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
“This trip to the UN was a difficult decision with the hardships happening in our communities. We shared directly with Canada and other International organizations the issues we are facing, including the drug crisis and climate crisis. These are global Indigenous issues. We are here demanding respect for our rightful role at the United Nations as Indigenous Nations to directly participate in the decisions that affect us and the world.”
— Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Otis Guichon, Vice-Chair, Tŝilhqot’in National Government
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Contact:
Nikki Berreth
Communications Manager
nberreth@tsilhqotin.ca
Cell 250 305 8669
