Collaboration Agreement Between Geoscience BC and Tahltan Central Government
Vancouver and Dease Lake, BC – May 31, 2019 – A Collaboration Agreement between the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) and Geoscience BC sets out how the organizations will work together on completed, ongoing and potential future Geoscience BC earth science research in Tahltan Territory in northwestern BC.
Under the agreement, the TCG and Geoscience BC will share public research information and identify areas for future earth science research projects relating to minerals, energy and water resources. This will include finding ways to build TCG technical capacity and foster socio-economic opportunities, as well as looking at the potential for including Tahltan Knowledge in earth science research.
Commenting on the agreement, Tahltan Central Government President Chad Norman Day said: “Being involved early in Geoscience BC research in our territory, and understanding the data from past projects, puts the Tahltan Nation at the forefront of research in our territory, especially relating to mineral exploration and development.”
Geoscience BC President and CEO Gavin C. Dirom said: “This agreement is an important step in strengthening Geoscience BC’s collaboration with the Tahltan and improving coordination on earth science research projects. We very much look forward to advancing our joint commitments and growing our positive, mutually respectful relationship with the Tahltan.”
About Geoscience BC
Geoscience BC generates independent, public geoscience research and data about British Columbia’s minerals, energy and water resources. This advances knowledge, informs responsible development, encourages investment and stimulates innovation.
Our collaboration with the resource sectors, academia, communities, Indigenous groups and government develops and shares unbiased and credible earth science research and data.
Geoscience BC is a not for profit society incorporated under the BC Societies Act.
Visit www.geosciencebc.com or follow us @GeoscienceBC to find out more.
About the Tahltan Central Government
The Tahltan Central Government (TCG) is the administrative governing body of the Tahltan Nation. The Iskut Band and the Tahltan Band continue to govern Tahltan interest in respect of the Indian Act but have endorsed the TCG as the representative government of the Tahltan Nation in respect of inherent Aboriginal title and rights. This means the TCG is responsible for the ecosystem and natural resources of Tahltan Territory, for managing sustainable economic development, and for strengthening the cultural wellness of the Tahltan Nation.
The Tahltan Nation’s Territory spans 95,933 square km of Northwest British Columbia or the equivalent of 11% of the province. Tahltan Territory includes 70% of BC’s Golden Triangle - a world-class mining jurisdiction with a thriving mineral exploration sector. Our Territory is home to three of BC’s 19 operating mines or their shared footprint, and to approximately 25% of BC’s exploration activities by expenditure.
For more information, please contact:
Richard Truman
Geoscience BC
604-662-4147
truman@geosciencebc.com
Chad Norman Day
President, Tahltan Central Government
president@tahltan.org