June 2025
Respectful Conduct Meeting Protocol
This protocol establishes a shared commitment to creating safe, respectful, and inclusive spaces at all meetings, forums, and gatherings hosted by Tahltan Central Government and affiliated governance bodies. It reflects our cultural values and reaffirms our collective responsibility to uphold dignity, accountability, and unity in how we engage with one another.
This protocol is guided by traditional teachings and Tahltan principles:
- Respect (endanosdih) – Each person is treated with dignity, compassion, and fairness.
- Safety – Environments are emotionally, physically, and spiritually secure.
- Unity – We honour our collective responsibilities as members of the Tahltan Nation.
- Accountability – We recognize the impact of our actions and words.
All members participating in community or public events are expected to:
- Speak with respect — no yelling, profanity, personal insults, or intimidation.
- Listen actively and allow others to speak without interruption.
- Honour diverse views and lived experiences, even in disagreement.
- Respect the agenda and guidance of facilitators, Elders, or moderators.
- Help foster a welcoming space for staff, leadership, Elders, youth, and all members.
- Refrain from harassment, personal attacks, gossip, or disruptive behaviour.
When these standards are not upheld, the Nation may face:
- Loss of trust – Disrespect erodes confidence in leadership and governance.
- Reputational harm – Unprofessional behaviour reflects poorly on the Nation.
- Safety concerns – Escalations can pose risks to staff, Elders, and Tahltan members.
- Decreased participation – Unsafe spaces discourage member involvement.
- Operational delays – Conflict diverts time and focus from Nation-building.
At AGAs, community forums, and other governance events:
- A Chair, moderator, or facilitator will reinforce respectful conduct.
- You maybe asked to engage with elders before re-engaging in the meeting.
- Ground rules will be reviewed aloud at the beginning of each gathering.
- Participants who breach this protocol may be asked to leave the space.
- In virtual meetings, this may include being muted or removed from the session.
- Elders, youth, and knowledge holders must be treated with the utmost respect.
- Members are encouraged to reflect on traditional teachings before speaking.
- Personal and spiritual respect are essential — when we lack balance, our Nation suffers.
- Concerns may be brought to the moderator, an Elder, or senior staff at any time.
- Serious or repeated violations may lead to follow-up by leadership, Elders or the administration.
- Incidents may be documented to support ongoing improvement and safety efforts.
- Repeated violations will result in removal from the meeting at the discretion of the moderator and SR. Administrator and or elder council representative.
This protocol will be reviewed annually with input from leadership, Elders, administration, and Tahltan members to ensure it remains responsive and aligned with the values of the Tahltan Nation.