The Tahltan Central Government and the Province of B.C. have agreed to work together toward the development and implementation of a world-class wildlife stewardship regime.
Called the Tahltan Central Government - British Columbia Accord on Wildlife Management, it will be led by Thaltan knowledge and expertise that will protect and preserve Thaltan wildlife culture and way of being.
The accord highlights the Tahltan Central Government's ongoing efforts to address the wildlife concerns of Tahltan people by protecting wildlife populations in Tahltan Territory with a focus on caribou restoration and predator management.
Tahtan Territory is about 95,933 sq km in northern B.C. or the equivalent of 11 per cent of the province of British Columbia.
"The Tahltan Central Government - British Columbia Accord on Wildlife Management recognizes Tahltan title and rights, Tahltan local knowledge and Tahltan values. Since time immemorial, the Tahltan Nation's identity and the essence of who we are as a distinct society has been connected to our land. We are the land. We are our wildlife," said Chad Norman Day, president, Tahltan Central Government.
"Tahltans have reiterated that there will be no world-class mining in our territory without world-class wildlife management and stewardship. This accord echoes our view. We have been standing up for our rights as Tahltan people, demanding respect of our knowledge and values, and fighting for our future generations,” added Norman.
He said the Nation is also grieving the loss of its first Wildlife Guardian, Jarett Quock whose work is reflected in the accord.
“I am grateful to our wildlife department and our guardians who are out on the land working hard to protect our wildlife. Mēduh."
Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests, said wildlife is crucial to protecting the Tahltan's Aboriginal rights, culture and way of life.
“This accord creates opportunities for expanded collaboration on wildlife stewardship that respects Tahltan needs and offers clear opportunities for resident hunters, guide outfitters and shared benefits throughout the region."
The province said the shared vision and commitment is an integral step along the reconciliation pathway between the province and the Tahltan Nation.
The new wildlife management system will have three core elements: joint wildlife governance; co-management; and joint information and data collection.
There are also immediate measures to be implemented that include caribou and moose monitoring plans and support for Tahltan predator monitoring and management.
