Stewardship – Tŝilhqot’in National Government

Stewardship Department

The Stewardship Department handles various natural resource concerns for the Tŝilhqot’in. These include, but are not limited to, forest resource activity, and mining, oil & gas exploration and development.

The Stewardship Department works closely with the Tŝilhqot’in Stewardship Council which plays an integral role in assisting with resource decisions at the Nation level. The Stewardship Department’s Geographic Information System (GIS) analysts provide a wide range of management of land-use within the Tŝilhqot’in territory, which is supported through the use of the Stewardship Planning Portal.

Tŝilhqot’in Stewardship Agreement

On March 31, 2017 the Tŝilhqot’in Nation renewed an interim Strategic Engagement Agreement with the Province of BC, commonly referred to as the Tŝilhqot’in Stewardship Agreement (TSA), previously known as the Tŝilhqot’in Framework Agreement.

This agreement provides funding and capacity for the next three years to engage in resource decisions while protecting Tŝilhqot’in rights and title. This is a bridging document for the Nation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tŝilhqot’in Stewardship Agreement (TSA)?

This agreement between the provincial government and Tŝilhqot’in Nation was created due to the Nation demanding more say in resource development in their territory. The TSA creates a clear process for communities to have input about proposed land use within their territory within a set amount of time. This agreement provides a formal process for community members to share their opinions, ask for changes to possible uses of the land, and provide reasoning for recommended changes to proposed work plans.

What does the consultation process look like?

Example: A cut block is being proposed in an area that a Tŝilhqot’in family traditionally uses as a trap line. The family is worried that it will impact the wildlife in the area. Through the TSA process, this referral (proposed land use) is assigned to a referral worker at TNG, who will work with the Tŝilhqot’in community and specific family to hear their concerns. Utilizing technical supports from TNG, a response with recommendations concerning the decision will be submitted to the BC government to inform their final decision.

Where do recommendations on proposed uses of Tŝilhqot’in lands come from?

Through the TSA, there are many committees, councils, and forums that bring people together that make recommendations. This increases accountability from both governments. See Figure 1 for some of the groups involved in making recommendations towards the final decision:

Stewardship Planning Portal

In 2007 the Stewardship Department of Tŝilhqot’in National Government developed an interactive land and resource “Stewardship Planning Portal”. The Stewardship Portal is a web-based, land-use information management and planning support system. Since 2007 this system has supported and simplified referral filing, review, tracking, and storage for more accessible retrieval and communication with land use proponents over time. The map layers component of the system makes the power of Geographic Information (GIS) accessible and user friendly while assisting with decision making.

The Portal functions as a repository of all information (spatial data, documents, photos, and communications) regarding referrals and other planning projects. All of this information is accessible online and therefore available in any community with internet access. This reduces paper handling and data entry time. The robust permissions model also limits access to confidential information.

The Portal is a significant step toward empowering Tŝilhqot’in communities to be directly involved in land and resource stewardship.

Stewardship Council

Goal:

The TSC is a key initiative developed by the Tŝilhqot’in National Government and member communities to increase Tŝilhqot’in involvement in and influence on land and resource management in the Tŝilhqot’in territory.

Mandate:

To research and report on revenue-sharing (e.g. Forest and Range Agreements/Opportunities) and develop a Tŝilhqot’in Stewardship Planning Framework.

Decision Making:

The TSC does not take away or assume any of the decision-making authority of elected band councils or the Council of Chiefs.

Membership:

Each community appoints up to two members through a Band Council Resolution. The term of membership is yet to be determined.

Objectives:

Improve communication between the TNG Stewardship Department and various government agencies, TNG Chiefs, and Tŝilhqot’in communities;

Provide guidance to the Stewardship Department staff on how to address referrals and other land and resource management issues affecting their community; and

Develop land and resource management/stewardship policy recommendations for presentation to the Tŝilhqot’in Council of Chiefs and member community government.

Portal Access

A user account is needed to log into the Stewardship Portal. Click on the link below, download and complete the word document then email it to the portal administrator to receive access to the portal. A user must have a Fee For Service agreement in place prior to being registered.

1. Download Access Form

2. Email Completed Access Form as attachment to Portal Administrator

3. Portal Links: Portal Login