We, the Tlowitsis Nation, write this declaration as a firm statement of our rights and jurisdiction over our Territory. As the rightful title holders of this land, we have the authority to govern and manage all resources within it, including our trees, water, minerals and other natural resources. This authority is grounded in our Indigenous legal orders, and affirmed by Canadian constitutional and international law, and we will defend it fiercely.

We have the right and responsibility to decide how our lands and resources are managed, and how the resulting benefits contribute to the well-being of our People. Non-rights holders have been given platforms to publicly interfere in our affairs. Media outlets and government are engaging with individuals and groups who hold no legal authority in our Territory, publishing misinformation, and disregarding Indigenous governance laws and protocols.

This unlawful interference does not only harm our ability to build sustainable economic development – it threatens our collective future. The ongoing construction of our new community, Nenagwas, is a critical milestone for our Nation that restores a sense of home, connection, and stability for our People. Past federal policies displaced our community, forcing our People off Turnour Island and leaving us without reserve lands to reside on for decades. Relying primarily on our industry partnerships, we generated the revenue to purchase land and rebuild our community from the ground up. Unfortunately, progress has been disrupted by outsider interference, which is directly impacting the revenue streams that fund this development. This disruption not only threatens the viability of our community construction, but also the employment and livelihood of our People.

We are committed to managing our lands, resources, and waters sustainably and responsibly, ensuring both environmental stewardship and long-term prosperity for future generations. Our forestry and salmon aquacultural partnerships are vital to our economic independence and community development. We will continue to assert and protect our rights, and we will not hesitate to take all necessary actions to defend our land, resources, and People from any external interference.

We call on all outside Nations and activist groups to immediately cease interference in our affairs, as we continue to move forward in building a prosperous and sustainable future for our People. We are the rightful stewards of our Territory. Our decisions reflect the will and welfare of our People. We expect – and demand – that this be respected.

Chief John Smith, Tlowitsis Nation

Media: info@tlowitsisnation.ca