Tahltan Nation accepts Co-Management Agreement with Red Chris mine

from

Tahltan Central Council

- April 19/15 -

Tahltan territory, BC – Members of the Tahltan Nation have voted to accept a ground-breaking Co-Management Agreement with the new Red Chris mine in Tahltan territory, which opened in February.

The Agreement was supported by 86.9% of voters, with 12.9% voting no. 0.2% of the votes were rejected.

The unique agreement ensures Tahltan oversight and control of environmental issues surrounding the mine. It also guarantees Tahltan training and careers and a revenue-sharing agreement to help build a strong and independent Tahltan future.

Commenting on the news, Tahltan Central Council President Chad Day said: “This is a big step for our people, for all First Nations and for all British Columbians. Tahltan people have been living on our land for more than 10,000 years, so it makes sense for us to be involved in making sure our lands, waters and wildlife are protected for everyone without affecting our Title and Rights.

“The Agreement also brings local jobs, careers and training for our people and their families. That’s good for our Nation and it’s good for the mine. By sharing tax revenue from the mine, we can build our programs and services for a stronger Tahltan future and to better operate as a government in our territory.”

He added: “I would like to thank mine owner Imperial Metals for working with us in developing the Agreement, as well as everyone else who has made is possible.”

Now that the Tahltan Nation has ratified the Co-Management Agreement, work begins on making sure commitments are followed through in an efficient and transparent way. This will be a subject at upcoming discussions, including at the Tahltan Annual General Assembly from July 2-5.

SOURCE: http://www.tahltan.org/news/tahltan-nation-accepts-historic-co-management-agreement-red-chris-mine#sthash.mImwT8Wt.dpuf

Odyssey to the Sacred Headwaters

In a rugged knot of mountains in northern British Columbia lies a spectacular valley known to the First Nations as the Sacred Headwaters. There, three of Canada's most important salmon rivers—the Stikine, the Skeena, and the Nass—are born in close proximity.

Now, against the wishes of First Nations, the British Columbia government has opened the Sacred Headwaters to industrial development. Imperial Metals is building an open-pit copper and gold mine called the Red Chris mine. This is all taking place while the Mount Polley mine disaster in August 2014, a mine also owned by Imperial Metals, is at the forefront of public debate.

Professor Wade Davis describes the beauty of the Sacred Headwaters, the threats to it, and the response of native groups and concerned citizens as part of UBC Reads Sustainability.

Davis’ message: no amount of gold, copper or methane gas can compensate for the sacrifice of a place that could be the Sacred Headwaters of all Canadians, and indeed, of all peoples of the world. Part book club, part lecture, Davis’ presentation goes beyond the visually stunning text, The Sacred Headwaters (2011), a collection of images by an array of photographers portraying the splendor of the region.

LEARN MORE: HERE

2005 Moratorium Declaration

.

Tahltan Moratorium Heats Up The Northwest

These words, in a statement issued by the Elders of the Tahltan Nation last week, have sparked controversy in BC's northwest, where big energy companies like Shell thought they were going to get a virtually free ride, thanks to agreements they were negotiating privately with some members of the Tahltan who lacked the authority to speak for the Nation's traditional territory.

The story is another example of the BC government being only too willing to avoid its consultation responsibilities, handing them off to companies that claim they have agreements with the First Nations. As the recent Haida case makes clear, the government has a much greater responsibility than that. Its failure to properly consult and accommodate the Tahltan people has forced the Elders to take this unusual step.

As recent media coverage such as today's Tyee story indicates, the Tahltan Elders are becoming active. They have occupied the Telegraph Creek band office, making the point that the chief elected under the Indian Act, whose authority only extends to the boundary of the Indian Reserve, is not acting on behalf of the people. And they've declared a moratorium on development until proper consultation and accommodation can begin. Their statement puts all the companies pushing major development proects in the region on notice that they don't have the legal right to start operations.

Read More Here: Dogwood Initiative 

.

Tahltan Elders Declare a Moratorium on Resource Development

.
Tahltan Elders Statement—Issued in Spring 2005:

"Dena nenn Sogga neh 'ine"

We, the Tahltan People, historically a sovereign nation have occupied our traditional territories since time immemorial. Our culture is organized through a matrilineal clan system. This has always been and remains our broad governing structure. Tahltan Elders held the responsibility to uphold Tahltan beliefs, customs, values and laws for future generations.

Our inherent rights are given by Creator and cannot be diminished or removed by any law including discriminatory government legislation such as the Indian Act. The clan, elders, families and Tahltan People have been marginalized and fragmented by settler society and the genocidal practices of church and state. Tahltan land remains Unceded territory, which has never been surrendered or taken in war or conquest. We will defend in any way necessary our rights and freedoms, to be self-determining.

Today, we Tahltan People face numerous massive development projects. Agreements have been negotiated in secret between Indian Act chiefs, the Tahltan Central Council and government and industry. The promise of jobs does not compensate for loss of land, resources and impacts on the environment and people. This is not only a violation of Tahltan law; it is a fundamental violation of our rights under the Canadian Constitution. No indigenous culture could survive the combined impact of the proposed projects. Our land, and the creatures that depend on that land, would be devastated. Our Tahltan People would be devastated.

Therefore, it is both our right and our responsibility, as Tahltan Elders, to reclaim our legitimate place within Tahltan law and custom. The actions of chiefs and councils, Tahltan Central Council, and others who purport to represent Tahltan interest, have forced us to occupy the Band offices in Telegraph Creek. These non-represented individuals and bodies have exceeded their authority and no longer have the confidence or trust of the Tahltan People and therefore can no longer represent us.

Our responsibilities as Tahltan Elders require us to inform all those who would come to this land and desecrate it for their own financial gain that you can no longer negotiate agreements in secret. Tahltan Elders are the true, legitimate governing body. We will apply Tahltan laws to stabilize, build, and strengthen our nation. We will protect our way of life and Mother Earth from further harmful assaults.

We, the Tahltan Elders are the stewards of our homeland, which we have continued to sustain and hold in trust for future generations make this solemn declaration:

We assert our aboriginal title and inherent rights to the land and resources within our traditional territory.

We declare a complete moratorium on resource development in our territory until

a. the leadership dispute has been resolved,

b. a fair, just, and legitimate process is developed which honours Tahltan custom and law;

c. all Tahltan members are consulted, informed and give final approval of development

Prior to any future development in Tahltan Territory, legal agreements must be negotiated with Tahltan Elders that ensure Tahltan People equitable share in revenues generated and are involved in all aspects of decision-making.

All agreements negotiated with industry and government to date, because of the absence of the participation and consent of the Tahltan Elders and Families, are hereby declared void

Medu

Tahltan Elders

Read More: Here

.