Natural Resources Department
The Lheidli T’enneh Natural Resource Department helps coordinate natural resource activities that take place on Lheidli T’enneh territory. When industry and government wish to pursue forestry, mining, oil and gas exploration or other activities, the Natural Resource Department communicates between industry and government applicants, Chief and Council, and the Lheidli T’enneh band office Executive Director to address any concerns and ensure the activities are undertaken responsibly while respecting the needs of Lheidli T’enneh people.
What is a natural resources referral?
A referral is a consultation package submitted by governments or industries interested in proposing development that may impact Lheidli T’enneh Title and Rights. Referrals are examined from environmental, social, and archaeological perspectives and provide recommendations on whether or not to support the referrals. This research helps highlight concerns and suggestions in order to mitigate potential impacts while also developing consent and improving negotiations for decision-makers and the stakeholders involved.
Referrals are typically in response to Forestry and Mining operations, but may also include land sales, agriculture and range, water licences, archaeological studies, and residential development. By working with the Lheidli T’enneh Economic Development Department, this process ensures that the collaboration on potential projects are in the best interest of Lheidli T’enneh.
Referral packages and referral procedures can be found in the following links: (Insert link)
Title and Rights
The Province of British Columbia has a duty to consult and where required, accommodate First Nations whenever it proposes a decision or activity that could impact treaty rights or aboriginal rights (including title), whether or not these are claimed or proven. The duty stems from court decisions and is consistent with the Province’s commitment to building a new relationship with First Nations.
Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
a. Lheidli T’enneh Heritage Policy
b. Heritage Investigation Permit Application Template
By working with local archaeological companies, Lheidli T’enneh ensures appropriate assessments are completed with participation and training components for our membership. Archaeological sites are critical to maintaining the Lheidli T’enneh history and connection to the land.
The Provincial Government recognizes the importance of archaeological sites through the Heritage Conservation Act. Under this Act, the Archaeology Branch is responsible for maintaining and distributing archaeological information and deciding if permits can be issued to allow development to take place within protected sites.
As the custodian of Lheidli traditional knowledge and culture, we have an inherent Right over all cultural resources within our territory. Consequently, we have developed our Heritage Policy as a guiding document and source of information to all third parties seeking to do archaeological works and investigations within our territory. Kindly note that a Lheidli T’enneh Heritage Investigation Permit must be issued by our NR department before an archaeologist can proceed with archaeological investigations within our territory. Please review the policy document and return the completed Heritage Investigation Permit Application to archreferrals@lheidli.ca
The Natural Resource Department is currently looking at improving the archaeological models in order to better incorporate cultural data and develop a more comprehensive examination of archaeological sites.
For any questions or additional details, contact the referrals office at archreferrals@lheidli.ca
Forestry
The Natural Resources Department consults with local major forest companies and reviews harvesting and road building activities. These technical reviews ensure the protection and continuation of traditional use, archaeology, environment, and wildlife.
Maintaining up-to-date information on forestry road closures and deactivations is important to our band members. Here are the FSR online maps that show deactivations and road closures. Clicking on the symbols will provide additional information about the issue and when the expected planned repair is. This will work on any cell phone using an Android operating system.
Herbicides – On March 16, 2016, a letter was submitted to the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operation and Rural Development, and local forestry companies stating: “We do not support the use of herbicides such as Glyphosate (Round up) within Lheidli T’enneh Territory”. We are currently awaiting a formal response from the provincial government. (To be potentially updated)
Link for FRPA (Forests and Range Practices Act) recommendations
Recommendations for Change by B.C. First Nations Forestry Council: Indigenous Values and Principles for Defining Forest Stewardship Objectives 723107ab-5be7-4d92-b360-fb619510b495.pdf (silkstart.s3.amazonaws.com)
Hunting Permit Application
Click here to access the form
Mining
One currently proposed project on Lheidli T’enneh territory is the Giscome Quarry and Lime Plant project, located in Giscome, British Columbia. About 45 minutes northeast of Prince George in the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, the Giscome project will include a limestone quarry, a lime processing facility, and a conveyor that will move crushed limestone from the quarry to the plant site. The location of the quarry and plant site is illustrated in the maps below:
Parks
The map below highlights protected areas and parks on Lheidli T’enneh traditional territory. These areas are important so band members can practice their rights and not be disturbed.
Chun T’oh Whudujut/Ancient Forest Provincial Park – One of the most popular parks within the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, this park protects a portion of the only inland temperate rainforest in the world. Hiking the Ancient Forest trail brings you past thousand-year-old western red cedars and a rich biodiversity of plants, mosses, lichens and fungi. The 450-metre long universal access boardwalk provides the opportunity for people with all abilities to experience this majestic area. Another 2.3 km of boardwalk provides access to the magnificent “Big” Tree, Tree Beard, Radies Tree, as well as a beautiful cascading waterfall. Lheidli T’enneh is currently collaborating with BC Parks to co-develop the Park Management Plans.
Traditional Use
Lheidli T’enneh has conducted multiple Traditional Use Studies related to forest harvesting, pipeline projects, and a mining project. We have extensive data showing continued use of Lheidli T’enneh traditional activities within the territory and on the land. This data may be utilized to inform and prevent impacts to membership rights and interests. (post link)
Wildlife
Moose – Updates on provincial moose research in the Omineca region: A comprehensive 5 year moose study that investigates recent moose population declines in B.C’s interior is underway.
Natural Resources Staff
Natural Resources Manager
Gbenga Ayansola is a Natural Resource Professional with years of experience working with First Nations Government and the public sector in resource management. He holds a Cum Laude Master’s degree from Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia where he extensively studied and explored various aspects of value addition to Forest products. He also holds a second Master’s degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Management from the University of Northern British Columbia. In his quest for skills development in management, Gbenga also possesses a Certificate in Project Management from the University of Northern British Columbia.
Gbenga currently serves as the Natural Resources department manager where he oversees the daily activities of the department including budgeting, funding and grants, all resource extraction projects and processes such as the Environmental Assessment (EA) process, mapping and all GIS analysis, land stewardship including water, plant and wildlife management and all referrals. He acts as the liaison and coordinates interactions between the industry (proponents), the government and agencies and the Lheidli Chief and Council.
GIS Technician
As the GIS Technician in the Natural Resources Department, Dalainey Bozoki performs GIS Analysis and creates a variety of maps of Lheidli’s Territory & the surrounding area.
A Member of Lheidli T’enneh, Dalainey was born and raised in Prince George. An early interest in Geology became a fascination with Archeology, and that continued evolving to include History, Mythology and the Earth & Sky. So much so, that throughout her Elementary and High School years, she strove to learn all she could about the subjects. Eventually, they all fell neatly into place as a passion for Cultural Anthropology and preserving the Land and her Culture. Whenever the opportunity to further her knowledge & skills presented itself, Dalainey strove to master it. Last year, Dalainey received her GIC Technicians Certificate, and she hopes to further Lheidli T’enneh’s interests in the territory, and serve her community to best of her ability.
When not making Maps or helping with Data Analysis, Dalainey can still be found reading about History or Mythology, out late on clear nights to watch the stars or the Northern Lights (when she’s lucky enough to catch them), and during Hockey Season, Dalainey has been found at the Coliseum, volunteering as a First Aid Attendant for the Prince George Spruce Kings.
Natural Resources and Referrals Officer
I am a passionate and solutions-driven Natural Resources Officer with the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, where I support sustainable resource development and environmental leadership within the Nation’s traditional territory. In my role, I regularly engage with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and community members to understand and advocate for Lheidli T’enneh’s interests, while integrating Indigenous Knowledge with environmental sciences.
With proficiency in GIS mapping and spatial analysis, I leverage a variety of tools—including the BC Data Catalogue, BC Freshwater Atlas, and the BC Water Portal—to gather and analyze data related to stream flow, fish presence, SARA-listed species habitats, ungulate winter ranges, and other ecological values. These data inform my work on resource development referrals and field assessments. I bring a collaborative, detail-oriented, and values-driven approach to natural resource management, rooted in respect for the land.
With a Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Engineering and a minor in Mathematics, I bring a strong academic and technical foundation to my work. My educational background includes water systems design, groundwater and surface flow analysis, groundwater contamination, environmental impact assessment, circular economy research, alongside technical writing and research skills. Prior to joining Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, I worked with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada as an environmental engineering co-op student, where I gained experience with federal and provincial regulatory processes, including the Fisheries Act and BC Fire Code, and contributed to project planning, contract management, and safety initiatives.
Outside of work, I have an interest in the nervous system and mental health education and have completed additional coursework in psychology and anxiety management. I enjoy nature walks, hiking, coffee shop exploration, yoga, and arts and crafts, which help me stay grounded and inspired in both my personal and professional life.
Land Guardian
Les Baker
- 250.562.0847
Les is a Lheidli T’enneh Elder who resides on the Shelley Southside reserve who brings decades of experience and dedication to land stewardship, cultural preservation, and community service. He worked in the sawmill industry in Vanderhoof for 35 years, retiring as a saw filer in 2021. Over the years, Les has developed a deep passion for land guardianship, traditional ecological knowledge, conservation, culture, sustainable development, outdoor recreation, and land-based economic opportunities.
An active volunteer within the Lheidli T’enneh community, Les has participated in numerous initiatives focused on environmental protection and wildlife conservation. He has worked alongside BC Wildlife Biologists in caribou and moose counts, contributed to the Caribou Recovery Strategy, and played a role in both the Lheidli T’enneh Socio-Economic Study and the Traditional Land Use Study. His commitment also extends to his involvement with the Lheidli T’enneh Lands Department, where he contributed to the start of an Environmental Management Plan and helped identify wildfire risk on Lheidli Reserve Lands.
As an Elder and Land Guardian, Les is deeply committed to the protection and preservation of Lheidli T’enneh territory, culture, and traditions. He actively shares his knowledge and cultural practices through workshops on foraging, traditional medicine making, food preservation, and hide and salmon tanning. These workshops are delivered in collaboration with the Saik’uz First Nation, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, the College of New Caledonia, and School District 57. Les is passionate about both learning and teaching, and his contributions continue to inspire and support the well-being of his community and future generations.
Contact
Lheidli T’enneh Natural Resources Department
-
150 Brunswick Street
Prince George BC V2L 1R1 - 250.562-0847 ext. 2004
- Fax: 250.562-2198
