services at Red Chris progress in our efforts to be a professional, reliable, TIA construction resumed and road maintenance qualified service provider. I thank TNDC employees transitioned in May, while our camp services for their commitments to our clients, particularly contract was expanded to serve an increase in onsite during this time, and the others we work with for workers. We continue providing bus transportation their ongoing support.
49 TNDC UPDATE & TREATY 8 UPDATE
TREATY 8 UPDATE New Court decision limits Treaty 8 claims to Tahltan Territory
For more information regarding the BC Court of Appel's decision, visit: bccourts.ca/jdb-txt/ca/ 20/01/2020BCCA0138.htm
Left: One of two maps (The OIC 2749 Map) of Treaty 8 territory submitted as evidence in West Moberly First Nations v. British Columbia.
The BC Court of Appeal released a Rocky Mountains but, even if it is along the APD, that decision on May 19, 2020 in the long- does not grant the bands any harvesting rights in that area. Treaty 8 harvesting rights, the TCG argued, are running legal battle regarding the based on the traditional territories each treaty band western boundary of Treaty 8. occupied at the date they entered treaty. As the five Treaty 8 bands have no connection to any part of Five Treaty 8 bands claim that the Treaty boundary lies Tahltan Territory, they have no rights within that Territory. along the Arctic Pacific divide (APD), which separates the waters that flow into the Pacific from those that One judge of the Court of Appeal strongly agreed with flow into the Arctic, and that they have harvesting the TCG on both points; however, two judges accepted rights up to that boundary. As this boundary creates the trial judge’s conclusion that the boundary lies along an overlap with the eastern part of Tahltan Territory, the APD. This means that, unless this case goes to the the TCG instructed its lawyer to intervene in the case Supreme Court of Canada, the western boundary of to protect Tahltan title and rights. While the May 19 Treaty 8 is now settled as lying along the APD. decision decided that the boundary lies along the APD, However, those two judges also agreed with the TCG the Court also ruled that this does not mean the Treaty that a decision on the boundary does not mean the 8 bands have harvesting rights in that area. Treaty 8 bands have harvesting rights up to the APD. That is a separate question, they concluded, that would The case dates back to 2005 when the Treaty 8 bands need to be decided through a different case. first filed their lawsuit, which was supported by Canada but opposed by BC. The bands won a BC Supreme The upshot? After fifteen years of litigation, the Treaty 8 Court decision in 2017 that found that the boundary bands have won a case that draws a line on a map but lies along the APD, and BC then appealed that decision. does not give them any rights to use the lands up to that The TCG intervened at the trial and again on the appeal line. For the TCG, it is not a perfect win, but it is an outcome to argue that the treaty boundary actually lies in the that protects Tahltan Territory from encroachment.
50 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
Tahltan Forestry Ltd. Tahltan Forestry Ltd., a joint company between TNDC and NorthPac Forestry Group Ltd. are developing the Forest Stewardship Plan and are off to a great start with work at Red Chris.
Forestry Update
Tahltan Forestry Ltd. (TFL) is a joint company, owned This plan will identify important management by TNDC and NorthPac Forestry Group Ltd. TFL was objectives such as: founded in late 2019, with the purpose of operating the recently acquired, Tahltan-owned, First Nations • Harvest Exclusion Areas Woodland License (FNWL). This licence grants • Preservation of Watersheds exclusive harvesting rights to the Tahltan Nation within the entire portion of non-overlapping Tahltan Territory. • Improvement of Animal Habitat • Maintaining Biodiversity The central focus of Tahltan Forestry is to ensure that • Reducing Forest Fire Risk Tahltan values are incorporated into the operation of the Forest Licence. To that end, before harvesting • Adaptation Methods for Climate Change begins Tahltan Forestry is working directly with Tahltan • Pest and Infestation Reduction Lands to develop a comprehensive Forest Stewardship Plan. In addition to this engagement with Tahltan • Re-planting and Silviculture Lands, the plan will be available online for review and • Engagement Approval Process comment by members of the Tahltan communities.
Red Chris Update
With the formation of Tahltan Forestry, it was also While performing this work, Tahltan Forestry identified there could be contracting opportunities recognized that a significant volume of green logs with the mines operating in the Tahltan Territory. This would be remaining on site, both from our clearing came to fruition shortly after the formation of the scope and from the clearing of areas performed in company, as Tahltan Forestry was able to respond previous years. Through discussions with Red Chris, to a request for proposals for timber clearing at Red Tahltan Forestry was able to acquire these logs and Chris and was awarded a contract. The scope of work haul them off site for sale. This provided a disposal at Red Chris includes the clearing of trees, processing costs savings for Red Chris, reduced the fire load on of logs and hauling of firewood. The first two phases site, and provided additional benefit to Tahltan Forestry, of this work were performed to great success, coming a true win-win. Tahltan Forestry is currently performing in ahead of schedule and resulting in the delivery of its Phase 3 work at Red Chris, which includes hauling 20 loads of firewood to the communities. additional loads of firewood for the communities.
51 SECTION TITLE
52 SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
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