On January 30, 2015, representatives from the Tsilhqot’in National Government (TNG) held a public meeting in Tatla Lake, BC to discuss the details and implementation of the Tsilhqot’in Decision. With upwards of 50 residents in attendance, Chief Roger William, Vice-Chair of TNG, provided an overview of the Decision along with an update on discussions happening with the provincial and federal governments.
The 150-year journey from the Chilcotin War in 1864 to today has been one of sadness and pain. June 26, 2014 was a day of hope – hope for healing, hope for understanding and hope for reconciliation. Recognizing the past, building strong relationships and moving forward together is the path TNG wants to take.
Chief Roger William, TNG Vice-Chair and Chief of Xeni Gwet’in, states that, “To move forward, we need to understand each other and work together. Residents are concerned that the same thing will happen to them as happened to the Tsilhqot’in – that their land will be taken out from under them. Our intention is to learn from history and our struggles of displacement, we wish to coexist with the residents of the Chilcotin.”
Chief William further states, “Our goal is to get caught up – to have a voice and be treated as an equal partner in a meaningful way. People have chosen the Chilcotin as a place to settle because they love it here. I believe we share some of the same values as these residents. I hope that improving the lives of the Tsilhqot’in would ultimately improve the lives of everyone in the Chilcotin.”