Klappan Strategic Initiative (KSI) - Technical Report

From Tahltan Central Council:

“The Klappan is extremely important for the Tahltan community. It is our water, it is our food, it is our land. The report empowers our community by putting our values and  concerns into a document co-written and signed by the Province.”

In late December, the Tahltan Central Council (TCC) and Province of British Columbia jointly released a draft Klappan Strategic Initiative Technical Report.

The report was presented to the Tahltan communities last fall by the Klappan Strategic Initiative (KSI), which is partnership between the province and TCC designed to bring a collaborative approach to land and resource issues in the area. The draft report is now released to the public and gives all Tahltans more opportunity to review the report and provide your feedback.

The report explains both Tahltan and Provincial perspectives of the Klappan. It includes traditional cultural, environmental and economic values and concerns.

The report is not a land-use recommendation. It is a summary of both Tahltan and Provincial perspectives of the Klappan and will help facilitate an informed government-to-government discussion. By sitting down with the Provincial Government to outline our values and priorities, we are helping to ensure a long-term plan and protection for the Klappan.

In the report, the province recognizes that Tahltans are stewards of the Klappan. This will help the Tahltan Nation to ensure any proposed development in and around the Klappan will happen on Tahltan terms, and will be informed by values documented in the report.
 

More information can be found here: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/main/ksi

Source: http://www.tahltan.org/sites/default/files/newsletters/TCC_Newsletter_Jan2015_JF_v9_web.pdf

 

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

Tahltan Strike Power Company Deal

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Tahltan Nation announced it has signed an impact benefit agreement (IBA) with Coast Mountain Hydro, a subsidiary of Alberta-based AltaGas, for the Forrest Kerr run-of-river hydroelectric project. The agreement comprises a combination of environmental protections, cultural resource protections and economic participation for the Tahltan Nation for the project which would generate hydro power from the Iskut River.

"The Tahltan Nation is proud of this Impact Benefit Agreement with Coast Mountain Hydro Corp. and the increased economic security that it will provide for generations to come," says Annita McPhee, Chair of the Tahltan Central Council. "This agreement establishes ownership, management of our resources and profit sharing while taking into consideration the protection of our environment as a renewable energy project. This IBA will set the bar for resource development projects and demonstrates the results of a successful relationship with a company in Tahltan Territory that respects our aboriginal title and rights."

"Any land and resource decisions affecting Tahltan Traditional Territory must respect the environment, the Tahltan way of life and the Tahltan people," said Annita McPhee earlier today. "The agreement reflects the significant input we've gathered from consultation with community members and, while protecting our territory and our way of life, provides our Nation with long-term economic security."

The Forrest Kerr Project will provide business opportunities for members of the Tahltan Nation to participate in the construction, operation and maintenance of the project, and Tahltan university graduates will have opportunities to enroll in training programs with AltaGas. The agreement also provides economic benefits to the Tahltan Nation, including shared ownership and royalties.

Read More: Here

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