Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC) is pleased to announce that Dean DeJong has been appointed Project Manager, Employee Development & Joint Support Team, a newly created position designed to strengthen TNDC’s internal capacity and employee engagement.
Reporting to Gary Muuren, Vice President, Human Resources, Dean will lead the Joint Support Team (JST), serving as the voice of employees, helping build trust, and ensuring employee perspectives guide TNDC’s future, with an emphasis on Tahltans. The JST was introduced in 2024 to embed Tahltan voices and culture into decision-making and to ensure all voices are heard and respected.
Dean will also oversee training initiatives, support career growth, and foster a motivated and skilled workforce across the organization. In addition, he will lead the Tahltan Training Forum, collaborating with Dease Lake schools, industry partners, and community organizations to expand education and employment opportunities for Tahltans.
Dean began working with TNDC in March 2022 as a rock truck driver. He advanced into a lead hand role during winter operations, and later became a Heavy Equipment Operator trainer. His career path has been marked by steady growth and leadership, reflecting his commitment to training, development, and advancing opportunities for Tahltans.
A member of the Tahltan Nation, Dean is from the Dakāmā/Quock Family and part of the Ts’eskiye (Crow) Clan. His roots trace through his mother, Johann DeJong, and grandmother, Marjorie Campbell, whose parents were Una Dease Campbell and Richard Campbell of Tlēgōhīn (Telegraph Creek).
Dean grew up in southern Alberta; his mother was part of the 60s Scoop. He reconnected with his Tahltan roots when he began working with TNDC. During his first shift at the Red Chris mine, Dean found his Tahltan family and began his journey of learning and embracing his heritage.
“I look forward to stepping into this new role as Project Manager, Employee Development and Joint Support Team, with the goal of bringing TNDC, the Tahltan community, and industry together through training and developing our people,” Dean shares.
Please join us in congratulating Dean on his appointment. His leadership will strengthen TNDC’s workforce, enhance our operations, and bring meaningful benefits to the Tahltan community.
