Spirits were high, Tahltan culture at the forefront, and celebration in the air on July 7th in Dease Lake as TNDC hosted a day of festivities for the Tahltan community to mark our 40th Anniversary. More than 350 Tahltans joined TNDC to celebrate one of the biggest milestones in the company’s history.
Fun and Learning For All Ages
Weather couldn’t dampen the excitement of the kids who played in bouncy castles, enjoyed cotton candy and mini donuts inside, while adults enjoyed a community barbecue during midday festivities.
Future Tahltan heavy equipment operators experienced a hands-on introduction to a career in mining and heavy construction on simulators in the TNDC Mobile Training Centre, showcasing TNDC’s commitment to building skills and inspiring the next generation.
A Year In Review and Milestone Moment
In the afternoon, TNDC held its annual community update presentation, sharing highlights of TNDC’s business milestones and new strategic plan. A highpoint was signing of the Joint Support Team’s (JST) finalized Terms of Reference, by the JST’s Elder Representative Pat Carlick and Chair Dean Dejong and TNDC’s CEO Todd den Engelsen and VP of Human Resources Gary Murren.
It was a milestone moment for TNDC and the JST, which was created in August 2024 to serve as a vital bridge between employees and Senior Management, ensure Tahltans have a voice in our business, and integrate Tahltan culture into our decision-making processes.
Celebration, Recognition and Tahltan Culture
The evening dinner gala opened with a powerful performance of Tahltan culture, led by Shane McGee, a Tahltan drummer, and an ensemble of Tahltan dancers young and old, dressed in regalia.
Attendees were treated to the premiere of a legacy video that honoured TNDC’s inspiring founding story, the obstacles overcome, and the four decade-growth shaped by Tahltan determination, leadership, strength, vision and the courage to do something no one thought was possible.
Two of TNDC’s founders, Jerry Asp and Pat Etzerza, shared poignant memories and challenges faced in the early days. While founder Vernon Marion couldn’t attend in person, he sent a fitting message of resilience and pride: “They never expected us to last two weeks and here we are 40 years later.”
Recognition and Reward
TNDC presented framed copies of the 1910 Declaration of the Tahltan Tribe and 1987 Resource Development Policy – instrumental documents that continue to guide TNDC today – to its three shareholders: Chief Marie Quock – Iskut Band, Chief Richard (Rocky) Jackson – Tahltan Band and newly-elected President Kerry Carlick – Tahltan Central Government. In acceptance, they each shared their thoughts on TNDC’s impacts on the Tahltan Nation.
More than 70 of TNDC’s Inaugural Employees across camp services, heavy construction and home construction during the first five years, along with 12 past leaders throughout its history were recognized. Awards were presented to TNDC’s founders, inaugural board members, instrumental and influential contributors, and long service and legacy employees.
Four Decades of Perspective
A special fireside chat panel featured a host of voices from TNDC’s past and present, each sharing unique perspectives:
- Bill Adsit: CEO — 2002-2013, on the importance of educating Tahltan youth to take advantage of the opportunities ahead.
- Gavin Day: Tahltan Trainer, on the gift in training the next generation of Tahltan operators.
- Jazmyn Etzerza: first graduate of the full Tahltan HEO Training Program on perspectives for young HEO participants building new skills
- Scott Hawkins: inaugural employee in home construction and heavy construction on the most memorable moment during his 40 year career with TNDC.
- Rob McPhee: growth strategist on the key turning point in TNDC’s growth journey in recent years.
- Yvonne Moon: CEO — 1994-1998, who played a key role in strengthening TNDC’s foundations and expanding its capacity during a defining era.
- Marilyn Norby: one of the four Tahltan women who led the roadblock, providing first hand account of the event, which led to an award-winning Tahltan redesign.
Celebration & Door Prizes
The events were enhanced by the giveaway of exciting door prizes donated by TNDC’s business partners. The evening drew to a close with the cutting of two 40th Anniversary Cakes by Jerry, Pat and Yvonne.
Appreciation and Gratitude
The event was a success thanks to the contributions of many people. A huge and heartfelt thank you to the event coordinator, caterers, cake baker, labour support, TNDC board, communications team and partnerships team. Additional thanks to TNDC’s business partners that sponsored the events. Special thanks to TNDC’s Tahltan employees and the Tahltan community for joining us to celebrate this special day.
Check out our 40th Anniversary Founders video here: https://youtu.be/L6caefNCbDY
See more photos courtesy Jozefbgphotography:
