Carcross/Tagish First Nation Water Governance: Remembering the Way

Abstract

Carcross/Tagish First Nation (C/TFN) governs their traditional lands via self-determination, sovereign rights, and modern treaties. C/TFN’s Traditional Territory is comprised of a vast amount of water. As stewards, C/TFN continues to maintain sacred, and reciprocal relationships between land and water, within a cosmology (Ha Kus Teyea) which does not perceive a separation between people, land, and water. Current western-developed, and settler-territorial governance models do not align with C/TFN's worldview and knowledge system. C/TFN is thus developing a land and water governance model that spans Traditional Territory and is guided by C/TFN members’ worldviews, knowledges, and practices. To support this model, this research used a sequential mixed methodology to investigate how policy spaces emerge for a sovereign and culturally guided land and water governance system for decision making within C/TFN Traditional Territories. By scoping review to catalog current practices specific to Indigenous governance; interviewing community knowledge keepers; and, reflecting on personal experience, three shortcomings specific to the governance of land and water were revealed: 1) in all cultures, there exists sacred teachings that need to be acknowledged and respected; 2) the colonial assertion of allodial title does not respect Indigenous culture; and, 3) to sustain the environment for future generations, the foundations of current worldviews need to be revaluated. Recognizing these shortcomings three conclusions were presented: 1) C/TFN is the inherent right holder of both it’s land and water since land and water is an integral component of C/TFN culture; 2) sovereignty over C/TFN’s land and water is a constitutional right; and, 3) C/TFN should hold shared-decision making authority instituted by collaborative legislation. In order to uphold C/TFN’s constitutional rights, western governments must break down the allodial title argument and accept C/TFN’s worldview that articulates a relationship and interdependency with land and water, not ownership. When the allodial title argument is dismantled, current governance structure can then be adapted to reflect Indigenous worldview in practice. At this time, indigenization will not be complete but C/TFN will be in a position to support their relationship and interdependency with land and water and sustain C/TFN culture. In this time of indigenization, the cultural practices that have worked to sustain Indigenous people for centuries must be considered.