Treaty and Aboriginal Land Stewards Association of Alberta (TALSAA)
The Treaty & Aboriginal Land Stewards Association of Alberta (TALSAA) is a non-political organization consisting of First Nations land managers responsible for the administration and management of First Nation lands and natural resources located in the province of Alberta.
Members of the Treaty and Aboriginal Lands Stewards Association of Alberta (TALSAA) are front line First Nation land managers faced with the significant responsibility and challenge of ensuring the utilization and development of their limited First Nation lands and natural resources are accomplished in an orderly and sustainable manner and in accordance with traditional values and beliefs, current and future community needs, best management practices, applicable legislation and funding programs, among others.
Mission Statement
As stewards of our Traditional and Reserve Lands in Alberta, utilizing First Nation’s values, traditions and beliefs, we will promote sustainable development and effective practices through the enhancement of professional development and technical expertise in the area of land and natural resource management.
History
To assist First Nation Land Managers in addressing their broad ranging responsibilities with limited technical and financial resources, TALSAA was conceived by several interested and concerned First Nation Land Managers in Alberta with common objectives, issues and challenges.
TALSAA was initially founded by interested Alberta First Nation land managers representing Treaty 6, 7 and 8 that identified a need for the establishment of an organization to address common issues relevant to First Nation lands in Alberta’s First Nation Communities. TALSAA has replaced their predecessor, the Alberta Aboriginal Lands Association (AALA) that was established in 2000 to address similar issues. In the transition from AALA to TALSAA, the original nine (9) First Nation members have continued their networking and communications and have also continued their affiliation with the Board of Directors of the National Aboriginal Land Managers Association (NALMA).
Goals & Objectives
The main objectives of TALSAA are to advocate and facilitate on-going professional development and capacity building with Alberta First Nation land managers and to enhance existing networking and communications with relevant government and non-government agencies, to assist in improving and sustaining responsible management of First Nations lands and natural resources in Alberta. TALSAA is also the official Alberta regional affiliate of the National Aboriginal Land Managers Association (NALMA) of Canada, whose objectives mirror those of TALSAA.
As the objectives of TALSAA are focused ultimately on the sustainability of First Nation lands, natural resources and Communities in Alberta that are within the jurisdiction and interest of the Federal Crown, the short and long term work plan of TALSAA includes the development and implementation of initiatives concurrent with various Canadian Government Department portfolios, policies and business line items, mainly with the Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC, formerly INAC). As a result, the efforts of TALSAA in pursuit of their mission, also provides an opportunity to assist INAC and other Federal Government Departments with the delivery of programs, initiatives and communications, as they relate to Alberta First Nations and TALSAA.
To view Leona Irons presentation provided to TALSAA at the May 7-9, 2018 meeting, please click here: NALMA Update: May and June
Contact Info
For additional information about TALSAA , please contact:
CloAnn Wells, Chair
Treaty and Aboriginal Land Stewards Association of Alberta
Blood – Kainai
cwells@btlands.com
or
Crystal Janvier-Romaniuk
Executive Director, TALSAA
talsaa.ed@nalma.ca