Collecting info on present and future cabins on Tłı̨cho lands...

Cabins and Tłı̨chǫ lands

The use of cabins is part of the exercise of the rights of Tłı̨chǫ under the Tłı̨chǫ Agreement. The existence of cabins on Tłı̨chǫ lands provides a continuing connection to Tłı̨chǫ language, culture and way of life. This was acknowledged in the preparation of the Tłı̨chǫ Wenek’e (Tłı̨chǫ Land Use Plan).  The  Plan identifies cabins as a land use in all areas of Tłı̨chǫ lands and is further defined as ‘a small dwelling typically built using local resources and used typically for temporary or seasonal purposes’.

While there are no ‘roadblocks’ that would restrict Tłı̨chǫ from using Tłı̨chǫ lands for cabins and related traditional purposes, Tłı̨chǫ will be asked to share information and plans for cabins on Tłı̨chǫ lands.  Collecting information about numbers and locations of cabins is a significant part of good land management.  

The collection of information about present and future cabins on Tłı̨chǫ lands helps in:

  • identification of ‘values at risk’ (cabins and other structures), for the purposes of fighting forest fires
  • preparing for emergencies and emergency response
  • collection of Tłı̨chǫ traditional knowledge
  • identification of potential environmental concerns related to cabin locations

Your Tłı̨chǫ Government’s Department of Culture and Lands Protection Department (DCLP) will be asking cabin owners to help provide for good land management by providing information about their cabins.

The DCLP will be asking cabin owners to complete a Cabin Information form in order to collect basic cabin information.  Filling out the form is a way to share information that will contribute to good management of Tłı̨chǫ lands.  

When the information on cabins is collected, the DCLP will be able to provide Tłı̨chǫ cabin owners with security for their cabin sites.  Security will be provided by having a rent-free ‘cabin lease’.  Cabin leases would not be complicated and would be rent free for Tłı̨chǫ.    DCLP staff will help people complete cabin leases.  The leases would give security for cabin owners and also commit the owners to take care of Tłı̨chǫ land.  As well, the DCLP will give a Tłı̨chǫ flag to everyone who completes a cabin lease. 

DCLP staff will be contacting cabin owners in order to begin this process.

A final word about cabins: The Tłı̨chǫ Government does not support the creation of permanent (year-round) residences on Tłı̨chǫ land.  The Tłı̨chǫ Government supports the idea of Tłı̨chǫ communities and believes that Tłı̨chǫ should live in our communities.. Therefore the Tłı̨chǫ Government will not supply any services to cabins or residences Tłı̨chǫ lands.

 

For more information contact:

Sjoerd van der Wielen or Jessica Hum
Department of Culture and Lands Protection 
Tłı̨chǫ Ndek'àowo / Tłı̨chǫ Government 
Box 412, Behchoko, NT, X0E 0Y0

Phone:  867-392-6381

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