Terrace Standard: Tahltan note 100 years
http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_north/terracestandard/news/106423263.html
Published: November 02, 2010 11:00 PM
Hundreds gathered between Oct. 15 and Oct. 18 in Telegraph Creek to recognize and remember the 100th anniversary of the signing of the 1910 declaration of sovereignty by Tahltan leaders.
Speeches, food and music marked the three days which included the unveiling of a monument in Telegraph Creek to early Tahltan leaders.
Guests included aboriginal leaders from other locations, Skeena – Bulkley Valley MP Nathan Cullen, Stikine MLA Doug Donaldson and Terrace mayor Dave Pernarowski.
Pernarowski addressed the opening ceremonies, passing on best wishes to the Tahltan people.
Donaldson noted that progress on treaty negotiations between the Tahltan and the provincial and federal governments has been slow.
“To say progress has been slow on this topic is an understatement,” said Donaldson.
“This uncertainty is a major injustice not only to the Tahltan but to those living in neighbouring communities as well. It hinders economic development and social and human development as well,” he said.
Tahltan Central Council chair Annita McPhee welcomed people.
“Our declaration stands for our independence and sovereignty as a nation and states to the government that we never surrendered our aboriginal rights and title in Tahltan territory,” said McPhee.
The Tahltan have economic benefit agreements with one mining company and an independent power producer with projects on their traditional territory and are negotiating with other companies, including BC Hydro, sponsor of the Northwest Transmission Line.