Natural Resources Department
The Ts'il Kaz Koh First Nation (TKK) Natural Resources Department supports the Nation in exercising its responsibilities and interests related to lands, waters, natural resources, and environmental stewardship within Ts'il Kaz Koh traditional territory.
The Department's purpose is to protect and steward TKK's lands and resources, participate in consultation and referral processes, monitor resource development activities, and ensure that the Nation's interests, rights, values, and priorities are considered in decisions affecting the territory.
The Department may also support TKK leadership and administration by providing technical information, reviewing proposed projects and developments, coordinating with government agencies and industry, and identifying potential environmental, cultural, and community impacts.
Department Highlights
Referral System
The referral system is the process through which TKK receives information about proposed projects, developments, permits, land-use activities, and other decisions that may affect Ts'il Kaz Koh territory, rights, interests, or resources.
Referrals may come from provincial or federal governments, local governments, regulatory agencies, proponents, forestry companies, mining companies, energy companies, or other organizations.
The Natural Resources Department reviews referrals and determines whether a proposed activity may affect TKK interests. Depending on the project, the Department may:
Review project information and maps.
Identify potential impacts on lands, water, wildlife, fish, plants, cultural resources, and traditional land use.
Consult with TKK leadership, staff, Elders, knowledge holders, and community members as appropriate.
Request additional information or studies.
Provide comments, concerns, recommendations, or conditions.
Participate in meetings, environmental assessments, field reviews, or other processes.
Track referrals and follow up on commitments and mitigation measures.
The referral process helps TKK identify and respond to activities that may affect the Nation and supports the protection of TKK's Aboriginal rights, title, cultural values, and interests.
Policies and Plans
The TKK Natural Resources Policy and Planning Program is focused on developing policies, plans, and community-driven approaches that support the responsible stewardship of Ts’il Kaz Koh territory. Guided by respect for the land, water, wildlife, and traditional knowledge, the program works to ensure that all activities within the territory are carried out in a way that honors and protects the environment for future generations.
Through planning, community engagement, and collaboration, the program helps create frameworks that reflect TKK values, priorities, and cultural responsibilities. This includes supporting sustainable land use, protecting culturally significant areas, and ensuring that development and resource activities are approached with respect, accountability, and care for the territory.
The Natural Resources Policy and Planning Program plays an important role in strengthening community stewardship, preserving cultural and environmental integrity, and supporting long-term sustainability within Ts’il Kaz Koh traditional territory.
Program Goals Under the Comprehensive Community Plan
Implement our Water Law (Surface Water Management Policy and Guidelines).
Enhance awareness and understanding of our rights and responsibilities to the land among our members.
Identify and protect areas where there are traditional foods and medicines through the implementation of our TSP.
Host educational membership meetings to spread awareness about our Territory Stewardship Plan.
Empower younger generations with the knowledge and skills needed to uphold our rights and responsibilities to the land, and ensure its sustainable management for the future.
Manage overlapping Territory boundaries with neighbouring Nations.
Develop an environmental monitoring program, including dedicated staff positions and training
Host cultural events to engage with non-Nation members in the Village of Burns Lake and beyond to increase our Nation’s visibility within the region.
Develop partnerships with our neighbours (e.g., with the Village of Burns Lake, Regional District of Buckley-Nechako, neighbouring Nations etc.).
Develop and expand existing committees to build upon existing forest, land, and water policies and procedures.
Keep members informed about what is going on in our Territory and with our partnerships (e.g., Burns Lake Community Forest).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Ts'il Kaz Koh First Nation stewards and maintains interests throughout its traditional territory in central British Columbia, including lands and waters around the Burns Lake area and the broader territory traditionally used by TKK members.
The Natural Resources Department's work may extend across the broader traditional territory depending on the nature and location of proposed activities, referrals, environmental assessments, forestry activities, mining, energy projects, water use, wildlife, fisheries, and other resource-related matters.
The Department works to ensure that TKK's cultural values, traditional knowledge, land use, and community interests are considered when activities are proposed within or may affect the Nation's territory.
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The Natural Resources Department works with a wide range of partners, governments, organizations, and community members. These may include:
Ts'il Kaz Koh Chief and Council.
TKK administration and other TKK departments.
TKK members, Elders, and knowledge holders.
Provincial government ministries and agencies.
Federal government departments and agencies.
Regional and local governments.
Forestry companies and other resource-sector proponents.
Mining and exploration companies.
Energy and infrastructure proponents.
Environmental consultants and technical specialists.
Other First Nations and Indigenous organizations.
Regulatory and permitting agencies.
Academic, environmental, and community organizations where appropriate.
The Department may also work with neighbouring Nations on matters of shared interest, particularly where projects or resource activities cross traditional territories.
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TKK's fisheries-related responsibilities and activities are addressed through the Natural Resources Department and/or through specific fisheries initiatives, projects, or partnerships.
Fisheries work can include monitoring and protecting fish and aquatic habitat, reviewing proposed activities that may affect fish and water, participating in fisheries-related consultation, supporting community knowledge and traditional use information, and working with federal and provincial agencies and other organizations on fisheries management.
Where fisheries-specific projects or programs are established, these may operate separately from the broader Natural Resources Department or in coordination with it.
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Albert Gerow
Program Lead
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