Tahltan

The Tahltan Nation: Past and Present A Brief Look at the Tahltan Culture The Tahltan Nation consists of approximately 5000 members, with around 1,500 members choosing to live within their traditional territory (Davis, 2011, p. 26) in the communities of Iskut, Dease Lake and Telegraph Creek (fig. 1). In a territory rich in resources, Tahltan First Nations have lived in relationship with the land since “time immemorial” (Davis, 2011, p. 21). In the movie, Koneline – Our Land Beautiful, Oscar Dennis

Revitalization Language Origin. Of Na-Dene or Athapaskan origin, the Tahltan language is based on oral tradition (Language, n.d.) and was taught through song, stories, dancing and speech. A writing system has been recently developed and is considered to be “an important milestone in the history of our language and culture” (Language, n.d.). It is part of a single language family along with Tagish and Kaska dialects (Language, n.d.). Tahltan elders remember the majority of Tahltan’s speaking the language

reel, and then fish in the Tahltan River (Seabridge, 2012). The status of the major fish stocks in the Nass, Stikine, Skeena and Iskult rivers is at healthy zone but also shows a declining trend (Seabridge, 2012). Major fish stocks have started migrating upriver but have not reached spawning (Seabridge, 2012). In winter and summer, salmon harvesting becomes an important activity for the Tahltan to get their food in the mid-Stikine, upper-Nass (Wonders, 2012). The Tahltan people make a living by hunting

To many, Northwestern First Nations art appears primitive and simple, however, that understanding is narrow-minded and incorrect. In fact, First Nations art is powerful, bold, creative, and a tool to pass on the traditions, customs, legends, and histories of the First Nations people. Art is not just an abstract idea but is ingrained into their way of life. From baskets woven so tightly that the stitches look almost invisible, to beautifully crafted carvings and totem poles, all Northwestern indigenous