Khaye (winter) is upon us, ushering in a season of rest and reflection after long summer days spent on the land. The Tahltan Archaeology Monitoring Program, run by TCG’s Department of Language, Culture and Heritage, has wrapped their 2025 field season and prepared this brief update for membership.

The Tahltan Archaeological Monitoring Program protects and manages our cultural heritage by overseeing archaeology across the territory.  Through training, field monitoring, and strong partnerships, we’ve built TCG’s capacity to assure archaeological work in Tahltan Territory reflects and upholds Tahltan values.

In 2025, our monitors were Trinidy Quigley, Emma Carlick, Leigh Lindstrom, with Kailene Louie, Tiffany Beaulieau, and Mackenzie Dennis each going on a site visit as well. Combined, our monitors worked over 120 field days, maintaining a consistent presence during major construction and environmental projects. Most of the work was done at Schaft Creek, as they had archaeologists at the project all summer. There were also trips to Galore, Red Chris, Eskay, Tahltan Lake and Windy Point. On every site and project, our monitors ensured the archaeological activities were conducted responsibly and with accountability from industry and consultants.

In the past, many sites were damaged, artifacts removed, and findings poorly documented without Tahltan input. Through this program, we work with archaeologists, industry partners, and fellow TCG departments to ensure that any and every site is protected and respected. Our involvement in archaeology is essential to protecting our deep cultural heritage.

In 2025, TCG hosted its fourth annual Archaeological Resources Information Standards Committee (RISC) – Archaeological and CMT Inventory Training for Crew Members. The program is coordinated by the BC Association of Professional Archaeologists (BCAPA) and delivered in partnership with Ecofor Consulting and Red Chris.

In previous years, Kleanza/GCMC and Cordillera Archaeology also partnered with TCG to deliver the training.

Trainees learn to:

• Describe an archaeological inventory project
• Understand safety issues, requirements and protocols associated with archaeological projects
• Correctly use survey equipment and navigate in the field
• Identify different site types, and describe cultural materials and features
• Understand how to use archaeological survey methods
• Take accurate and detailed field notes
• Read maps and plotting locations
• Correctly identify and describe basic soil types
• Navigate to a site location
• Record and map site features and materials

This program builds local capacity in territory and ensures that Tahltan members are ready to take active roles in heritage protection and field monitoring.

TCG remains committed to strengthening our archaeological stewardship.

Our key priorities include:

• Increasing the number of trained archaeological monitors
• Integrating Tahltan knowledge into archaeological assessments and management frameworks
• Improving data management, documentation, and reporting systems
• Building stronger collaborations with project proponents and regulatory agencies

The Tahltan Archaeological Monitoring Program continues to empower Tahltan members, protect sacred sites, and ensure that the Tahltan Nation’s history and culture are respected for generations to come.