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Tahltan Nation

Member Bands

Iskut First Nation

Location
: Approximately 500 kilometres north of Terrace. The main community is at Iskut I.R. No.6. (Three reserves on 107.9 hectares).

Number of Band Members: 648 (Source: Registered Indian Population by Sex and Residence December 2006, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada)

Tahltan Indian Band

Location
: Approximately 700 kilometres northwest of Terrace. The main community is at Telegraph Creek I.R. No. 6. (11 reserves on 1,338.5 hectares).

Number of Band Members: 1,622 (Source: Registered Indian Population by Sex and Residence December 2006, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada)

Background

Participation
: Government representatives are working to build relationships with the Tahltan Indian Band and the Iskut First Nation outside of the British Columbia Treaty Commission process through the Tahltan Central Council (TCC).

Affiliation
: The Tahltan people are comprised of two bands, each with an elected council: the Tahltan Indian Band (with headquarters at Telegraph Creek); and the Iskut First Nation (with headquarters at Iskut). The overarching Tahltan Central Council (with offices at Dease Lake) is comprised of representatives of 10 families from each band. The TCC links the Tahltan bands and has represented them on issues of joint concern, specifically on asserted inherent rights and title. Neither the Tahltan Indian Band nor the Iskut First Nation are affiliated with a tribal council and are recognized as separate, unaffiliated Indian bands by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. However, the TCC is a registered society under the B.C. Society Act.

Total band members
: 2,189 (Source: Registered Indian Population by Sex and Residence September 2005, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada)

Discussion

Provincial treaty negotiators have undertaken discussions with the Tahltan Indian Band and Iskut First Nation outside of the treaty process on a wide range of topics since November 2004. Discussions are for the most part informal so the level of interaction varies according to specific situations and needs. Initiatives have involved building a relationship with the Tahltan through the Tahltan Central Council, and addressing concerns associated with potential development in the asserted traditional territory.

The Government of British Columbia is currently engaged in negotiations with the TTC, which represents both Tahltan Indian Band and Iskut First Nation at a reconciliation table. The work of this table includes a variety of resource sectors including mining, oil and gas, and land use planning.

Although the Iskut Band is currently sorting out internal matters with its membership, Tahltan, TCC, and the province continue to be cognizant of all Tahltan interests, including those of the Iskut First Nation.