Cheri Frocklage

Fisheries Director

I come from a family that provided me an early appreciation of nature. My grandparents, Bud and Doris Simpson, took their grandkids fishing, moose hunting, berry and mushroom picking. They taught us to be respectful of the environment and the gifts that nature provided us for harvest. From a very early age, I developed a love for the outdoors. I started my role with Fisheries in 1990, employed as one of the two Fisheries Coordinators hired by the Iskut and Tahltan Band Councils, working at the Tahltan Tribal Council (TTC) office located in Dease Lake. I attended various programs and band office management training workshops through the Skeena Native Development Society and received an Introduction to Natural Resource Management Certification from the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology.

I was mentored by Marilyn Norby and Mary-Ellen Jarvis. The most rewarding and influential portion of my training came from interaction with our community members, particularly our Tahltan Elders. I spent countless hours talking with them and learning as much as I could about the fisheries resources that provided food security to our Nation. Many of these Elders have long since passed. I remain honoured to have had the opportunity to sit in their presence, soaking up their stories and their knowledge.

When I applied for this job 31 years ago, it was partly out of a genuine interest in fish and wildlife, and partly out of necessity. I needed a stable job and income to provide for my child. When she was a toddler, we started attending family fish camp at Glenora. Being immersed in my culture, it did not take very long to confirm my dedication to involvement in salmon management. One had only to look around the campfire at the many smiling faces, the many generations represented, and soak in the love and the sharing that took place. The time spent together, harvesting fish from the fishing site that my great grandmother also harvested her fish from. The teachings passed down from my grandparents to my mother and my aunties and uncles was in turn, taught, and passed down to my generation and to the next. The sun on your face, stories shared by my Elders, the sounds of children’s laughter, the whistle of the pressure cookers, the ping of a jar sealing, a quick visit and coffee shared with neighbours all served to nurture my soul. The value of this cultural family activity and the assurance of food security spoke loudly to me. I have remained dedicated to the conservation and protection of the Stikine River salmon stocks not only for my family, but for all Tahltan families, current and future. I knew I had found my calling and I was where I needed to be.

As Tahltans, we have always asserted our rights over our territory even in the absence of agreements and often in the absence of inclusion at the decision-making tables.

Our leadership has done extensive work over the past years ensuring that Tahltan interests are addressed despite the absence of binding agreements with government. What a proud day it will be for our Nation when we are recognized by the federal and provincial governments and provided our role in the decision-making process. By participation in, and the development of the TSI, we are getting closer to realizing our vision. In my short time with TCG, I have been amazed at the level of work that is being done. I am so very grateful to be working with my fellow Directors and TSI Team on a common goal and this landmark agreement.