The Tŝilhqot’in National Government is expanding a program to monitor, educate, and ensure stewardship compliance in Tŝilhqot’in Territory.
The Tŝilhqot’in Ranger program began in 2015 within the nation’s Declared Aboriginal title lands. But as the territory recovers from the effects of last year’s devastating wildfires, the TNG has added two rangers for areas outside title lands.
“For far too long our area has been like the Wild West with very little by way of protection of our land, waterways, wildlife, and cultural sites,” says Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse, Tribal Chairman, Tŝilhqot’in National Government in a news release.
“Having Tŝilhqot’in Rangers and Natural Resource Officers on the land to monitor and ensure the rules and regulations of the land are followed is essential to the territory. Anyone who thinks they can come into the territory without the appropriate permit or license should think twice about coming this way. We welcome those that want to explore and experience our territory in a respectful way that is in line with our stewardship values.”
The Tŝilhqot’in note that the rangers and natural resource officers played a vital education and compliance role during the recent mushroom harvest.
With moose and steelhead facing critically low numbers, the TNG says the Natural Resource Officers can provide an increased level of habitat monitoring.
