The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) says it plans to protect culturally significant sites by issuing permits to mushroom harvesters within its territory.
The Tŝilhqot’in Land Rangers will also be monitoring the harvest. Mushroom Harvesters will be required to stay out of designated biologically and culturally sensitive areas and no harvesting will be allowed in TNG Title Lands.
Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse, TNG Tribal Chairman says the nation has also partnered with the RCMP, BC Conservation Officer Service, and BC Natural Resource Officers to ensure the safety of harvesters.
“Our territory was home to the largest fires in BC last summer, meaning it will likely also be home to the largest mushroom harvest in the Province. If not organized, the harvest has the potential to be a hazard not only to people’s health, but also the culturally sensitive sites that we have throughout our area. The wildfires of 2017 have led to the Tŝilhqot’in having an increased role in managing every aspect of our lands. This is part of that process. We ask all harvesters and buyers to purchase a permit if they are not from the Tŝilhqot’in Nation.”
The Tŝilhqot’in are not the only Nation permitting mushroom pickers this year. The Secwepemc Nation says it’s asserting its jurisdiction to manage forest resources in the area of the Elephant Hill wildfire west of Kamloops as well.
Tŝilhqot’in permits will be issued to buyers and harvesters from May 17, 2018 until June 29, 2018 online at http://www.tsilhqotin.ca/Lands-Resources/Stewardship and at the TNG Office, 253 4th Ave North, Williams Lake BC.