Dena nenn Sogga neh 'ine" (Protectors or Keepers of the Land)
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Tahltan People and therefore can no longer represent us.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:
1. We assert our aboriginal title and inherent rights to the land
and resources within our traditional territory.
2. 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
3. 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.
4. 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.
Cosmo
