TRTFN
Land Guardians
The Land Guardians act as the “eyes and ears” of TRTFN Lands Department by monitoring land activities that inform decision-making.
The Land Guardian program is an initiative of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation (TRTFN) Lands & Resources Department, supported by the T’akhu  Tlèn Conservancy.
TRTFN Land Guardians uphold the Tlingit tradition of respect for yakgwahéiyagu, the living spirit inside all things.
The Land Guardian Program is highly respected for providing rigorous, wholistic, monitoring, assessment and resource management activities to support effective Tlingit-based land stewardship across the Taku River Tlingit First Nation Territory.
TRTFN Land Guardians are respected in the Tlingit community, supporting and empowering community members to maintain their connection to their Land and to practice Tlingit Khustiyxh – the Tlingit traditional way of life.
Land Guardians maintain a consistent Tlingit presence across the traditional territory, including throughout yanshuká - the bush, or wilderness.
What do the Land Guardians do?
Land Guardians conduct regular monitoring patrols to observe, record & report information on land, water, and wildlife and how they are used. Land Guardians act as a liaison between TRTFN Government, Tlingit citizens and the general public.Land Guardians conduct inventories of abandoned equipment & contaminants in placer mines. Land Guardians engage in harvest monitoring by informing licensed hunters of BC hunting regulations & by working with the local Conservation Officer to monitor for compliance. Land Guardians engage in habitat rehabilitation through remediation, re-vegetation, and invasive species management
Why is this program important?
- The Land Guardian program increases understanding that the Taku River Tlingit First Nation are active stewards of their Traditional Territory.
- The Land Guardian program enables Tlingit citizens to develop a sense of pride in the management of their Traditional Territory.
- The Land Guardian program builds capacity among Tlingit citizens and increases Tlingit engagement in the TRTFN Lands & Resources department and in land management.
- The Land Guardian program promotes cultural revitalization through implementation of cultural values and integration of the program with Elders and youth.