Election Nominees

Chief Nominees

Hu yan Dene Ooshee, Sus Ki ya A jos sin ee. Greetings, my name is Cynthia Asp and I am running for Chief of the Tahltan Band Council in the 2024 election. My parents are Muga May (Ida Asp) and Shawneek (P. Jerry Asp). I come from two strong familial lineages, which includes my Northern Tutchone Hanjet Ee chee (Crow) people of the Yukon River family and my Tahltan Cheona Ajos sin ee (Wolf) people of the Golden Triangle of British Columbia family. I am a mother to three Tahltan women and a Grandmother, which is my inspiration to creating a healthy, wealthy and thriving future for all Tahltan Band members.

I currently make Telegraph Creek home with my partner Tahltan Warrior Yahoo (Aaron Brown) and our daughter, Yam Bee (Aurora). Living in my homelands, I have found training, education, harvesting opportunities, as well as the opportunity to hone my skills as an artist. I have worked with both Tahltan Health & Social Services Society and the Tahltan Health Department as an Addictions Counsellor, using my lived experience and education to help our people. I have also worked road construction as a traffic control person and a job site medic. I want to acknowledge my time of working with Uncle Eugene Etzerza and his support in learning Tahltan ways.

Today, I am volunteer vice-president of Thay K’I Anint’l, a Whitehorse based non-profit healing journey. I consult with the non-profit Global Indigenous Development Trust. I am an accomplished beadwork artist and in the last year of my degree program in Indigenous Governance, continuing on a part-time basis to keep time and space for other important work. Off-Reserve Tahltans are important and need to be included.

For my campaign platform I stand behind the following three pillars.

A future of healthy, strong, and thriving people
• By promoting our 1910 Declaration and strongly voicing the clear and concise terms of our Ancestors.
• By holding accountable and transparent governance, as is traditional to the Tahltan People.
• I am committed to working with lskut Band Council, Tahltan Central Government, Tahltan Nation Development Corporation, BC Government, Canadian Government, and all Tahltan Companies.

Ensure the Chief’s role will be a Spokesperson of the Council
• I am currently pursuing my Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Governance at Yukon University. I will promote Two-way communication between membership and council.
• I will encourage membership involvement in committees and Council Members will be chairing committees and reporting back.
• We will have regular community meetings with membership in both Dease Lake and Telegraph Creek.

Commitment to the health of our People and to our collective healing
• By supporting our culture, Tahltan language, and healing on the Land.
• Celebrate and honour Tahltan ceremonies.

I have been a proud resident of the Tahltan Homeland for most of my life and current resident of Telegraph Creek, IR #6. I believe, that when we honour our ancestors, be a good relative to our people today, we can create a thriving future for the Tahltan Nation.

Greetings to my people!

I have decided to run for the Chief position after much contemplation. I was honoured to service 12 terms (24 years) as a Councillor for the Tahltan Band. With our support over the years has taught me a lot and it made me face challenges, too. You made me the person I am today along with my mother’s teachings and upbringing.

I have been looking in for 3 years and I have taken the time to look at our nation, as a whole. The Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC), Tahltan Central Government (TCG), Iskut Band Council (IBC) and Tahltan Band Council (TBC) are the 4 entities that make up our nation and we must establish ourselves as one people again. We‘re not separate entities trying to make a mark and endure the struggles alone. We all need one another, we need each other to make a positive difference and to be strong again.

Our engagement with industry and government, (Federal and Provincial) is a vital component of how we would like to see development occur in our territory and the investment in our people is vital, too, especially when you hear the old expression, ‘Who’s gonna fill their shoes!”

What we use to operate the Band Office (Administration, Housing, Social Development, Education, Membership, Operation & Maintenance) and Health (Clinic and others) are program dollars which has limitations and it does not service our members off-reserve in any significant way. We need to be innovative with these dollars and combine them with our resource revenue to enhance services to all members. Infrastructure is needed and the development of communities in our territory is required to attract our young people back home.

We are seeing the residual effects of residential school within our nation, just like so many other nations across Canada. It’s been an on-going battle with the use of drugs and alcohol within our families and in our communities. The youth are the future leaders, so mentorship is crucial. If we want to build a strong Tahltan workforce to support Tahltan organizations and businesses, our people need to be healthy, with directions and support to overcome obstacles.

We are embracing our culture again and revitalizing our language, too, they go hand in hand. We are becoming spiritually strong and that’s what we want to call “Tahltan Strong.” The elders can play a vital role within the nation and we must utilize them more, they are the keepers of the culture and the language. The elders Council has a place in the nation and we’re building this Council and encourage elders to join us.

To pick up where the previous Chief and Councillors have left off is important, we must keep this momentum they built going. Everyone’s skills and experiences are important and will help us build towards a better future for our families, communities and nation.

Meduh (Thank You) Richard Jackson (Rocky) 

H: 250-235-3050 
C: 250-615-7678 
rjacksontwo@gmail.com

Good day, Tahltan Nation,

My name is Maxine Quock, daughter of the late Ivan and Gladys Quock, and I was born and raised in Telegraph Creek. I am a proud mother to my son, Jesse Nole.

I am honored to have been nominated for the Chief position, and I feel I have much to offer our Nation. I have spent my career working in various mines as a heavy equipment operator, and my knowledge of the mining industry extends beyond the role of employee. I understand the importance of this expertise in advancing our Nation’s best interests. It’s my commitment to strengthen our agreements and to serve as a dedicated advocate for Tahltan employees in the industry. Fairness in all aspects of mining will be a priority if elected, as I have personally faced and witnessed the challenges of inequity.

I am from the Wolf Clan and the granddaughter of Walter and Violet Carlick. My grandparents were a significant part of my upbringing, and I am grateful for the time I spent learning from them. They taught me many traditional practices, such as harvesting food for the winter and preparing the smokehouse with pride. I hope to pass these skills on to others who wish to learn.

In 1998, I moved from Telegraph Creek to attend the University of Northern British Columbia, where I studied business for two years. I wanted my son to have new educational experiences, and I believe this choice has greatly benefited him—today, Jesse is a Red Seal Heavy Equipment Mechanic. I also obtained my Heavy Equipment Operator certification in 2009, moving from an office role in the mines to hands-on work in the field, and I have remained employed in this industry since. With my background and skills, I believe I am a strong asset to the Chief position, and I would encourage our younger generation to pursue their education and strive for success.

If elected, I am committed to improving our communities in meaningful ways. I envision growth in health services, education, employment, infrastructure, elder care, and more in both Telegraph Creek and Dease Lake.

I have firsthand experience with the limitations of current mining agreements, having recently faced a layoff. While working at Brucejack, I also witnessed environmental practices that need oversight. Our leadership must actively monitor these concerns, ensuring that our land is respected and protected.

If elected, I will be a strong support for our Nation, dedicated to the advancement of our communities in all areas.

Maduh

Council Nominees

Shaping Our Future Together

I am Margaret Asp, the daughter of Ray and Ann Henyu, married to Edward Asp Jr., with whom I have three adult children. Deeply rooted in our traditions and dedicated to our shared progress, my commitment to our community runs deep. After our children graduated, we returned to Tahltan territory. As a resident of Telegraph Creek and formerly Dease Lake, I am here for our nation, bringing both wisdom and action to our leadership. My roles as a paramedic, fisheries worker, and housing department team member have connected me with the needs of our people across all seasons.

Supporting our youth and elders is my passion, ensuring their voices and knowledge are heard. With profound respect for our traditional values, I believe in fostering mutual care and respect. The cultural practices of harvesting, preservation, and traditional medicine—passed down from my parents, aunts, and uncles—are integral to my family. Every year, we come together to harvest moose, and in summer, salmon, maintaining a legacy of tradition that I cherish.

Together for Growth

Teamwork is essential to our success. We cannot build our community alone; we need each other. I am ready to work alongside the Chief, fellow councillors, the TCG, and the Iskut Band to deliver programs and services that uplift our entire Tahltan Nation.

Youth engagement is a priority. Managing the Jr. Tahltan Selects has been one of my most rewarding roles, seeing the joy it brings to our youth. My husband and I have lived a life of sobriety for years, choosing to be positive role models for our community. While I do not judge anyone, I recognize the challenges our community faces with addiction, and I believe in leading by example to inspire our youth to care for themselves.

Open Dialogue and Accountability

I understand the value of open communication and will champion regular meetings, using tools like Zoom to keep everyone connected and informed.  It is also important to share with our membership what our funds are being spent on, including funds from outside sources such as the gaming funds and TNDC funds.

Priority Actions for Community Success

If elected, I will focus on:

  • Holding regular public meetings to keep our Tahltan Band membership informed about council activities.
  • Ensuring transparency in the allocation of funds from ISC and other sources, including Gaming and TNDC.
  • Strengthening unity with other Tahltan governments.
  • Assisting in the planning of an Elders complex so our Elders have the option to remain or return to our territory.
  • Supporting the completion of the new Dease Lake Reserve to offer more housing options for our members.
  • Raising awareness and assisting where possible about the drug epidemic affecting our communities.

In the upcoming election please vote Margaret Asp for Tahltan Band Councillor. I would like to be a part of the proactive changes that we make to better our communities.

Please feel free to contact me, I am open to honest productive dialogue.

I would be honored to rejoin the Tahltan Band Council following a decade as the Tahltan Central Government’s President. Thank you to the incredible staff and those who contributed to our TCG Team’s unprecedented growth and success over the years; I miss you and reflect on our time together each and every day.

Some of our TCG accomplishments included:

  • Establishing 10+ departments and hiring over 50 additional staff members;
  • Leading the growth of the Tahltan Heritage Trust (THT) from 6 million to nearly 90 million dollars through implementing and completing economic agreements;
  • Establishing the Tahltan Elders Council and Quarterly Elders Payments;
  • Investing millions into 300+ Tahltans for their post-secondary, trades, certificates and other training programs;
  • Creating Healthy Active Tahltans and fundraising over $400,000 to support Tahltan health/fitness initiatives;
  • Establishing 7 annual newsletters, job fairs, youth trips and community meetings in 12+ locations to better include, inform and uplift Tahltan people;
  • Creating new consent-based agreements with the Province + Industry, Protocol Agreements with Tahltan governments + TNDC, amongst other community-based agreements (3Nations, SCWG, Wildlife Accord etc.);

My life has four pillars: (1) Family; (2) Community; (3) Culture; (4) Health. I have always advocated for the Tahltan Nation. This is why I pursued a degree in Native Studies + Political Science, followed by attaining a Law Degree. I am an avid hunter and speaker of our Tahltan language and constantly travel back and forth from our territory to practice our culture and to stay informed. 

My experience, work ethic and flexible schedule will ensure I have a significant and positive impact as a Tahltan Band Councillor. I will aim to achieve the following initiatives, amongst others pursued by our Tahltan Band Council Team:

(1) Economic Governance

Investing 100% of the Tahltan Nation’s annual Impact Benefit Agreement revenues into the THT needs to change immediately. We need to discuss priorities with all Tahltan people and governments to begin making smarter investments into our members, communities and Tahltan Territory. I understand our financial situation very well, and there are many paths to do things better. 

(2) Capacity Building

Through working closely with our partners, other Tahltan entities and restructuring our financial governance, we can rapidly improve and increase the Tahltan Band’s internal capacity and services for our members. I have led the TCG through this before, and we can do it again with the Tahltan Band.

(3) Communications

Tahltan Band Council needs to implement, at the very least, seasonal community meetings + newsletters and consistent Zoom meetings online to better inform and include our members in important decision-making processes. Arming our membership with the truth and more opportunities to participate will increase trust and help us avoid internal conflicts.

(4) Governance

Tahltan Band members need to discuss, ratify and implement a Custom Election Code immediately. Furthermore, there are several internal governance initiatives and agreements which need to be updated and improved with TNDC, THT, TCG and the Iskut Band, which can lead to empowering more Tahltan people and initiatives.

Klane Nedischa Tahltans. Please vote!

I am Melva Quock, my Tahltan name is Ku to kah. I born and raised in Telegraph and have severed two terms as band councillor, as well many years of experience working for the Tahltan Band, and time spent on the TCG board.

I am a grandmother to my 12 beautiful granddaughters and 3 handsome grandsons and many other children within my family and communities.

My reasoning for keeping my name in this election is that I have the knowledge and experience to work as a team for the betterment of our Tahltan communities and I can promise to give my best work to my fellow Tahltan Band members with honesty, respect, fairness, and gratitude.

One of my key priorities is to promote, support, and encourage healthy lifestyles within our communities by:

Addressing basic needs such as food, shelter and education. We can continue to do this by utilizing the social and health programs that are available to both communities. This is the foundation that we can continue to build upon.

Creating opportunities for our people to improve their lives.  This can happen by creating healthy programs for the babies, youth, young adult, adults, and elders.  On the Land Healing funding is available to embark on these opportunities.  Practising and living our way of life as we know it has so much potential for us as Tahltan to have a full healthy lifestyle that we can help pave the way for others to follow.

Funding is available for almost anything we want to offer; limited hiring pool has its challenges.  I see so many great job postings over the years that lay dormant or filling them with no offer of training or educational funding attached to the job.  Creating jobs that have an education pkg so people will be able to educate themselves as they move along and bring growth to the organization.

I believe giving honoraria to our community members as they go through healthy live changes is key to keeping them focus on themselves as they heal.  It gives them the opportunity to stay committed without the worry of financial crisis.

Once we work together for a better tomorrow, everything else will follow such as;

A vibrant economy that supporting existing band programs and explore other sustainable and profitable opportunities so that we can have our own source revenue.

Affordable housing such as finding funding to provide better quality housing and rental units for our Tahltan people and some who want to come home and visit or stay for lengths of time.

Preserving our traditions, culture and reciting our history. Creating Tahltan Law by practising our ceremonies, songs, and language is key for us to know where we can from, where we are, and where we are going.

Safe communities, improved education, and accessible community services. Creating a community safety plan will give members a safe opportunity to talk, voice opinions and concerns, and be heard without fear. Vote for Melva Quock for Tahltan Band Councillor.

A Commitment to Community and Culture

I’m running for councillor because I believe in the power of our people and our ability to create a brighter future for the Tahltan Nation that is rooted in our traditions, land and community. Living off the grid in Dease Lake with my family, I see every day how important it is to stay connected to the land, honour our culture, and support one another. These are the values that will guide my work, with a focus on healing, housing, and supporting our youth and elders.

The health and well-being of our community is a main priority. Mental, emotional, and physical health are all connected, and healing often happens on the land. For generations, we’ve turned to the land and each other for strength. I want to make sure everyone has access to land-based healing, whether that’s through hunting, fishing, or simply spending time in nature. I’ll work to create programs and spaces that support healing and help our community grow together.

Housing and resources are also major issues. Everyone deserves a safe, comfortable place to call home. I’m committed to addressing our housing challenges, pushing for new developments, and improving the homes we already have. Housing should reflect our culture, connect us to the land, and meet the needs of today. We also need better access to healthy, affordable food without having to travel long distances. With the mines on our territory making significant profits and the various government commitments made to First Nations communities across Canada, it’s time we ask why basic needs are still such a struggle.

Supporting our youth and elders is key. Our youth are the future, and we need to provide them with the resources, guidance, and opportunities to succeed. I want to create spaces where they can explore their passions—like a skate park, bike trails, and creative programs. At the same time, our elders carry the knowledge and traditions that keep us grounded. I’ll make sure they are supported and honored, with access to healthcare, cultural programs, and spaces to share their wisdom with younger generations.

Leadership is all about listening to the people. I promise to be open, transparent, and accessible. I’ll work to ensure our community has a strong voice in the decisions that impact us, whether it’s about the land, our culture, or the resources we need to thrive. I’m committed to creating more ways for everyone to be involved in shaping our future.

I’m running because I believe in our community and our ability to grow together. We have the strength, knowledge, and resources to build a better future, and I’m dedicated to making sure everyone has the support they deserve.

Good day, Tahltan’s near and far,

I will do an introduction, and a bit of my history to the reasons why my name is on the ballots for the Tahltan Band 2024 Chief and Council Election on November 27, 2024. Please Tahltan’s that cannot vote in person get your ballots in the mail no later than November 15, 2024.

My name is Gayleen Day; I am the late Doreen and Fletcher Day’s daughter. I was born and raised in Cassiar BC, graduated high school in 1984. I moved to Dease Lake and called that place home for 11 years. I also called Iskut my home for 4 years before moving to Telegraph in 1999. I moved here to be the Tahltan Center store manager, which I did for 4 yrs. I later moved on to the Band office and was trained by the late, Wenda Day, to be a Band Manager. After her retirement and leadership changed hands, I ended up moving to Terrace BC to further my education in September of 2011. I finished university with my bachelor’s degree in environmental Geo-Science and graduated in 2018 from UNBC.

The reason why I wanted to be part of the Tahltan Band’s leadership council is to be able make decisions regarding the health and safety of both communities of Telegraph and IR#9.

I want to see employment opportunities for our local members that reside in the reserves by opening a gas station on IR#9, we purchased Marion Bro’s years ago, it’s time we make some good use of those services for our members. Time for a new Tahltan Centre and coffee shop within the next 4 years. We can utilize the old store for a laundromat and shower facility and tire repair shop during the spring and summer months.

Land base healing is so important for our members that are struggling from substance abuse. Time for leadership to address the alcohol and illicit drugs that has been plaguing our members. I want to see our members access treatment for their substance abuse and start to live a healthier lifestyle and to be role models for the next generation coming up. It is time to start negotiating with the mining industry as to what social impact benefits may look like and how can we implement them into our next IBA agreements.

I will oversee the Economic Development Department to put more of our local members to work in the exploration and mining industry. I also want to commit our funding opportunities to help our members achieve their educational career choices, by raising their cost-of-living allowances so that they are not starving students anymore.

In closing, I would like to say Medu to all the members that have been tuning into my Sunday Sermons. I will continue to provide important information to our members by having quarterly community meetings that are lived stream for the outside Tahltan’s. The new leadership will work towards the betterment of our communities.

My name is Brian Quock Jr I am living in Telegraph Creek with my wife and our four children, I lived in our Tahltan Territory my whole life. It’s been an honor to be one of the Tahltan Band Councillors for the last three terms, I held this position with great honour, integrity, respect, and dedication I have missed only a few meetings. I plan my life and work schedule around our council meetings. I relocated to Telegraph Creek in 2020 to continue to be a part of our communities’ growth and development.

I will continue to follow our Governing Body’s vision, to be progressive and proactive in moving forward. Continuing the plans for IR 13 and making room for our population growth. This would be very beneficial for relocating our members that has been long waiting to return home. We have been working on this since I was on Youth Mentorship, 2017.

During my current Leadership, I have been applying for Funding for a Community Bike Park for Telegraph and Dease Lake. I pushed forward the outdoor Ice Rink for Telegraph’s Youth and wouldn’t back down until it was completed. I witnessed the interest that our Youth has with hockey. We do need to continue our focus on our Youth, and I will be their Voice at the Leadership table. I started as a Youth Mentor for Leadership and there needs to be more opportunities for our Youth for them to make positive changes in their lives.

When I was approached with concerns and ideas, by community members, I made sure that it was added to our Agenda. I listen to our members and made sure that our Leadership heard what they shared with me. The safety and wellbeing of our community members has always been my priority.

I am very active moving our Custom Election Code forward. For our members and future generation this change will be beneficial. Decolonizing our Programs, starting with our Leadership will be the change that our communities need. This would only be possible with more one on one conversations, focus groups and community meetings.

Throughout these changes, we need to bring Healing forward. We need to start healing from all the Traumas that we have endured. We need to be the Change that we want for our Families, Communities and Nation.

We have projects in process that I would like to see completed that would be beneficial for our communities, I plan to continue the work to see these projects through.

I plan to continue to raise my family in our traditional Tahltan Territory, what ever the outcome may be, I will continue to a part of the positive changes in our families, communities and Nation.

Medu for nominating me, and having faith in me as your leader, let me to continue to be your voice at the leadership table.

I am the daughter of Melvin and Verna Callbreath. My upbringing was deeply influenced by my strong ties to my grandparents, Daisy and Pete Henyu, as well as Roy and Eva Callbreath. Our family’s journey brought us to Good Hope Lake due to my father’s employment; however, we made it a tradition to return to Telegraph Creek each summer for cherished holidays spent at our fish camp, celebrating our heritage.

As a resident of Dease Lake, I am dedicated to our nation. Recently, I have divided my time between working within our territory and in Prince Rupert with my partner.

My passion lies in collaborating with Elders and youth. Now that I have reached the esteemed age of “being the Elder,” I recognize the importance of bringing their voices and knowledge to the leadership table, while upholding the traditional values of mutual care and support. For over 30 years, I have dedicated myself to educating our youth in traditional practices, including the harvesting and preservation of fish and moose, as well as gathering medicinal plants. This commitment stems from my pride in sharing our cultural knowledge.

I am determined to see the completion of our recreational centre in Dease Lake, understanding that appropriate infrastructure is vital for promoting mental health and well-being within our community. Such facilities also equip our youth with essential life skills and foster cultural connections critical for their development.

Transparency in business within the Tahltan community is a cornerstone of my platform. I advocate for the implementation of clear RFP policies and the establishment of a website that disseminates vital information regarding business opportunities for all Tahltan entrepreneurs. Collaborating with TNDC is fundamental to this mission. Furthermore, a thorough understanding of the Indian Act is essential for supporting our people’s sustainability and effective land stewardship.

As I seek a third term, I acknowledge that transformational change necessitates time and cooperation among the Chief and councillors. Listening to our community is equally paramount, and I plan to introduce quarterly meetings and newsletters to ensure everyone is kept informed. A digital platform is crucial for effective communication in today’s world.

One of my primary objectives is to advance the development of a Elders home in our territory. While this endeavor will require time, it is vital that we commence our efforts now to bring this vision to fruition.

If elected, I will represent the interests of Dease Lake and advocate for the establishment of a dedicated committee or council office to better serve our members. Securing a prosperous future for our nation entails finalizing our custom code and establishing a council comprised of at least 8 to 10 members to support our large membership across two communities.

My focus will remain on five key initiatives:

  • Finalizing our custom code
  • Developing IR13, the Cultural Centre for Dease Lake
  • Completing the Recreational Centre in Dease Lake
  • Continuing to advocate for an Elder’s Complex in Dease Lake
  • Collaborating effectively with the TCG and the Iskut Band to create a promising future.

Hello to all my fellow Tāłtān, I’d like to start by congratulating all the other nominees running for Chief and Council. Best of luck to each of you—I know you all have good intentions in your hearts.

My name is Dennis Quock, and I’m from the Crow Clan and Thick family. My mother is Melva Quock, and my father is Doyle Day from the Utheny family. I live in Telegraph Creek, and I’m proud to have five children who live in the community. I grew up in Telegraph Creek and have spent most of my life here, spending a lot of time on the land.

Over the years, I’ve worked for various departments, including Fisheries, Wildlife, and of course, our family hunting outfit. I’ve been fortunate enough to have jobs that kept me close to the land. What I want to emphasize is that much of my strength lies in my deep knowledge of our land.

I believe it’s important to have a healthy balance of people who understand both government and the land. When it comes to concerns in the community, I don’t just hear about them—I live with each and every one of you who are here. I’d like to continue the work that is so important to all of us, and to future generations.

There’s a feeling of positive change in the air, and I can feel it coming. I’d be honored to be part of it. If there’s one thing I’d like to see more of, it’s definitely transparency within our Nation. I believe that’s where we can find accountability for both leaders and most importantly Tāłtān people.

We need to work together and give our Nation’s voice back to the people so that we can serve our community in a more respectful way, with a better understanding of what matters most to all of us as Tahltans I’ve thought a lot about the direction I’d like to see us go, but in the end, I know that when we give our people’s voice back, the direction will become clear.

Thank you for the tremendous support during this past term, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who worked so hard for our Nation.

Many thanks, Councillor Dennis Quock