Tŝilhqot’in National Government calls for change to land, water management in wake of 2024 B.C. landslide

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) is urging the British Columbia and Canadian governments to honor and uphold Tŝilhqot’in knowledge, laws, and jurisdiction over its territory following a landslide that occurred last summer. The landslide, which occurred in Nagwentled, also known as Farwell Canyon, blocked the Chilcotin River in British Columbia’s Interior for six days, disrupting the natural flow of salmon in the vital stream.

The impact of the landslide on the salmon population is still uncertain, with reports from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans suggesting that very few salmon were able to pass the landslide area. In response to the incident, the TNG conducted a comprehensive report examining the actions taken by the Tŝilhqot’in, provincial, and federal governments to assess the effectiveness of the response and identify areas for improvement moving forward.

The TNG, comprised of six Tŝilhqot’in communities, is committed to advocating for the Tŝilhqot’in people and ensuring the preservation of their traditional lands. Tl’esqox Chief Francis Laceese emphasized the importance of managing the land and water within the TNG’s territory in alignment with the United Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The report highlighted the challenges faced by the Tŝilhqot’in Nation in coordinating emergency response efforts following the landslide. It identified shortcomings in communication and collaboration between the TNG and provincial and federal authorities, leading to jurisdictional confusion and a lack of timely information sharing.

One of the key recommendations from the report is the need for funding to establish emergency reserve and restoration funds to support future disaster response efforts. The TNG emphasized the importance of ongoing financial support to address the immediate and long-term impacts of natural disasters like landslides on the salmon population and the environment.

Jenny Philbrick, TNG Executive Director, stressed the importance of Indigenous communities leading emergency management efforts within their territories. She underscored the Tŝilhqot’in people’s expertise and knowledge of their lands, advocating for a shift towards Indigenous-led emergency response initiatives.

In response to the report, the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the ministries of emergency management and water, land, and resource stewardship in British Columbia acknowledged the need to review the findings. They emphasized the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern technology to enhance emergency response and recovery efforts in collaboration with Indigenous communities.

The TNG is calling for a transition of the Emergency Salmon Task Force to a long-term project to facilitate salmon recovery efforts. By leveraging their historical knowledge and expertise in the region, the TNG aims to play a pivotal role in the restoration and conservation of salmon populations in the Chilcotin River.

As the province and federal government continue to assess the report and collaborate with Indigenous communities, the TNG remains committed to advocating for the preservation of their traditional lands and resources, ensuring the sustainable management of their territories for future generations.