Tŝilhqot’in Nation Rejects B.C. Hydro Announcement of Potential Bute Inlet Power Project

Courtesy of the Tŝilhqot’in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) responded yesterday to British Columbia’s announcement that B.C. Hydro is exploring the potential for a large hydroelectric project near Bute Inlet: Powering B.C.’s future: New plan drives clean energy, growth, jobs.

As currently understood, this proposed power project would require extensive infrastructure in Tŝilhqot’in territory and has the potential to significantly impact Tŝilhqot’in lands and waters, as well as our title and rights.

TNG has communicated to B.C. Hydro, in no uncertain terms, that this project will not proceed without free, prior informed Tŝilhqot’in consent.

Specifically, TNG has made it clear to B.C. Hydro that the Tŝilhqot’in Nation must be a true partner from the outset to define and implement any investigation of this proposed power project, so that Tŝilhqot’in interests are fully understood and assessed to the satisfaction of the Tŝilhqot’in people. TNG has set out an Indigenous-led model for evaluating this project that recognizes and reflects the decision-making authority of the Tŝilhqot’in people at each stage, and the reality that this project will not proceed without Tŝilhqot’in consent.

TNG rejects B.C. Hydro’s decision to proceed unilaterally to explore this project, without any meaningful discussion with TNG to establish a respectful process. TNG calls on B.C. Hydro to halt any investigation of this project unless and until the jurisdiction and decision-making authority of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation is fully recognized and respected in the process.

Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Otis Guichon, Tribal Chief, Tŝilhqot’in National Government, Tŝideldel First Nation goes on to say: 

"Let us be clear: our War Chiefs stood up to the colonial government, fought a war in 1864 and sacrificed their lives to stop the building of a road through Bute Inlet and into our territory. This project will never proceed over the opposition of our Nation. B.C. Hydro’s public announcement, without us, without our approval, without engaging us in any meaningful way in the process, is the most disrespectful way to initiate a process for a project that affects us so significantly and directly. It is business as usual from B.C. Hydro and we will not stand for it.”

TNG Public Advisory re: Chilcotin National Congress

Courtesy of Tsilhqot'in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) is reminding the public that the self-styled “Chilcotin National Congress” (CNC) has no authority to represent the Tŝilhqot’in Nation, communities or people.

TNG is issuing this public advisory in response to reports that the CNC is engaging government, industry, other First Nations and the public with various schemes and assertions that are implausible on their face and disconnected from reality.

These efforts appear to be driven by Zsuzsanna Hegedus, who is non-Indigenous, and not Tŝilhqot’in, but claims authority from the CNC as “Chilcotin Ambassador” and “Chief Justice of the Universal Supreme Court”, among other fictitious titles. Ms. Hegedus has been deemed a “vexatious litigant” by the BC Courts and goes by a number of aliases, including Susan Holland and Wyavanna Muslishas. She claims authority variously from the CNC, the
“Universal Supreme Court of the Tŝ’ilhqot’in”, and the “Federal Chilcotin State Government”, none of which hold any legitimate authority to represent the Tŝilhqot’in Nation.

We are aware of reports that the CNC and Ms. Hegedus have: distributed flyers claiming BC and Canada have consented to pay $13 trillion to the CNC; offered “shareholder agreements” to several First Nations claiming to be pre-approved for $35M in loans; purported to charge a $20 toll for all persons entering the Chilcotin
State; issued numerous orders, judgments and declarations of the so-called “Universal Supreme Court of the Tŝ’ilhqot’in”; and approached a mining company to negotiate a deal for mining on Tŝilhqot’in lands, among many other schemes.

TNG has issued this public advisory out of concern that the CNC and Ms. Hegedus are damaging the reputation of the Tŝilhqot’in people, confusing the public and engaging in various schemes and
representations without lawful authority.

TNG encourages all Tŝilhqot’in members to share their views and opinions; however, only the elected leaders of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation have the authority to represent the Tŝilhqot’in people.

Please exercise caution if approached by the CNC and Ms. Hegedus. If you have any questions or require further information, please contact: Communications@tsilhqotin.ca.

Nexwechanalhyagh (we thank you all)

Joint Statement: B.C.’s Declaration Act Provides a Backstop of Certainty in a World of Chaos

Joint Statement from the Union of BC Indian Chiefs:

Editor's Note -- this statement has been endorsed by Williams Lake First Nation, Xat'sull First Nation, Esk’etemc and Tŝilhqot’in National Government

December 22nd, 2025

10:42am 

The holiday season is a time to slow down, take stock, and reflect on the year behind us and the path ahead.

At a time of global instability and uncertainty, people are understandably looking for clarity, certainty, and leadership grounded in shared values. Difficult moments can bring out the best in us—or they can provoke fear-based reactions that risk undoing hard-won progress. Recent trends in British Columbia are cause for concern.

Despite recent court decisions that reaffirm the crucial need to consult and negotiate, a negative narrative has begun to take hold. This narrative wrongly blames First Nations for uncertainty while ignoring the historical reality that British Columbia was largely settled without treaties. It replaces facts and experience with fear, and cooperation with division.

If allowed to shape public discourse or government decision-making, this narrative risks pulling our province backward—toward a time marked by blame, conflict, increased litigation, and even real threats of violence against Indigenous peoples. That is not a future any of us should accept.

Recent calls to amend the Declaration Act or appeal court rulings are rooted in this fear-based response. They suggest that the framework we have built together is the problem, when in fact it has been part of the solution. These actions would not create certainty—they would slow progress, increase litigation, and grind projects to a halt as First Nations are once again forced to defend our rights and interests through the courts.

British Columbia is facing real economic challenges, and First Nations are essential partners in addressing them. Our Nations are drivers of the provincial economy, supporting local communities and helping to close economic gaps through responsible projects and developments in our territories. These projects depend on the certainty provided by the Declaration Act, which offers a clear, principled pathway for First Nations, governments, and industry to work together—advancing reconciliation while enabling timely and sustainable development.

The Declaration Act was developed collaboratively with Indigenous peoples and passed unanimously by all parties in the Legislature, with the support of industry, business, and labour. It establishes minimum standards of survival and dignity for Indigenous peoples and has contributed to greater trust, stability, and economic certainty across the province. It is landmark legislation—and one British Columbia should be proud of.

As we look toward 2026, British Columbia faces a clear choice about the path we walk together: a path of negotiation, collaboration, and shared prosperity with First Nations and all British Columbians, or a path that takes us backward to a place of uncertainty and conflict that none of us want to revisit.

The Declaration Act—and decisions like Gitxaala v. British Columbia (Chief Gold Commissioner)—are not obstacles. They are opportunities. They provide a framework to do the necessary work of reconciliation in a way that builds clarity, stability, and shared success.

This holiday season, we call on leaders and British Columbians alike to pause, reflect, and recognize the steady progress that has been made under the Declaration Act—and the healthier, more respectful relationships that have emerged because of it.

We call on BC Premier David Eby to uphold the Declaration Act, resist calls to amend it or pursue appeals, and to sit down with Indigenous leadership to continue the work of building certainty, trust, and economic prosperity for everyone in British Columbia.

TNG Enhances Emergency Response with Community Fire Trucks

Courtesy of Tŝilhqot’in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) has distributed six Ford F550 fire trucks retrofitted with a water tank and pump to the Tŝilhqot’in communities. These new trucks, supported with funding from Indigenous Services Canada, mark a significant step forward in strengthening the Nation’s capacity for emergency response and fire protection.

This milestone reflects over a decade of advocacy by former Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse and is a direct outcome of the Collaborative Emergency Management Agreement (CEMA) signed in 2018 between the Tŝilhqot’in Nation, the Province of BC, and the Government of Canada. The agreement was created to recognize and support the Nation’s inherent jurisdiction and traditional knowledge in emergency management.

These trucks directly address critical needs identified in The Fires Awakened Us report, which was developed in response to the devastating 2017 wildfires. The report calls for Indigenous-led emergency preparedness and response measures that are grounded in the land and community.

TNG acknowledges and appreciates the continued partnership with Indigenous Services Canada and remains committed to building resilient, Indigenous-led emergency management systems across all six Tŝilhqot’in communities.

Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Otis Guichon, Tribal Chief, Tŝilhqot’in National Government says:

These fire trucks are the result of our Nation standing strong and demanding change. They are a direct outcome of our leadership’s commitment to assert Tŝilhqot’in jurisdiction over emergency management and protect our communities on our own terms. We are seeing the devastation that wildfires can have on communities right now across the Provinces. Our hope is that these trucks can reduce the potential spread of fire within our communities.

Tŝilhqot’in National Government Welcomes Charges Against Mount Polley Mine

Courtesy of Tŝilhqot’in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) welcomes the long overdue charges laid against Mount Polley Mine (TSX: III) even though the charges come ten years after the devastating tailings pond breach. The Mount Polley breach had a direct and significant negative impact on the 2014 Tŝilhqot’in salmon fishery on the ʔElhdaqox (Fraser River).

TNG maintains its position that the ongoing mine tailings effluent discharge by Mount Polley Mine into Quesnel Lake without sophisticated water treatment is an ongoing harm and an unacceptable mining practice. Cumulative effects of multiple sources of pollution, including the Gibraltar Mine’s discharge of mine tailings effluent into the ʔElhdaqox next to the Tŝilhqot’in community of ʔEsdilagh, remain a major concern. These concerns are largely unaddressed by the Province despite many years of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation calling for Indigenous-led monitoring, assessment and action. The Tŝilhqot’in have taken great care to protect the headwaters of the Tŝilhqox (Chilko River) and Dasiqox (Taseko River) salmon stocks, and are dismayed by the damage caused to the pristine headwaters of Quesnel Lake.

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government is the governing body for the Tŝilhqot’in people. The Tŝilhqot’in Nation is comprised of six communities located throughout the Tŝilhqot’in (Chilcotin) territory and is the only Nation in Canada with a court declaration of Aboriginal title (Tsilhqot’in Nation v. British Columbia)

Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse, O.B.C, LL.D. (hon.)., Tribal Chair, Tŝilhqot’in National Government:

“These charges are long overdue! Instead of ensuring the right thing was done for salmon, the Province dealt with the breach by issuing more mining permits to Mount Polley. In my opinion, the Mount Polley mine disaster has had an extremely negative impact on our people’s traditional fishery on the Fraser River. Many of our people have chosen not to fish in the Fraser River since the breach due to fears of contamination and we continue to push for better water treatment of effluent being pumped into the Fraser.”

Tŝilhqot’in Nation and Museum of Vancouver Work Together in Repatriation

Courtesy of the Tŝilhqot’in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG), in partnership with the Museum of Vancouver (MOV), has completed the repatriation of over 60 Tŝilhqot’in ancestral belongings back to the Tŝilhqot’in territory. In February 2024, a delegation of elders, youth, children, Women’s Council members and former Tŝilhqot’in leaders travelled to Vancouver to bring the belongings home.  

The items repatriated include: 29 qatŝ’ay (coiled root baskets), 29 lithics, one birch bark knife sheath (embroidered with dyed porcupine quill) and one pair of snowshoes made from wood, rawhide and sinew. Some of these belongings are currently on display at the TNG Dasiqox office in Williams Lake.

The TNG and MOV are continuing their partnership through the development of a collaborative exhibition to honour the MOV’s role in caretaking these objects, as well as to showcase the repatriation as an example of successful collaboration surrounding repatriation of ancestral belongings. “Celebrating Tsilhqot’in Repatriation” will be part of an exhibition titled, The Work of Repair: Redress and Repatriation at MOV, which is scheduled to open in the spring at the MOV.

About the Tŝilhqot’in National Government: The TNG is the governing body for the Tŝilhqot’in people. The Tŝilhqot’in Nation is comprised of six communities located throughout the Tŝilhqot’in (Chilcotin) territory and is the only Nation in Canada with a court declaration of Aboriginal title (Tsilhqot’in Nation v. British Columbia).

About the Museum of Vancouver: The Museum of Vancouver connects Vancouverites to each other and connects Vancouver to the world. The Museum’s programs, exhibitions and collections bring people together and inspire conversation about the future. The Museum is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring a socially connected, civically engaged city. The Museum of Vancouver and the city of Vancouver are located within the shared, unceded, ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Tŝilhqot’in Mark 10th Year Since Aboriginal Title Victory in 2014

Courtesy of the Tŝilhqot’in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) is highlighting ten years since the historic Indigenous land rights victory in Canada, known as the Tŝilhqot’in Decision, while attending the United Nations Permanent Forum of Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) in New York City. The theme of the UNPFII this year is “Enhancing Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination in the context of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: emphasizing the voices of Indigenous youth”.

The Tŝilhqot’in Nation fought for 25 years in Canadian courts to have Tŝilhqot’in lands, culture, and way of life recognized and respected by Canada. Their efforts resulted in the first declaration of Aboriginal title in Canadian history, affirming Tŝilhqot’in ownership and control of 1900 km2 of their ancestral lands in a precedent that stands as a landmark around the world. Today, the Tŝilhqot’in continue to work with other level of Government, including Canada, to take back jurisdiction and self-determination for the Nation.

“We are here to advocate for a better future for our next generation. Ten years on and we continue to fight for Indigenous rights, at home and on the world stage. The youth that are here in New York are very powerful with a future that goes beyond our imagination. Our title decision has given hope for a brighter future. We are seeing this in action, on the international stage, with our youth.”

—Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse, O.B.C, LL.D. (hon.). Tribal Chair
Tŝilhqot’in National Government

Tŝilhqot’in Nation Declares State of Local Emergency Due to Opioid Crisis

Courtesy of the Tŝilhqot’in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) has declared a state of local emergency in response to recent deaths in communities last week. This order was issued for all six Tŝilhqot’in communities and provides the Nation with the opportunity to access additional government support.

The toxic drug supply combined with the harms of historical and present-day colonialism are contributing to higher rates of death from toxic drugs amongst Indigenous peoples compared to other populations in the province. Treatment facilities lack the capacity to take on new patients. TNG calls on all ministries and agencies to work together to end this loss of lives.

Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse, O.B.C, LL.D. (hon.), Tribal Chair of the Tŝilhqot’in National Government stated:

“Drugs are a major problem in our communities. As Tŝilhqot’in leaders, we feel that our hands are tied. We need to act to not lose anymore lives. The RCMP know who the dealers are and need to deal with this. A State of Emergency is an opportunity to address this crisis.”

Tŝilhqot’in Leadership Meet with Regional Partners to Discuss Health Care Crisis

Courtesy of the Tsilhqot'in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) held a meeting on March 7, 2024 to call for action on the health care crisis impacting Indigenous communities in the region, driven by racism in the Williams Lake area healthcare system and the dire shortage of Doctors. Those in attendance included representatives from Interior Health, Cariboo Regional District, and City of Williams Lake as well as representatives from the Tŝilhqot’in communities. As a witness to the discussion, members from the First Nations Health Authority were also in attendance.

Racism continues to be a problem within the healthcare system, negatively impacting access to care. The calls to action from the In Plain Sight report from 2020 remain unaddressed

Although five new nurses are planned to come to the Cariboo Memorial Hospital next month, there still remains a Doctor shortage in the area. 

During the meeting, Interior Health outlined a 3-step plan for educating medical staff on racism and cultural awareness, which includes an online learning platform and an official blanket and prayer ceremony in April. The remaining partners agreed that working closely with the Tŝilhqot’in Nation to address issues in the health care system must be made a priority as they move forward.

TNG looks forward to continue working together to find solutions to the health care crisis in the area.

Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse, O.B.C, LL.D. (hon.). Tribal Chair

Tŝilhqot’in National Government stated:

“Racism at the hospital (in Williams Lake) is still happening – this meeting was an opportunity to address these issues. We need to have consistent communication with the Interior Health Board to make sure that voices are heard and issues are dealt with appropriately.  We also wanted to have this meeting with Interior Health to voice concerns over the lack of qualified Doctors in Williams Lake. We are concerned about the reason for Doctors leaving. This issue effects everyone in Williams Lake and the surrounding area. We ask the government and those on the board – to work together to find innovative ways to attract culturally sensitive Doctors and retain them.”

Tŝilhqot’in National Government announces new brand

Courtesy of the Tŝilhqot’in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) has enhanced its’ brand to further represent the Nation’s history and identity. Working with design company Roodenburg Design Consultants (RDC), the brand was co-created with the engagement of Tŝilhqot’in deni (people), TNG employees and Tŝilhqot’in Nits’ilʔin-Qi (Chiefs).

The brand represents unity, strength, pride, vision, and confidence. The brand colour palette was inspired by the natural colours of the Tŝilhqot’in landscape while other graphics were drawn from motifs found on Tŝilhqot’in baskets, known as quatŝ’ay.

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government is the governing body for the Tŝilhqot’in people. The Tŝilhqot’in Nation is comprised of six communities located throughout the Tŝilhqot’in (Chilcotin) territory and is the only Nation in Canada with a court declaration of Aboriginal title (Tsilhqot’in Nation v. British Columbia).

Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse, O.B.C, LL.D. (hon.). Tribal Chair, Tŝilhqot’in National Government stated:

“Rebranding is part of the evolution of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation – it’s an attempt to move into a new era.  Throughout history we have had to adjust and adapt. Nations that do this are often able to flourish. This was an opportunity to take a look at ourselves and see if there were other adaptations we could make. Paul Grinder, a member of Tl’etinqox, is the designer of the original logo and was heavily involved in the redesign of the new one. The new logo stays true to the older version but allows us to use the brand and tell the story of the Nation in more ways.”

Tŝilhqot’in National Government releases its' Mining Policy

Courtesy of the Tŝilhqot’in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) has released a mining policy that affirms its jurisdiction over mineral resources in its Territory, its responsibilities to protect Tŝilhqot’in nen (lands and resources) for future generations, and outlines how responsible mining may occur in the Tsilhqot’in territory. The draft policy underwent public engagement in 2014 and has been in practice since that time.

The Tŝilhqot’in Nation has created the mining policy to communicate and protect Tŝilhqot’in values about nen, exercise and assert its Title and Rights to all its resources, provide greater certainty for mining and exploration companies, and ensure the meaningful participation of Tŝilhqot’in in exploration. The first objective of the mining policy it to reduce negative impacts to Tŝilhqot’in communities and the nen.

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government is the governing body for the Tŝilhqot’in people. The Tŝilhqot’in Nation is comprised of six communities located throughout the Tŝilhqot’in (Chilcotin) territory and is the only Nation in Canada with a court declaration of Aboriginal title (Tsilhqot’in Nation v. British Columbia). Since 2014, the signing of the Nenqay Deni Accord and the Gwets’en Nilt’i Pathway Agreement have supported Tŝilhqot’in efforts to secure recognition of its jurisdiction to nen and have enabled a growing capacity to steward and manage Tŝilhqot’in Territory.

Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse, O.B.C, LL.D. (hon.). Tribal Chair, Tŝilhqot’in National Government said:

“The Tŝilhqot’in Nation has a long history of mining that goes back to the lucrative trading of obsidian rock from Anaheim Peak. The Tŝilhqot’in mining policy outlines what must happen for mining and exploration to be considered by the Nation. Our work over recent years to develop a policy is reinforced by the recent victory by Gitxaała Nation and Ehattesaht First Nation to overturn B.C’s mineral staking system that was based on a complete denial of Indigenous rights B.C.”

“We know the importance of minerals to the global economy but nothing is more important to life and the environment that sustains it. The pandemic has shown us that we can adapt quickly with the right leadership. As we adapt to reduce the impacts of the climate crisis there will be increased pressure to access minerals. But let it be clear, exploration and extraction in our territory will not happen without our participation and agreement.”

Tŝilhqot’in, B.C. Housing reaffirm commitment in MOU Celebration

Courtesy of the Tŝilhqot’in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government and BC Housing reaffirmed their commitment to develop and share best practices in residential asset management today by publicly celebrating their agreement to extend the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two parties. The Honourable Minister of Housing, Ravi Kahlon, joined the Tŝilhqot’in Chiefs in Williams Lake as housing and infrastructure within the Nation was celebrated in a public event.

The MOU was originally signed in March 2020. The extension of the MOU is for an additional three years, expiring on March 25, 2026.

The MOU commits BC Housing and the Tŝilhqot’in Nation to support each other to address the housing crisis in Tŝilhqot’in communities. This includes:

The development of an asset management framework,

Capacity-building and training initiatives,

Capital project business case development,

Mechanisms for knowledge-sharing and documentation, and

Support applying for relevant funding.

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government is the national governing body for the Tŝilhqot’in people. The Tŝilhqot’in Nation is comprised of six communities located throughout the Tŝilhqot’in (Chilcotin) territory and is the only Nation in Canada with a court declaration of Aboriginal title (Tsilhqot’in Nation v. British Columbia).

Chief Joe Alphonse, O.B.C, LL.D. (hon.). Tribal Chair, Tŝilhqot’in National Government stated:

 “Housing is the number one priority for each one of our Tŝilhqot’in communities.  Housing improvements are necessary for the health and safety of our people; we put our people first. Housing is not only an investment in housing, but also in our people and our economy.  Indigenous peoples have endured deplorable living conditions in this country for far too long and the problem continues to get worse. We are in a housing crisis and the time for BC to work with us strategically to address the crisis is overdue. With the recommitment to the Housing MOU between our Nation and the province we hope to take the vital steps necessary to see transformative change in the lives of our people. The Tŝilhqot’in have led the way on many momentous achievements and agreements, and housing is yet another area where we are breaking new ground.”

While the Hon. Ravi Kahlon - BC's Minister of Housing went on to say:

“Our government is listening to the Tŝilhqot’in Nation and Indigenous organizations in B.C., and we are committed to working together to share knowledge and best practices to make housing better for all Tŝilhqot’in people. We’re honoured to reaffirm our partnership with Tŝilhqot’in Nation for an additional three years, in the spirit of collaboration, partnership and family.”

Tŝilhqot’in Nation and B.C. strengthen relationship

Courtesy of the Government of BC: 

The Tŝilhqot’in Nation, Premier John Horgan and five B.C. ministers gathered on Tŝilhqot’in Title Land to discuss opportunities under the Gwets’en Nilt’i Pathway Agreement to further reconciliation and Tŝilhqot’in self-determination.

The agreement is the framework for Tŝilhqot’in Nation, B.C. and Canada to bring transformative change to the lives of the Tŝilhqot’in people and to the relationship with the Crown. It was signed in 2019, following the historic 2014 Supreme Court of Canada declaration of Aboriginal title for the Tŝilhqot’in Nation over 1,900 square kilometres of land in the caretaker area of the community of Xeni Gwet’in.

“Overall, we had a very positive few days of meetings with the Premier and cabinet ministers. We have had a long-standing relationship with Premier Horgan that extends well before he was premier,” said Chief Joe Alphonse, Tl’etinqox and Tŝilhqot’in National Government Tribal Chair. “In our opinion, he has been one of the better premiers that has led British Columbia. A wide scope of issues was addressed on Title Lands. Governance isn’t just about resource extraction – it’s about our people. We must keep the social well-being of our people at the forefront of the work we do as leaders.”

Premier Horgan and colleagues travelled to the Tŝilhqot’in Declared Title Area on Sept. 21, 2022, to spend two days engaged in discussions on collaboration, shared decision-making, and social and cultural priorities that support the health and wellness of the Nation and the six Tŝilhqot’in communities: Tl'esqox, ʔEsdilagh, Yuneŝit'in, Tl'etinqox, Tŝideldel and Xeni Gwet’in. The event was held at the Nemiah Valley Lodge, which is an economic initiative owned and operated by the Xeni Gwet’in Government. The visit also included cultural activities and community events in the spirit of celebrating the enduring cultural practices of the Tŝilhqot’in people. A community dinner was held where Premier Horgan presented repatriated Tŝilhqot’in baskets to the Tŝilhqot’in people in ceremony. These artifacts are now home with the Tŝilhqot’in people.

“For the better part of 150 years, since the Chilcotin War of 1864, the history of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation and the Crown has been one of denial of rights and promotion of conflict. I am grateful and humbled to be welcomed to the Title Lands and share in the Tŝilhqot’in culture, language, traditions and governance,” said Premier Horgan. “It’s been an honour and privilege to be invited to experience Tsilhqot’in ‘Nen’ (lands, water and resources) first-hand and understand the power and importance of them.”

The purpose of the Gwets’en Nilt’i Pathway Agreement is to bring transformative change to the lives of the Tŝilhqot’in people and to the relationship between the Tŝilhqot’in Nation, Canada and British Columbia. It is the first tripartite reconciliation agreement of its kind in the province.

“The Tŝilhqot’in Nation is recognized for its leadership in advancing Indigenous rights,” said Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “This trip has been an opportunity for our governments to continue this complex work together. It was an honour to be here with the Premier and my fellow ministers to meet with Tŝilhqot’in Nation, including those who participated as witnesses in the historic court case, and to see the lands that the Tŝilhqot’in people have cared for and held dear for generations.”

A core principle of the agreement is to support the self-determination of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation. The agreement is a tangible expression of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which recognizes every Nation has unique and distinct paths to self-determination. It includes a commitment for Canada and B.C. to legally recognize Tŝilhqot’in governance so that the Tŝilhqot’in communities can transition away from the Indian Act on a path toward self-governance.

The agreement commits the Nation and the provincial and federal governments to sustained progress on eight Tŝilhqot’in priorities: Tŝilhqot’in governance; language and culture; children and families; healthy communities; justice; education and training; Tŝilhqot’in Nen (lands, water and resources); and economic development. 

The five ministers who attended were:

• Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation;
• Mitzi Dean, Minister of Children and Family Development;
• Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation;
• Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General and Minister Responsible for Emergency Management BC; and
• Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests

Learn More:

Tŝilhqot’in National Government: https://www.tsilhqotin.ca/

Gwets’en Nilt’i Pathway Agreement: https://www.tsilhqotin.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/2019_08_Agreement_gwetsen_nilti_pathway_agreement_signed.pdf

Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHskZCEeeq

Backgrounder here

TNG calls for independent investigation at Cariboo Memorial Hospital in Williams Lake

Courtesy of the Tŝilhqot’in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in Nation is calling for an independent investigation at the Cariboo Memorial Hospital (CMH) in Williams Lake, B.C. 

Recently, Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerkson addressed the crisis during Question Period in the B.C. Legislature citing a letter of non-confidence in the administrators overseeing the operating room unit at CMH. The mounting issues at CMH continue to go unaddressed by the B.C. Government. Not only do these issues include a toxic work environment, the undermining of surgeons and physicians and others cited by the CMH operating nurses and physicians, but they also include the issue of systemic racism and discrimination which takes place at CMH. 

All government officials and representatives are aware that systemic racism and discrimination are issues within B.C. healthcare, which was revealed in the Turpel-Lafond Report, In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in B.C. Health Care back in December 2020. However; very little has been done by any level of government or political party to address the issue and implement the recommendations from that report. 

In the case of CMH, the urgency for change is immediate, and an independent investigation is needed to hold both public health and the B.C. Government accountable

Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse, O.B.C, Tŝilhqot’in National Government stated:

“We need to get to the bottom of what is happening at CMH and there needs to be an independent investigation. There is no transparency on the situation from the B.C. government – we need more information on what is being done to fix the problems. While we may not agree with MLA Lorne Doerkson on every issue, we agree that CMH is in a crisis situation and that lives are at stake. If Doerkson wants to raise the issue and be progressive about it, then he should meet with the Tŝilhqot’in – he never has before. Our people have had to contend with the dysfunction and systemic racism at CMH for too long. To the point where I have had members in my community stay home and pass away on the couch, rather than seek medical care at CMH. Further in-action is too costly, we need our hospitals and operating units to work. Enough is enough.”