Tlowitsis Nation warns external interference threatens salmon aquaculture partnerships.
Canada’s Tlowitsis Nation has issued a formal cease-and-desist declaration warning external groups to stop interfering in decisions within its territory, including activities related to salmon aquaculture.
In a statement published on 10 December 2025, the Nation said it is the rightful title holder of its lands and waters and has the authority to manage all resources within its territory.
“As the rightful title holders of this land, we have the authority to govern and manage all resources within it, including our trees, water, minerals and other natural resources,” the statement said.
“This authority is grounded in our Indigenous legal orders, and affirmed by Canadian constitutional and international law, and we will defend it fiercely.”
The Nation said non-rights holders have been given platforms to publicly intervene in matters within Tlowitsis jurisdiction, including through media coverage and engagement by government.
“Media outlets and government are engaging with individuals and groups who hold no legal authority in our Territory, publishing misinformation, and disregarding Indigenous governance laws and protocols,” the statement said.
According to the Nation, this interference has had direct economic consequences, including impacts on forestry and salmon aquaculture partnerships that support employment and community development.
“This unlawful interference does not only harm our ability to build sustainable economic development – it threatens our collective future,” the statement said.
The Tlowitsis Nation said revenues from industry partnerships are funding the construction of Nenagwas, a new community intended to restore a permanent home for its citizens after decades of displacement.
“Relying primarily on our industry partnerships, we generated the revenue to purchase land and rebuild our community from the ground up,” the statement said.
“Unfortunately, progress has been disrupted by outsider interference, which is directly impacting the revenue streams that fund this development.”
The statement said this disruption threatens not only the Nenagwas project but also employment and livelihoods within the Nation.
“This disruption not only threatens the viability of our community construction, but also the employment and livelihood of our People.”
The Nation said it remains committed to sustainable resource management and described forestry and salmon aquaculture as central to its economic independence.
“Our forestry and salmon aquacultural partnerships are vital to our economic independence and community development,” the statement said.
“We will continue to assert and protect our rights, and we will not hesitate to take all necessary actions to defend our land, resources, and People from any external interference.”
The declaration concludes with a call for outside groups to cease involvement in Tlowitsis affairs.
“We call on all outside Nations and activist groups to immediately cease interference in our affairs,” the statement said.
“We are the rightful stewards of our Territory. Our decisions reflect the will and welfare of our People. We expect – and demand – that this be respected.”
The statement was signed by Chief John Smith of the Tlowitsis Nation.
