Critical Relationships Project Overview
A New Benchmark for Ecological and Indigenous Excellence
The world is driving mineral development in unprecedented ways, putting pressure on First Nations and our natural world across Canada and globally. Canada is looking to become a leader in sustainable mining practices. First Nations are looking to others to help understand how to navigate this challenging arena.
The Tahltan have developed over many decades robust land use plans, environmental assessment and governance materials, tools, and comprehensive data sets of ecological and cultural significance within Tahltan Territory. BC is home to many innovative technology companies and diverse ecological stewardship projects that are working to protect and preserve natural habitats while also creating prosperous local economies.
The Tahltan and the Province of BC are way ahead of the curve. There is a need for a proven model to elevate practices and show how to do it right. The Tahltan have stated that while they recognize a need for minerals and a modern economy, the Tahltan are also stewards of their lands and value their culture and traditional ways for future generations.
This project aims to weave together these two priorities and knowledge systems into a balanced / diversified economy that ensures prosperity and wellbeing for current and future generations. Now is the time, we have the chance to get it right.
To secure healthy futures, we must work in partnership with our Mother Earth as an integrated approach to sustainable development. When we work with our Mother Earth properly, contributing to nature’s wellbeing, we become part of the symbiotic relationship and step into our role in maintaining abundance.
The project creates 50+ new careers in the green economy through collaboration of diverse yet complementary knowledge systems, including jobs, apprenticeships and training in the natural economy.
True Value Accounting
A full definition of value includes natural, social, economic, spiritual and cultural capital, all of which is vital to our continued human experience.
We use a method of accounting for true value that aligns with ESG regulatory standards and goes beyond. We not only acknowledge and measure the value of healthy soils, pure waters and vibrant forests in their intact life-giving form, but also that symbiotic relationships which allow ecosystems to flourish. We value moose calving grounds, fish spawning areas, hibernation dens and migratory paths as key components of a living system. We value healthy work environments, good community relationships, and human potential realized. We value quality of life for all.
We work with leading, proven technology companies in geoscience, engineering, ‘internet of things’, data management, GIS mapping, finance and accounting to apply a True Value Accounting model that is open, accountable, transparent and values all life.
We follow the directives set by First Nations to care for the land, water, fish and wildlife as they have for thousands of years, and to steward the natural resources in accordance with community values, policies and frameworks, rights and title. Any space that needs to be made for exploration will be done using the best forest management design and techniques, the timber will be used for healthy housing, we work with local Elders to use and care for medicinal plants and with agronomists to apply rich soils for regenerating compromised areas and for food sovereignty.
We foster the interconnected relationships mirrored in nature that have provided us with abundance for thousands of years through creativity, ingenuity, observation, curiosity and an awareness of the whole.
INDIGENOUS-LED MINERAL EXPLORATION
OUR APPROACH: In braiding together 3 valuable sources of knowledge (community, nature & science), we are strengthening and balancing the reciprocal relationships between human needs and our natural resources. We do this while broadening the value that exists within vital ecosystems as our responsibility as stewards. We hope this model can represent a framework for resource sovereignty that other Indigenous Nations can learn from and adopt in their own unique ways.
COMMUNITY
Representing the importance of Indigenous Traditional Knowledge.
EX: Traditional ecological knowledge, storytelling, Spirit, reverence, engagement, land-based learning, youth-elder relationships, etc.
NATURE
Representing the integration with Environmental Stewardship.
EX: Soil, water, wildlife, fisheries, etc.
SCIENCE
Representing the support of Scientific & Technological Advancements.
EX: Geoscience, engineering, data management, ecosystem services, finance, etc.
OBJECTIVES
RE-DEFINE “VALUE”
There is more value on a mineral claim site than an ore body. We are working with leading partners to create a system for the valuation of all natural resources and their cultural significance for the Tahltan people, including: water, wildlife, migration routes, plant medicines etc.
PAYMENT FOR ECOSYSTEMS SERVICES PROGRAM
This Program creates an alternative and complementary natural economy that values intact ecosystems and their continued stewardship. This supports a more balanced local economy.
COLLABORATIONS
We currently have collaborations across 15 organizations to support this work, including Tahltan ERM Environmental Management (TEEM) as environmental lead, Green Feet Ecosystem Services, Green Analytics (ecological economics), drones, LIDAR and IOT for enhanced water and wildlife monitoring, and digital storytelling.
LEADERSHIP
Demonstrate Tahltan leadership nationally / internationally in mining the right way that can support sovereignty and human wellbeing. This framework can support other Indigenous Nations and launch a new way forward for Indigenous Nations with Tahltan thought-leadership.
Why Tahltan Leadership
The Tahltan Territory hosts the Golden Triangle in Northwestern British Columbia which is one of the world’s richest mineral regions. This region is home to some of the provinces most successful historical and present day mines and mineral projects, including: Golden Bear, Eskay Creek, Brucejack, Snip, Johnny Mountain, Red Chris and Galore Creek. 50% of the mineral wealth in British Columbia is in Tahltan Territory.
There are more than 3,000 claims in the Golden Triangle and the area just north of the Triangle. The area is host to approx. 41% of B.C.’s exploration activities by
expenditure, 6.3% of Canada’s, 0.9% of the world. It is estimated that there are more than $15 billion of reserves in the ground. The attractiveness of the area is due to a combination of favorable geology, limited mineral exploration to date, the long history Tahltan have of working with mining companies, and the certainty provided by the set process the Tahltan have for explorers and miners in their Territory.
The Tahltan Territory also has a 12,000+ history that has been proven through archeological evidence, now showing artefacts that pre-date the ice age. What formed after formed in conjunction with the Tahltan. There is a lot we can learn from the stewardship history that can help us to do mining right for the future. There were once vibrant trading networks and human relationships with all aspects of living system. Everyone contributed and shared in the abundance. The economy and the land served the wellbeing of the people. Sustainability was built into every action and decision made.
Between 1984 – present, Tahltan leadership has worked hard to develop processes, frameworks and methodologies that have helped the Tahltan Nation become leaders and effective decision-makers in the development of their lands and resources. Tahltan Natural Resources Policy, Out of Respect, Tahltan Heritage Resource Environmental Assessment Team, land use planning and governance documents created into programming. Between 2014 – 2024, GIDT has delivered more than 100 training workshops and trained 500+ leaders across the Americas to be empowered decision-makers in the holistic development of their lands and resources.
