Nation Signs Nenqay Deni Accord - Tsilhqot`in National Government

January/February 2016
Tisel ?Iza (January) The Month of the Golden Eagle
Benen Ses ?Elhtsish (February) The month the bears have their cubs
Keeping Our Communities Informed
Inside this issue:
Nation Signs Nenqay Deni Accord
Executive Director
Administration
Employment
2-8
9-11
12
Health
TUS
Language
Fisheries
Stewardship
13-15
16-19
20-21
22
23-35
On February 11, 2016 the Tsilhqot’in Chiefs signed a five year negotiation framework with the Province of BC. The Accord establishes a shared vision, principles
and structures to negotiate a comprehensive and lasting reconciliation between the
Nation and the Province. This is not a final agreement—it is a framework to begin
negotiations.
The agreement, named the Nenqay Deni Accord (or the “People’s Accord”), outlines eight pillars of reconciliation to be negotiated in a holistic manner, including
Tsilhqot’in culture and language, children and families, healthy communities, justice, education and training, lands and resources and economic development.
Joint tables comprised of senior provincial staff and senior Tsilhqot’in representatives will be established to make progress in all of these areas while the longer-term
negotiations unfold. A leadership table, comprised of Tsilhqot’in chiefs and key
ministers, will continue to lead the negotiations. (More on pages 4-6).
TNG Stewardship
Department receiving
the Award of Merit in
Sustainable Forestry
from the Association of
BC Forest Professionals
(ABCFP) for the South
Chilcotin Stewardship
Plan. Left to Right:
Howard Stoller
(FLNRO), Mike
Simpson (Fraser Basin
Council), Sally Sellars
(TNG), Jonathan Lok
(ABCFP), Mauro
Calebrese (West Fraser)
Sean Donahue (BCTS),
Jeff Alexander (Tolko).
February 11, 2016: Left to Right: Minister John Rustad (Ministry of Aboriginal Relations
and Reconciliation), Chief Roger William, Chief Ervin Charleyboy, Chief Russell Myers
Ross, Chief Francis Laceese, Chief Bernie Mack, Premier Clark, Chief Joe Alphonse.
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Page 2
A Message from the Executive Director
Hello Tsilhqot’in Members:
You may have noticed in this newsletter that I still have the title as Executive
Director. The Tsilhqot’in National Government is in the process of seeking to fill
the ‘Executive Director’ role right now due to the demands on my time throughout
the negotiations. In the meantime I am still handling the duties of the role with
great support from Betty Derksen & Luke Doxtator. When the posting for the
Executive Director position was posted I wrote a note to all and want to copy it
here for our members:
Crystal Verhaeghe:
Executive Director
Tng-director@tsilhqotin.ca
Over the last year and six months my position as the Executive Director has been
reallocated to focus mainly on the Title Case declaration, working with the technical
support team and assisting the Tsilhqot’in leadership. Throughout this time we have had
Betty Derksen and Luke Doxtator manage the office. They have done an amazing job
and I’m very thankful for how well they have managed the office.
The workload is increasing and putting an undo amount of pressure on the office and staff
however. To move forward in a better way, I have accepted the position as Lead
Negotiator, Special Advisor to the Chiefs and will work with the technical team and act
as an advisor to the Chiefs in their negotiations with the British Columbia and Federal
Government.
I absolutely cherish my time spent as the
Executive Director of TNG and I am
confident that this transition will be better for
the staff at TNG and for our communities.
We have posted for the position of Executive
Director. I look forward to my new role and
I also look forward to working closely with
the Executive Directors of all of our
organizations in the near future.
Chief Bernie Mack, Chief Roger William, Chief Russell Myers Ross,
Chief Joe Alphonse, Chief Ervin Charleyboy and Chief Francis
Laceese at Kinikinik Restaurant in Redstone.
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Page 3
Continued: A Message from the Executive Director
The past two months have been a whirlwind but as I listen to the Chiefs I can
reiterate - it has mostly been very positive. I'm very proud of our organizations and
the great work that has been done to get to the signing of the Nenqay Deni
Accord.
The Chiefs signed the Nenqay Deni Accord mid-February. This agreement is not a
final agreement - it is a vehicle to spend more time in the communities planning to
build our Nation up in a healthy way.
Since the signing we heard from members "When are you going to hold the
celebration?". We hear you - the planning for the celebration is underway so stay
tuned for the date of when we will celebrate this wonderful achievement.
I would like to thank our amazing staff & contractors at the TNG office and in our
communities; our strong leaders for guiding us forward and the Tsilhqot'in Nation
Support Team for implementing the vision of the citizens and the Chiefs. Great
job everyone !
We will continue to keep you updated through Facebook, our community meetings
and our newsletters. It will be great to be in the communities to work with the
communities and start planning. In the coming weeks our Chiefs will be sitting
down to design the process for community sessions.
Chief Roger William with
Youth Peyal Laceese, sing a
drum song to begin a
meeting with the Minister of
Aboriginal Relations and
Reconciliation, John Rustad.
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Page 4
A Message from Tribal Chairman, Chief Joe Alphonse,
regarding the Nenqay Deni Accord
On February 11, 2016, as a continuation from the declaration of Title,
our communities, with the Nation, signed an accord with the Province
of B.C. This 5 year accord will bring us the resources we need to engage our people and our communities, to implement a unified Nation
vision, and to truly improve the lives of the Tsilhqot’in people and advance our title and jurisdiction on the ground.
Over the next 5 years we will be looking at everything from education
to justice to land and resources within our territory and communities.
Negotiation tables will be set up to address the issues that matter the
most to us as a people, as communities, as a Nation.
We take this time to thank our members in supporting us as leaders
through this process. It has taken our people 152 years to get to this
point. Today is a first step towards establishing a more self-sufficient
nation – as opposed to one dependent on Government funding.
Over the next few years we will be developing an approach to ratification of agreements that come out of the negotiation process. We will
be working closely with the communities to engage our knowledge
keepers, our youth and those that have a desire to be involved. Title to
our land was recognized – we won that fight, but the larger fight – the
fight for peace – that’s the work ahead of us.
Together, as Tsilhqot’in people, we hold Aboriginal title to our entire
Tsilhqot’in homeland, unsurrendered and unextinguished. This will
never change.
Chief Joe Alphonse meets with the BC
Cattlemen’s Association on February
19th, to discuss predator management
within the Tsilhqot’in Territory.
Chief Russell Myers Ross,
Chief Joe Alphonse,
Chief Roger William,
Chief Bernie Mack and
Councillor Percy
Guichon hold up the
declaration of Tsilhqot’in
Title while meeting with
Woodward and Company
on February 12, 2016.
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Page 5
Tsilhqot’in/B.C Joint Statement
on the Nenqay Deni Accord
For countless generations before the arrival of settlers, the ?Esggidam,
ancestors of the Tsilhqot’in, thrived in the Chilcotin as a powerful nation,
guided by the wisdom of their legends and the laws.
The ?Esggidam were healthy and strong – as individuals, families, communities
and a Nation. They had a rich culture and deep spiritual connection with the
lands and resources that sustained their people.
With the arrival of Europeans came a dark chapter. Tsilhqot’in history speaks
of the intentional spread of smallpox eradicating entire families and villages.
The Nation successfully waged war against the colonial government in 1864,
and when Tsilhqot’in war Chiefs entered the camp of the colonial militia under
a flag of truce to negotiate peace, they were betrayed, wrongly arrested and
tried for murder. Six Chiefs were hanged.
In the decades that followed, the Tsilhqot’in faced an onslaught: the taking of
their lands, the devastating impacts of the residential school system, the
imposition of the Indian Act, and mass apprehension of their children.
On October 23, 2014, Premier Christy Clark apologized for the wrongful
hanging of the six Tsilhqot’in war chiefs and confirmed the full exoneration of
the chiefs to the extent of the Province’s ability.
This redress marked a first step toward reconciliation with the Tsilhqot’in
Nation and reinforced the importance of working together to build a better
future and address the continuing challenges associated with colonization and
Indian residential schools.
Despite historical wrongs and continuing challenges, the Tsilhqot’in people
remain strong and resilient. Their culture and connection to their lands is
powerful, alive, and grows stronger each day.
A tremendous opportunity stands before all of us, if we can overcome conflict
and truly recognize and celebrate our different cultures, laws and governance,
and our responsibilities to our lands and our
future generations. (Continued on Page 6)
February 11, 2016: Left to Right: Russell
Myers Ross, MARR Minister Rustad,
Chief Ervin Charleyboy, Premier Clark,
Chief Joe Alphonse, Chief Roger William,
Councillor Loretta Williams, Chief Bernie
Mack, Chief Francis Laceese at the
signing of the Nenqay Deni Accord.
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Page 6
Tsilhqot’in/B.C Joint Statement on the Nenqay Deni Accord
Continued
(Continued from Page 5)
On June 26, 2014, the Supreme Court of Canada declared Aboriginal title in the
caretaker area of the Xeni Gwet’in, one of six Tsilhqot’in communities. The
court decision was the first of its kind and the implications for the Tsilhqot’in
and all British Columbians are immense.
Since the ruling, the provincial government and the Tsilhqot’in have focused on
developing a solid government-to-government relationship aimed at achieving
economic sustainability and improving the social well-being of the Tsilhqot’in
communities. Reducing conflict on the land and closing the socio-economic gap
between the Tsilhqot’in people and non-Aboriginal British Columbians is of
paramount importance.
The Tsilhqot’in vision is to fully restore their Nation to the power of the ?
Esggidam. They enter reconciliation negotiations as one step on that path.
Together the Tsilhqot’in and the Government of British Columbia call upon all
British Columbians to support us working as true partners to see the Tsilhqot’in
people restored to their rightful place, sharing fully in the wealth and benefits of
this beautiful Province.
Working in partnership, the Province and the Tsilhqot’in have created a
reconciliation framework agreement to define the next phase of negotiations
which will address the interests of both parties in Tsilhqot’in territory and help
bring the court decision to life. The agreement defines a role for Canada in the
reconciliation process and commits both parties to engaging the federal
government in this important work.
This reconciliation framework agreement outlines the next steps including
immediately addressing priority areas such as governance, economic
development, justice, health, education, social issues, and land and resource
management. Reconciliation is challenging and important; it requires discussion,
consensus-building and negotiation, but it is the only option that brings the real
possibility of transformation, healing and growth.
A tremendous opportunity stands before all of us, if we can overcome conflict
and truly recognize and celebrate our different cultures, laws and governance,
and our responsibilities to our lands and our future generations.
It is our sincere hope that this Agreement offers an opportunity for healing and
for building a better Province, for the Tsilhqot’in people and all British
Columbians.
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Page 7
Executive Assistant Extraordinaire
A New Year and looking forward to Spring! But, before that, my son Rheydon
turns 10 years old. This is a huge milestone.
I’m approaching a year and a half as the Executive Assistant but have been within
the organization for 8 years (as Assistant in the Stewardship Department and
Punky Lake Wilderness Camp Society).
As Executive Assistant I take meeting minutes in most of the meetings that
involve the Chiefs and I arrange their corporate travel.
January & February 2016 meetings I’ve joined:
January 11 Community To Community Forum with Cariboo Regional District
(CRD)
January 14 Chiefs’ Title Strategic Session (every 2 weeks)
January 18 Crime Reduction (with Punky Lake & Soda Creek)
January 18 Leadership Table (with British Columbia Provincial Ministers &
Chiefs)
January 21 Chiefs’ monthly meeting at Tl’etinqox
January 26 Luncheon for Percy Guichon by TNG staff
February 5 Legal Meeting
Sharmon Alphonse
Executive Assistant
admin@tsilhqotin.ca
With a break in meetings for me I’ve had a chance to sort, organize and file.
Meetings the Chiefs/Lead Negotiator attended:
January 11 Legal meeting, Vancouver
January 12 Tŝilhqot’in Nation Support Team meeting, Vancouver
January 13 BC & TNG Working Group meeting, Vancouver
January 28 Chiefs’ Title Strategy Session, Vancouver
January 28 Ministers meet with Chiefs, Vancouver
January 29 Xeni Title Transition Team (TTT) meeting
February 11 Nenqay Deni Accord signed with the Premier, Vancouver
February 12 Legal meetings, Vancouver
February 15 Xeni Title Transition Team (TTT) meeting, TNG
February 15 & 16 Think Tank, Kamloops
February 25 Joint FN Energy & Mining Council and TNG Land Use Planning Workshop, Tl’esqox
February 24 Chiefs’ monthly meeting, Tsi Deldel
February 25 Meet with Grand Chief Ed John re: Children & Families, TNG
February 26 Explanation of Title and negotiations for Tsilhqot’in members, Quesnel
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Leadership Table meeting January 18, 2016 (Photo courtesy of Chief Roger William)
Before the meeting in the photo above started, I was impressed when a leader, Honourable John Rustad,
Minister of Aboriginal Relations & Reconciliation, went out of his way to greet me (a staff) and shook
my hand when I was setting up my laptop while everyone was mingling. As a Minute Taker you notice
these little things.
Happy Spring!
Sharmon Alphonse
Executive Assistant
admin@tsilhqotin.ca
Former Chief Percy at his appreciation luncheon.
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Page 9
A Message from Finance
Wow, the New Year is flying by!
In January we partnered with Punky Lake and hosted a Human Resources workshop. It
was for two days and was well attended. Our feedback has been positive and I have had
requests to do another one. January is a month when a lot of reporting and proposals are
due and that took up a lot of everyone’s time.
February has been exciting with the Nation and the Province signing the Nenqay Deni
Accord. It will be a lot of work, but I am looking forward to it.
The Finance Group met February 3rd. We had a good turnout and exchanged valuable
information. It is always great to talk to people who are good at their jobs and willing to
help each other. It is a day I always look forward to.
I am preparing for our yearly audit. Our auditor will be here on May 26th and 27th. I am
sure we will have everything in good order.
Betty Derksen: Finance
Officer—Office Manager
finance@tsilhqotin.ca
I am especially happy this week. Our whole family is meeting at Sun Peaks for a weekend
of winter fun. Our youngest grandson just turned two and will have fun in the snow.
Living at the coast, they lack a good winter. I think I will teach them about snowball fights
or maybe even build a snow fort. Life is great!
I look forward to seeing you either here or in your community.
Financial Administrative Assistant
It is nice to be back to work, as I was away for six weeks in November and December
on medical leave.
Currently I am doing my regular bookkeeping and administrative duties.
On February 3rd, we had finance group meeting. At the finance group meetings we
discuss the following topics: SAGE ACCPAC, GST recovery options, financial
statement reports, payroll, and also received an update about the Annual Elder’s
Gathering. At our next meeting dated for April 6, 2016, we will discuss finance policy
implementation.
In March, I will be definitely busy as our year end is approaching.
Tracy Lulua Gilpin
Finance Assistant
tracylgilpin@tsilhqotin.ca
On January 19 and 20, 2016, I had the opportunity to attend a Human Resource workshop titled “Building your toolkit:
Essential Strategies for Workplace success.” The workshop was very informative and I learned a lot about what managers
face on a regular basis. From an employee perspective I learned a lot about myself and I have gained tools to help me
deal with everyday challenges. For example, I enjoyed the exercise about self-awareness and self-management: triggers.
With self-awareness we had to list our personal and workplace values, our weaknesses and strengths. A few of my
personal values are education, perseverance and support. Workplace values are support, growth, and team work.
Moreover, topics that were covered throughout the two days were the following: Current Landscape of the Workplace,
Understanding Lateral Violence, Leadership Discussion, and Leading with emotional intelligence.
For many parents, hockey season is winding down but my daughter is still active with the Williams Lake Blue Fins club,
she enjoys being part of the swim team. Before we know it, it will be soccer season! I am also looking forward to the
Elder’s Gathering. It is going to be an honour to be in the presence of Elder’s from all over BC.
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Page 10
Communications: Media, Meetings and Moments
Abenanas Everyone. Since our last Christmas newsletter, a lot has happened
here at TNG. As usual, I continue with my role as communication coordinator.
This includes writing press releases and coordinating interviews between media
and the Chiefs.
My other role as a member of the Support Team to the Chiefs, includes working
closely with the Chiefs and the other team members on topics surrounding
Aboriginal title and engagement with governments, stakeholders, and our own
communities. After one year and nine months of working with the Province of
BC, the Chiefs signed an Accord with BC. More information about the Accord
can be found on pages 4-6 of this newsletter.
A lot of work went into getting the Nation to this place. Looking through my
files, I counted about 50 direct meetings with community members in the last
year and nine months. Meetings were held for community members to learn
about where the Chiefs were within negotiations with BC and for the Chiefs to
gather valuable input from all the knowledge keepers, youth and others in the
territory.
Myanna Desaulniers:
Communication Coordinator
M.A Communication
myanna@tsilhqotin.ca
Part of my work also involves arranging speaking engagements for the Chiefs.
2014 and 2015 were very busy years for this, but so far 2016 has been
manageable.
On a personal note, I packed away my cross country skiis already as it seems
Spring is already here. I had a lot of fun skiing in the Alexis Creek ski trails near
Anaham Meadow this Winter. I was able to find cougar, deer moose, wolf and
bunny rabbit tracks on the trails. I never did see the animals, but my dog
probably scared them off before I got near.
Robert Corman and I
answering calls between one of
our many meetings—about 50
of which have been directly
with communities.
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Page 11
Reception!
Da Who Ja – Hello in our Language (Carrier)
Well last time I wrote in the news was when we had snow. This running season
there were a few of us that ran in the winter—thanks to the Snow grips that
you can use under your runners.
Norma Sulin
Reception@tsilhqotin.ca
Things have been pretty exciting at the office, which makes time goes by so
fast. February was a busy month at the TNG office with Boundary, Fisheries
Forum and Community meetings on Mining. We continue to assist all staff and
members at the TNG office.
I would like to thank my co-workers, community members and clients that
keep my jobs enjoyable.
Exciting new for me is that I finally gave in and got a car! I am still going to
invest in a kayak and a paddle board.
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Page 12
Employment Assistant Services
Daana Gilpin
Employment@tsilhqotin.ca
Employment Assistant Services Community Visit
Schedule
March 2016
Tuesday March 8th – Yunesit’in (Stone)
Wednesday March 9th – Tsi Del Del (Redstone)
Tuesday March 15th – Tl’etinqox (Anaham)
Wednesday March 16th – Xeni (Nemiah)
Tuesday March 29th – Tl’esqox (Toosey)
Wednesday March 30th - ?Esdilagh (Alexandria)
Thank you,
Daana Gilpin
Employment Coordinator & Indian Registry Administrator
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Page 13
Health Department: New Staff!!
Happy New Year. Spring is around the corner and our year end is fast approaching.
There is lots going on in Health and we have a busy few months ahead of us.
Connie Jasper: Health Hub
Coordinator
health@tsilhqotin.ca
We have two new positions that will be working in communities. We have a
registered Dietician, Megan Boschman. She will be starting on February 25, 2016. She
come to us from Saskatchewan and will be working for us full time. Megan will be
around in communities and will be working with everyone who needs assistance. The
other new position, but not a new person, is the Social Worker position. This
position has been filled by Tanya Moores who has been in the role of Mental Health
Navigator for the past year and a half. Tanya will be supporting people who are both
in the hospital and in a community who might need extra support and advocacy for
their care.
We have other staff that we have not introduced and I would like to take this
opportunity to thank them for working with us. Susun Gunst is a dental Hygienist
and she has been working with the Nation Dentist, Christine, in Tl’etinqox one day
per month. Lori Walters is a Dental Assistant and she has been doing Dental
Education in Communities. Also on board is Hanna Kamea. Hanna is a Mental
Wellness Clinician and has been provided some group work. As our team continues
to grow we are excited to have great professionals providing service. I will try to get
pictures of all the new people up on the website soon (www.tsilhqotin.ca).
On April 5th 6th and 7th there is a Traditional Wellness Symposium and Diabetes Conference being held
at the Curling Rink and Long House. Registration must be done in advance. Please see the poster on at
the back of the newsletter and check out the Registration form online.
We have had two UBC students, Gillian and Paula working on our Nation Health Plan. They have
been travelling back and forth between Vancouver and the Nation and we have held a number of focus
groups. We will have a draft plan in place by the end of March. It is a pleasure to have them share
their knowledge with us.
We hired Waylon Lulua to build us a bench to be
placed at the Deni House. It was a joint partnership
between TNG and Interior Health. Waylon did an
awesome job. Thanks to Jimmy Lulua for doing all
the leg work and getting the project off the ground.
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Traditional Wellness Coordinator
Hello, I hope everyone is doing well, rested and ready for the New Year. Well,
I’m well rested and ready for the New Year. The two week break for the
holidays was perfect. Myself and family did some skiing, ice fishing, and family
visiting in Xeni Gwet’in and Anahim Lake.
Jimmy Lulua
Traditional Wellness Coordinator
jlulua@tsilhqotin.ca
For the month of January, we started slow, with planning for upcoming
events. Spring time events upcoming are the Traditional Wellness/Diabetes
Symposium which consists of traditional healers, western healers, like Buckles,
and our traditional healers like Catherine Haller. The event will be April 5, 6, 7
2016 and will take place at the curling rink and long house. There is still a call
out for facilitators to host wellness and healing workshops, contact TNG
Tanya Mores (250)392-3918 for more details. The poster is at the back of the
newsletter.
Through my work, I continue interviewing elders and knowledge keepers to gain knowledge on best
practices for traditional wellness to be put forward for the new health plan. The traditional wellness
advisory committee met in Tl’etinqox on January 11, 2016, the team strategizes and guides me to rank
practices in traditional wellness that are do-able and next steps. I also went to Xeni Gwet’in with our
new employee on the health team, Annette Frank, who will be assisting people who haven’t gone
through their Residential School Process, working with the lawyers and TNG. She is here until March
31, 2016. Annette and I updated the Xeni Gwet’in Elders and looked for feedback and guidance to what
they thought was a good idea.
February 2016
I started the month of February interviewing in Yunesit’in. There is a lot of knowledge in Yunesit’in,
and resources to work with. February 5th, we meet with Katrina Elliot, from 4 Corners Consulting. She
is going to help us create policy starting in March. We will be having a two day strategy session at
Tl’esqox school March 3-4 2016 with our advisory committee and Katrina.
Wagon ride for the Elders Gathering King and Queen at Xeni
Gwet’in February 8, 2016
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Indian Residential School (IRS)
Independent Assessment Process (IAP)
Hi, my name is Annette Frank. I am from Tl’etinqox (Anaham)
Community. I just recently started my new position with TNG office.
I work as a support to those still waiting for court dates with the IRS -IAP
procedure. I am able to assist you with communicating with your lawyer
(s) and/or the IRS office in regards to completing the IAP record(s).
Annette Frank,
IRS-IAP Coordinator
Annette@tsilhqotin.ca
My job position is for three months— January to March, 2016.
Annette Frank IRS-IAP Coordinator
Phone: 250 392 3918
Fax: 250 398 5798
Email: Annette@tsilhqotin.ca
Jim and Dinah Lulua, Elders Gathering King and
Queen, Xeni Gwet’in February 7, 2016
King and Queen with the Elders
Gathering Chair and Co-Chair.
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Page 16
Traditional Use Study Project
Shane Doddridge, B.A.
TUS-GIS
Shane@tsilhqotin.ca
The Traditional Use Study, funded by BC Capacity Initiative, is coming to a close
at the end of March. We’re scrambling right now to collect as much information as
possible before the end of the fiscal year. We have collected a lot of valuable landuse information from Elders and knowledge keepers from across the Chilcotin
communities, but as always, there is so much more information out there. A major
challenge we have encountered has been reaching all of the key knowledge keepers
in the amount of time provided to us by the constraints of our funding. Building
relationships and earning respect and worthiness takes time. We would like to
thank all of the participants to date for coming forward and sharing with us the
valuable knowledge that will help the Tsilhqot’in Nation to gain a more holistic
picture of the rich resource base on Tsilhqot’in lands. And to all others who wish
to still be involved, or if you have family that would like to be recorded, please call
Maryann Solomon as soon as possible, at 250-392-3918.
Traditional Use Study Interviewer
Hi all! Hunilht’ih?!? Happy Spring!
Maryann Solomon
masolomon@tsilhqotin.ca
It has been quite the experience so far working here at TNG as the TUS
Interviewer. I’ve acquired some new knowledge & techniques via computer;
filing, photocopy, scanning documents, timesheets, touch & go etc.
Sechanalyagh to TUS Mapper Shane Doddridge, Referral Worker Lennon
Solomon and Sherry Stump, the Language & Education Coordinator. I really
had to boogie and jump out of my comfort zone once I came on board here.
This was a great challenge as 6 months ago I would have never taken that
step. Anyway overtime I realized how important my job was to the 6
Tsilhqot’in communities & our future generations. And that is to help protect
& preserve the land, water, fish, wildlife, historic sites, trees and so forth
through interviewing Tsilhqot’in members. During the interviews it is only
myself who does the interviewing and Shane who does the GIS base mapping
on computer. On the map you can point out where there’s burial/cremation
sites, medicine/berry sites, hunting/fishing areas etc. The questions can be
repetitive but it’s the only way to make it legal & to protect areas that you are
concerned about. Everything you share is confidential and it is never sold and
it never affects your job, EI or pension. But the good part is that your
children/grandchildren will be able to listen to your voice, your stories &
songs down the road.
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Traditional Use Study Interviews...Continued
I also do the interview in English or in Tsilhqot’in, whichever you are more
comfortable with. I have to admit though, this interview system has been quite
the challenge for me at multitasking! Also a challenge for the Interviewee with
the repetitive questions but a great relief once it’s completed. We do pay out
honorarium for TUS Interviews. Interviews can be done in your home
community or here at TNG. Interviews can also be done during the day or
evening.
You are more than welcome to come in anytime to ask questions about the TUS
Interview process. I found it was essential to invite the person in a day in advance
just to explain the interview process so they know what to expect etc. You are
also allowed to invite a family member to sit in with you. I’m only here until the
end of March 2016; call me anytime here at TNG Mon to Friday 8:30 to 4:30.
We would like more interviews with Tl’esqox and ?Esdilagh members, or anyone
who has knowledge of those areas.
Other than that I’m also on the BC Elders Gathering Committee Meeting so I
get to visit other communities. Sometimes we’re invited to community meetings
to explain the TUS & for the people to get to know us. To date I’ve been to
Tl’esqox, Yunesit’in, Xeni, Tl’etinqox and ?Esdilagh. It’s been very interesting
visiting these communities, meeting and making new friends and learning about
my relations out there. During my free time I’m filing TUS documents on the
computer or finding other things to do. One of my favorites was translating in
Tsilhqot’in with Bella Alphonse & Aaron Plahn. It made me realize how
important our language is and the importance of the generation today making it a
priority to learn!
Xeni Gwet’in Elders on wagon ride. February 8, 2016
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Page 18
Stories on Tape
Things are really moving along in the file room. The collection of songs
“Tsilhqot’in Jejen” was well received by community members. We are
continuing to work with interviews and stories from the Royal BC Museum
collection, and hope to release more in the near future. We have obtained
permission to include audio clips from this collection on the TNG webpage.
We are working to expand the language and culture section of the webpage
to include audio clips at well.
Aaron Plahn, BSc, MSc
Digitization Technician
APlahn@tsilhqotin.ca
In the last few months, I have completed noise removal on over 500 fortyfive minute audio files from the Traditional Use Study (TUS) collection.
Bella is making great progress with transcribing and translating these TUS
tapes as well as those from the museum. Bella makes the difficult art of
translating between two vastly different languages and world views look far
easier than it is.
We have been working with the Chiefs on a process to work with
interviewees and their families to obtain permission to use clips from the
TUS interviews for the purpose of education. It is really important that, with
the blessing of the participants, these valuable teachings about the culture
and language are able to be shared with the younger generation.
Congrats to Aaron on
the baby boy!!
I am really excited about the possibilities in the coming year. I personally
would like to use my background in computer programming to help work
with elders, speakers, and the audio collections and create language learning
and reference apps. Many people have identified language apps as a way to
encourage young learners to hear the language more; members of the
youngest generation are drawn to tablets, phones, computers, and TVs.
I also feel that while the audio collections are great, more work should be
done with the elders and speakers who are still with us to help teach and
preserve the language. I am happy to share my background in technology,
science, and education in any way I can to help with this important work.
Maryann and Bella in the ‘office’
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Transcribing the Tapes
Hello!
Was everyone happy with the groundhog’s (dediny) prediction? I don’t mind.
Valentine’s Day came and went and I do believe it’s the best day of the year.
And now, we have to wait for the Easter Bunny (gex) to come hopping along.
An update on transcribing and translation work that I do:
I enjoy doing transcription work in Tsilhqut’in, more so than translation. I
transcribe the interviews as I hear it. The stories get so interesting at times, and
I could sit for hours doing that. Once in a while, I have to get up and “shake a
leg”.
Bella Alphonse
Translater/Transcriber
balphonse@tsilhqotin.ca
As for translating interviews into English, sometimes it can be a challenge. This
is where I rely on Aaron to help find a suitable words in English. To find the
right word, I use the Thesaurus dictionary the most. Regarding place names, I
am familiar with them; therefore, I can breeze through them. It amazes me how
Tsilhqut’in place names are still being used today.
When I need a break from transcribing and translating, I add words to the word
list I am working on. The word list is growing. I still have the word list I
recorded from the Xeni Court Case and I am pulling words from there. There
are many interesting words and some I consider Tsilhqut’in “high words”.
Aaron and I will be categorizing the word list, and hopefully have it on the
TNG website soon. Some of the categories are: directions, trees, berries,
kinship, animals, big game, small game, flying birds, rodents etc...
Sometime soon, I have to visit a few Elders, so I can go over a list of words I’m
uncertain about. I rely on them when I come across words I’m not familiar
with. When I hear of a new word, I write it down. In this way, I expand my
word vocabulary in Tsilhqut’in.
Aaron and I also work on curriculum development. We are working on berries,
and when we’re done, we hope to post it on the TNG website. It will be done
in Tsilhqut’in and also in English. Most recently, we recorded “greetings” in
Tsilhqut’in.
In March, I will be co-instructing UNBC courses with Dora Grinder on Fridays
and Saturdays. Dora and I will be doing 5 courses, for the Tsilhqut’in Language
Program.
In our area, they said woodticks (/el-ya) are already out, so beware! Until the
next newsletter, “Gwetaghunt’i” (Farewell)!
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Language and Education
Sherry Stump, Language & Education Coordinator
First Nations Language Certificate Tsilhqot’in Level 1:
Sherry Stump: Education
& Language Coordinator
sherrystump@tsilhqotin.ca
Start Date: The Tsilhqot’in Level 1 Certificate starts March 4, 2016
The course will run on Friday & Saturdays 9:00 am –
4:00 pm
Location: Riske Creek School
The University of Northern British Columbia in partnership with the
Tsilhqot’in National Government will be delivering this University
program. Interested participants are required to enroll in all of the 11
courses.
Program Highlights:

One year program on Friday & Saturdays;

Local Instructors;

Academic Coach available to help the students.
What can you do with the Certificate?

Tsilhqot’in Language & Culture Educator;

Cultural Support Worker;

First Nations Liaison Officer;

Tsilhqot’in Culture Researcher;

Continue your studies in another certificate or a Bachelor’s
degree.
Due to the funders of the program, the tuition has been waived for
unemployed people that are not on Employment Insurance (EI).
There is limited space for enrollment (25) students; however, 20 must
be on Social Assistance and there is space for five others.
MONTHS
MEANING
TSILHQOT’IN WORD
January
February
The month of the Golden Eagle
The month the bears have their cubs
Tisel Ɂlza
Benen Ses ɁEthtsish
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Page 22
It’s a girl!! Congrats Randy & Family!
Randy Billyboy: Fisheries
Guardian
rbillyboy@tsilhqotin.ca
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Page 23
Stewardship Manager: Meetings and Planning
With the holiday season over and a refreshing couple of weeks away from work
to spend time with my family it seems we have picked up right where we left off
before the Christmas break.
A lot of my time over the past couple of months has been working with the
Working Group assisting on the development of the LOI addendum. My
portion of the addendum had to do with the immediate measures for moose
recovery. Below is a summary of the work that was done.
Luke Doxtator: Stewardship Department Manager
luke@tsilhqotin.ca
Continue our involvement with moose surveys. The province had planned on
doing Stratified Random Block Surveys (SRB’s) in 5-13 which is in Tl’etinqox
area this winter. The surveys are done for population estimates. Unfortunately,
the weather did not cooperate and the surveys have been deferred, it is not
known if they can still be done this year unless the weather drops significantly
and we get fresh snow.
We are working on 2 accommodation agreements for more funding. $170,000 may be provided if we
can agree upon a work-plan for the development of a Tsilhqot’in Sustenance Hunting Policy. This
policy will be community driven incorporating Tsilhqot’in law(s). The other project is for $200,000
for us to do landscape level planning throughout the Tsilhqot’in territory. Your Stewardship Council
member has been briefed on this, and we will begin community meetings on this very soon, if not
already.
Reviewing and amending the South Chilcotin Stewardship Plan is within the LOI Addendum. The
province is looking to establishing legal orders to address core elements of the plan such as the
connectivity corridors.
One of the biggest commitments we have been able to negotiate is to close the bull hunting season to
Limited Entry Hunt (LEH) hunters for the September 10th-September 30th in certain Management
Units (MU’s). These include 5-03, 5-04 a, b, c, 5-05, 5-12A, 5-13A, 5-14. The rationale for this
closure is to provide Tsilhqot’in hunters with more of an opportunity to harvest bull moose when they
are at their most vulnerable state, during the rut.
Through the Fish & Wildlife Panel, we will be able to make joint recommendations to the Statutory
decision maker (SDM) and have a rationale provided to us on their decisions.
This is a snapshot of some of the changes that have come out of the Nenqay Deni Accord, for further
details of this, please call me or Myanna and we can fill you in more on the details.
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Page 24
Stewardship Manager...continued
TSC/JRC We had our January TSC meeting at TNG. We had updates from Dolly on
Economic Development, Mining update from JP, and I provided an update on the
moose work that was being done. February meeting was held in Tl’esqox. We had
mining, South Chilcotin, LOI addendum, and Landscape level planning updates. We
were fed very well and it was great to be back in Toosey for a meeting.
South Chilcotin We had a couple of meetings with the licensees to go over what they
are willing to change, or update in the chapter 12 commitment document of the South
Chilcotin Plan. There had been numerous field audits done, and this was an
opportunity for the licensees to see the findings of the audits and take the
recommendations and findings for better habitat management. We will be meeting
again in March and invites will be sent out once again to the TSC members so they can
bring an update back to the communities.
Well that wraps up my updates for now, please see the rest of the Stewardship
Department Staff’s updates for more information.
Tsilhqot’in Stewardship Council (TSC) meeting February 11, 2016 in Tl’esqox.
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Page 25
Stewardship Executive Assistant
Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring!
Jodie Jim
Executive Assistant
Stewardship Dept.
Jodie@tsilhqotin.ca
In September, I was hired as the Stewardship Senior
Administrative Assistant. My first few months have been
busy with the Stewardship Department. As part of my
administrative duties I record meeting minutes, which means
traveling to communities. The communities that I have
attended meetings at have been welcoming and it is nice to
connect with members.
Meetings I’ve attended:






January Stewardship Council and Joint Resource Council meeting at TNG
Yunesit’in Community Meeting
Economic Development
Wildlife Panel
February Stewardship Council and Joint Resources meeting hosted by Tl’esqox
?Esdilagh Community Meeting
Land Use Planning Workshop – February 25th
Cattlemen’s Information Forum – February 26th
Upcoming Stewardship Department Meetings:






Nation Planning – March 1 &2
Economic Development – March 4th
Wildlife Panel – March 8th
March Stewardship Council Meeting in Tl’etinqox – March 10th
It will be nice to attend the community meetings as the drives are always fun and the
scenery is definitely beautiful. Enjoy the beautiful spring weather!
Joint Resource Council— Always fun and informative
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Page 26
Stewardship:
TNG Mapping
Happy 2016 one and all! Not sure if that is poor form to say Happy New Year so
far into February, with holidays so long gone, but there it is, this is the first
newsletter of the New Year and it was worth saying.
Mary Thurow and Sarah Gash
GIS Analysts
mary@tsilhqotin.ca
sarah@tsilhqotin.ca
Mary and Sarah have kept the mapping software chugging along, cranking out
maps to support all of the usual Stewardship initiatives including Referral review,
road access management, mining tenure locations, and so on. We have also been
hard at work managing and improving the data we use daily in our maps downloading more current datasets, updating symbology, and filing structures.
One of the students in his “Shelter with a view” from the Columneetza Outdoor Education Class &
Greenologist’s club field trip to Tatla Lake. Students were tasked with making a shelter somewhere on the
esker. This one may not have provided the most protection but it definitely had the best view!
Mary has managed most of the Tsilhqot'in Title negotiations mapping support, providing summaries,
data improvements and communication with those requiring data access.
Sarah has been largely busy with a fee for service contract to provide database and mapping support for
Yunesit'in and Tl'esqox forestry workers conducting Fir bark beetle probing for BCTS. Fieldworkers
have been periodically downloading GPS data for attacked trees. Sarah has been amalgamating,
attributing, and mapping this information for these two contracts.
Portal Administration also manages to dominate our time and we have been spending some time
reporting out statuses, training and troubleshooting staff and users, and discussing issues with the
developer. In January a letter was drafted and mailed out to all users to remind everyone that the Portal
is only as good as the data we put into it. It is important for the integrity of the system that all relevant
referral information be submitted with their referrals/engagements/responses so the communication is
as complete as possible.
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Page 27
Stewardship:
Other happenings
Sarah and Mary continue to provide support and guidance for the 2015-2016 BCCI
Project involving TUS interviews, digitization and transcription of existing
recordings, and associated works. As March 31 approaches, we are looking at work
still required to meet the deliverables and report out success.
Regarding Emergency Preparedness, we have been experiencing an unusually warm
February and much of the snow is melting, however, spring has not sprung...yet.
Nevertheless this taste of spring may be a good time to think about some of the
hazards spring brings. Spring can sometimes bring flooding from melting snow
and ice. Think about monitoring drainage around your homes, be aware of rising
creeks and rivers, and be careful of lake ice breaking up. Don't get caught out on
the lakes in your ice fishing huts as the ice comes off the lakes!
On happy personal notes, both Sarah and Mary have been able to have some
holidays in late January. Mary took a week off to travel, with her family, to Las
Vegas, where her son Ty participated in an international archery competition – the
50th annual event. The competition was tough, archers ranging in ages between 12
and 14 in his equipment category. In the end, 12 year old Ty was up for the
challenge, and ended up placing 49th out of 100 archers. Well done Ty! She also
chaperoned a high-school trip out to Tatla Lake which was a great experience.
Meanwhile, Sarah travelled to Vancouver to attend the Corb Lund concert with her
husband at the end of January. Best Christmas present ever! She will also have
some skiing with her family coming up at end of February.
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Page 28
Referrals
I had a quiet start to 2016 with staff meetings, referral meetings, South Chilcotin
Stewardship Committee, Stewardship Council and the Joint Resource Council
being the first meetings of the year.
Update on GPS Radio Collars on Moose in Big Creek Area
June 12th, 2015 – 1 collar recovered, but no moose this we believe was due to the
moose losing weight and the collar coming off.
Sally Sellars, RPF:
Natural Resource Worker
sally@tsilhqotin.ca
Dec 4th, 2015 – 1 cow moose and 1 calf recovered killed by what seemed to be a
large wolf pack. Not much of the remains were left.
January 20th, 2016 – We had received two notices that 2 collars had stopped
moving , but this was kind of odd because we were ready to do the recovery and
thank goodness the collar beakers started to move again, so they must have been
bedding down.
February 16th, 2016 – One cow moose down and killed by a cougar, the cougar
had buried most of the carcass.
There were currently 40 moose collared in the Big Creek area, there were 10
failed collars and, as far as I know, there were 3 kills.
Sally and crew
Data collection at kill site
Birds Eye View
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Gene Cooper, Forestry Liaison
?Esdilagh First Nation—access management
I met with Amanda Fouty of Quesnel Forest District, just after she came
back to work, to provide her with an update on referrals. From the
conversation, we decided to move on the Access Management concerns
that her and I were working on for ?Esdilagh because community members
still had concerns with it.
Gene Cooper: Forestry
Liaison Worker
gene@tsilhqotin.ca
I told Amanda about the meeting we had in ?Esdilagh and then again at
TNG to lay the ground work out on addressing access concerns. Licensees
(BCTS, Tolko & West Fraser) will review their roads from their permits
and see which would be available to close off. Then they would send me a
map of the roads so I can bring it to ?Esdilagh and get community input.
Our first meeting wasn’t as successful as we wanted but have plans for
another meeting out in the community or home visits. So from this
newsletter I am hoping that ?Esdliagh members will start thinking of roads
they want closed off.
This map gives you an idea of roads in ?Esdilagh Area.
I met with Chief Bernie Mack of ?Esdilagh and discussed some licenses that Councilor William
Baptiste was talking to me about.
One license being a Woodlot other than 1917 that is on the west side, but also there is a Woodlot
near Cussion Creek on the east side. Being as there are a lot of harvesting plans under different
licenses in ?Esdilagh’s Area, a Woodlot was pretty much the only option.
In addition there is a 40, 000m3/yr license that is proposed that Councilor William Baptiste and
Councilor Daryl Johnny will continue to work on it.
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Gene…. Continued
Perry Alexander has been hired as Referral Worker for ?Esdilagh so that they have someone
that works with them on a day to day bases. Lennon Solomon and Sally Sellars are assisting
me in training him and teaching him the TNG processes. Perry will also be addressing any
concerns ?Esdilagh may have. Welcome aboard Perry!
Construction at ?Esdilagh
XENI GWET’IN/TSI DELDEL
The main referral that I am working on is Eniyud Community Forest License that was a Pilot Project to
show better practice of harvesting that benefits all other users as well. Many members came to the table
and gave information on what they want to see in the plan.
Forest Stewardship Plan for Eniyud Community Forest
Using the information we have on hand plus talking with Tsi Deldel (John Charleyboy) and
Margaret Lulua (Xeni), Block 12 had too many Traditional Use Sites plus being close enough to
Title Area for it to be a concern. I spoke with West Fraser and we came to an agreement to drop
Block 12. West Fraser’s comments still have to be submitted into the portal.
Meetings are starting between Xeni/Tsi Deldel to discuss plans in the overlap areas.
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Gene…. Continued
TL’ESQOX
Nonita Johnny does referral work for Tl’esqox so I go out every so often to train or assist
her with referrals. It’s nice to have her on board to assist me at the community level as well.
I have worked on many other referrals as well for the communities but only highlighted a
few. My door is always open if you wish for me to go over any of the referrals with you so
you can know what is going on in your area of interest.
WEEKEND FUN!
Other than work, I spent a weekend in Merritt for their Moccasin Tournament and had a great time playing
with the men! Congrats to Ralph Myers and their team in coming first in that tournament!
Butch’s Bandits in Williams Lake Hockey
#33 Butch’s Bandits in Merritt Hockey
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Welcome Perry Alexander!
Parents: late Johanna Johnny( ?esdilagh band) and
Maurice Alexander known as Nels Alexander
(Tletinqox Government Band) who resides in
Prince George BC.
Perry was raised at west side ?Esdilagh band born
into ranching, hunting life. He has worked many
jobs such as Alexis creek Ravens unit crew
wildland fire fighter crew leader, and teaching the
younger crew members to fall danger tree’s. Perry
was a Danger tree faller and crew leader for
Moberley lake Band and had many of hours of
helicopter experience. He also worked for Mount
Polley Mines corp for 7 years—two half years as a
crusher operator and training employees to run a
crusher properly, then wo half years running the
dewatering circuit, and a year and a half as a
grinding operator,
Perry is now the TNG referral worker on behalf
of ?Esdilagh Band.
Our very own
Hoopdancer
Perry is also a hoopdancer with Jacob and Samual
Gilpin.
Welcome Perry Alexander
to the TNG Stewardship Department.
Perry is the Referral Worker for ?Esdilagh.
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
River West Site
A Highest and Best Use Study is a real estate development tool used
to plan the development of land. The conclusions from such a
study describes how a given parcel of land should be developed to
ensure its best use.
In an effort to increase membership employment, a Highest and
Best Study of the River West Saw Mill site was conducted in
January. The study examined the viability of restarting the existing
mill and concluded such a business would lose money because the
existing equipment is obsolete and its products’ prices have fallen.
Robert Corman
Lands Director
lands@tsilhqotin.ca
Instead, the study recommends the site should be home to three
other small forestry businesses:
A Post and Rail Plant: The plant would supply products to ranches
in the Cariboo and northern BC communities.
A Swing Saw: The saw would take local oversized logs and mill
them for use as bridge, rail and building timbers.
A Log Sort Yard: The yard would take logs from trucks and re-sort
them to ensure the right log went to the right mill.
Together these businesses would employ about 10 members.
Business plans for these businesses are currently being prepared. It
is hoped that one or more will commence operation this summer.
As a result of the study, British Columbia has agreed to supply
funds and additional fiber to help reactivate the site, and work with
Canada to improve the local electrical grid.
Prep for the Sun Run!
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Page 34
Economic Development
C2C meeting
On January 11th we had our second Community to Community meeting with
the CRD. It was attended by 14 elected officials who discussed ways for
both governments to work together and build positive relationships for the
benefit of all residents in our area. Topics covered during the meeting
included; Title and Rights, economic development, emergency preparedness,
and Elders Gathering and participation. It was an informative day with an
action plan identified.
Dolly Kershaw, MBA
Economic Opportunities
Coordinator
dkershaw@tsilhqotin.ca
C2C Meeting at the Pioneer Complex, January 11, 2016
Nation Planning
TNG has been discussing a Comprehensive Nation Plan for awhile and just recently received resources to
start phase 1 which is a pre-planning process. Our focus is to gather various information that is already on
file at the community offices such and documents, plans or studies that have been completed. The following
eight pillars have been identified to work towards for a healthier Nation.

Tsilhqot’in Self Governance

Language and Culture

Tsilhqot’in management of Lands and Resources

Healthy Children and Families

Healthy Communities

Justice

Education

Sustainable Economic Base
On March 1st and 2nd an introductory meeting was held for an overview of the process.
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Economic Development
Development Corporation
At the January Chief’s meeting, the Chief’s struck up an adhoc committee
consisting of one individual from each community to provide input into
the setup of the Development Corporation. To date we have had one
meeting and another one is planned for March 4th. The
recommendations from these meetings will be presented at the Chiefs
meeting for ratification.
Elders Gathering Logo
CORP funding
I have submitted a Statement of Interest (SOI) to Indigenous and
Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), Community Opportunities Readiness
Program – this SOI is to access funding to host an Economic
Development Forum in the fall of this year. I hope to hear back from
INAC sometime in April.
Elders Gathering
Wow!! It is March already and that leaves us five months to prepare for welcoming First Nations
Elders from all over BC to our Territory. The Elders Gathering will take place July 11- 14th here in
Williams Lake. Monday July 11th will be the big kick off with a ‘Wild Wild West’ show being held at
the Stampede Grounds. Events will take place at TRU, the Cariboo Memorial Complex and the
Curling Rink. We will need many volunteers for this event. To sign up to be a volunteer please visit
the eldersgathering.ca website and click on the contacts/forms tab.
ABSN meeting
Aboriginal Business Service provided a two day workshop on agriculture and forestry. The focus was
on awareness and opportunities in these sectors. Some of the speakers included Councillor Percy
Guichon from Tsi DelDel, Luke Doxtator, TNG Stewardship Manager, Tolko, and the Cattlemen’s
Association.
Economic Development Meeting
On March 23rd Ministry of Jobs, tourism and Skills Training will be delivering a regional First Nations
workshop. TNG along with NSTQ and CCTC have come together to host this meeting. Topics to be
addressed will be opportunity drivers, resource control agreements, policies and laws, business
development and planning.
Economic Development Opportunities Database
Erika Driedger (Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation) and I have been working on an
database. This will be for outside agencies to let TNG know of any upcoming opportunities that may
become available in the Tsilhqot’in Territory. The database will be beneficial in planning for it allows
us to prepare to qualify for any upcoming employment or contract opportunities.
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
Captured on Camera
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798
2nd Annual Tŝilhqot’in Traditional Wellness
Symposium & Diabetes Conference
This Conference is for Tŝilhqot’in Community & Off-Reserve Members ONLY
April 5, 6 & 7, 2016
Williams Lake Curling Rink & Williams Lake Long House
Early Registration – By March 4th at 3:30pm
Will have their name entered in for 2 prizes (valued at $500 each):
Conference includes:
April 5th: Breakfast and Lunch
April 6th: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Dance on the night of April 6th – 7-10pm
April 7th: Breakfast and Lunch
All days will include snack breaks
Accommodation Information
When booking identify yourself with the
Diabetes Conference (All prices include tax)
Best Western (778-412-9000): $129.26
Ramada (250-392-3321): $115.26
Coast Fraser Inn (250-398-7055): $101.70
(Room rate available if booked prior to March 22ndth)
For any more information, you can contact Linda Haig-Brown at 250-305-4365 or Tanya Mores at 250-392-3918
253 Fourth Avenue North, Williams Lake, British Columbia, V2G 4T4, Phone: (250) 392-3918 FAX (250) 398-5798