Tŝilhqot’in Nation Receives Award for Excellence in Indigenous Governance

Courtesy of the Tsilhqot'in National Government:

Representatives from the Tŝilhqot’in Nation were in Ottawa on May 9th, 2024 to accept the “Building Sovereignty/Nation Building” Award at the Fulbright Canada/Honouring Nations Canada National Indigenous Good Governance Awards

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) is receiving this award from Fulbright Canada/Honouring Nations Canada in recognition of its work to embody strong national governance for the Tŝilhqot’in people and the six Tŝilhqot’in communities. The award honours the unity and coordination of Tŝilhqot’in leadership across the six Tŝilhqot’in communities and the nation-building efforts to transform the lives of Tŝilhqot’in peoples, including initiatives to stand up Tŝilhqot’in laws and governance, establish the Ts’iqi Dechen Jedilhtan (Tŝilhqot’in Women’s Council), implement Indigenous-led emergency management, reclaim jurisdiction for Tŝilhqot’in children and families, and operate both the Tŝilhqot’in Rangers program and a world-class Fisheries team.

Most recently, TNG created a program to empower Tŝilhqot’in youth to amplify their voices globally and at home. In partnership with Fulbright Canada and University Canada West, TNG developed and delivered training and practicum for Tŝilhqot’in youth to learn about international human rights mechanisms and participate in the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York City in April.

The Honouring Nations Canada National Good Governance Awards provide a gathering place for honourees to share their knowledge, learn about best practices of other Indigenous communities, and network with future partners. TNG will be represented by a Tŝilhqot’in Chief, the Chair of the Ts’iqi Dechen Jedilhtan (Women’s Council), the TNG Executive Director and a youth representative.

“We are honoured to be a part of the first National Indigenous Good Governance Awards. Our Nation has worked hard to reclaim jurisdiction of our lands, communities, and people. A key part of this work is to involve our youth and empower them to be leaders in all that they choose to pursue. We are excited to share our experience and to learn from other Indigenous peoples across Canada.”

—Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Otis Guichon, Vice Chair, Tŝilhqot’in National Government