Elders Advisory Committee

Elder guidance.
At the heart of every story.

Tahltan Elders, Knowledge Keepers and fluent speakers belong at the centre of decisions about Tahltan language, stories and teachings. The Advisory Committee’s role is to guide what we publish—and how knowledge is shared.

Image placeholderElders gathered together
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Image placeholderReviewing language & stories
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Image placeholderLearning across generations
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Purpose & responsibility

Knowledge carried with care.

The committee framework places real review and guidance responsibilities with the people who carry the knowledge. It supports publications that are accurate, respectful, culturally appropriate and accountable to Tahltan people.

Guide the work.

Help shape the Publishing House’s vision, priorities and long-term direction. Review proposed books and resources so they reflect Tahltan values and community priorities.

Protect language & culture.

Advise on cultural protocols, language accuracy and ethical ways to gather, preserve and share stories, teachings and recordings.

Connect generations.

Encourage learning resources for children, youth, families, schools and community programs, and help identify contributors to future projects.

From idea to publication

Guidance throughout the process.

  1. Consider the idea. Does a proposed project reflect Tahltan values and community priorities?
  2. Gather knowledge respectfully. Clarify protocols, ownership and permissions before collecting stories or recordings.
  3. Review content and language. Invite feedback from Elders, Knowledge Keepers and fluent speakers on accuracy and cultural appropriateness.
  4. Safeguard sensitive material. Guide what can be shared, with whom, and with what protections.
  5. Carry learning forward. Support books and resources that reach the community with the confidence of Elder review.

Respect includes responsibility.

Some knowledge belongs to families or requires specific permission and care. Committee responsibilities include confidentiality, respect for ownership and cultural safeguards, and participation in planning and decision-making.

The Publishing House includes Elder honorariums in every funding request, recognizing the time, experience and knowledge this work requires.

This overview reflects the committee framework presented to Chief and Council on October 8, 2026.

Two core responsibilities

What we publish. How we share it.

Publishing direction

The committee helps guide the vision, priorities and long-term direction of the Publishing House. This includes books, oral histories, children’s materials, language resources and digital projects.

Cultural and language review

Elders, Knowledge Keepers and fluent speakers advise on accuracy, cultural protocols and respectful ways to collect and share knowledge. Their review helps protect the meaning and nuance carried in language and oral tradition.

Community accountability

The framework gives members meaningful review and guidance responsibilities. The Publishing House remains answerable to Tahltan people and the teachings carried forward through generations.

Relationships behind the books.

Committee members help identify Elders, speakers, writers, artists and educators who may wish to contribute. Their guidance connects the people who carry knowledge with the children, families and communities who will learn from it.

A family memoir or community publication begins with the storyteller’s choices. Committee guidance supports respect for those choices and for the ownership and permissions attached to stories, recordings and teachings.

Explore family memoirs
Continue the conversation

Your guidance matters.

Elders, Knowledge Keepers and fluent speakers who would like to learn about the role, planned work or time commitment are welcome to contact the Publishing House.

Ask about the committee →Meet our people →