"'We broke the welfare culture of the Tahltan Nation forever.’ A single message reverberates not only across North America, but globally: 'If the Tahltan can do it, any Indigenous Nation can do it!’"

 

"In 1983 and 1984, 80% of the Tahltan Nation [of northern British Columbia] were on welfare, and unemployment stood at 98%, following the dispossession of property and other human rights across spanning generations. Severe alcohol and drug problems characterised social life, along with high suicide rates and very low levels of educational attainment.
    "By 2013, it had all changed: 100% employment, zero suicides and an above-the-national-average graduation rate, from universities to trade schools.
    "[The tribe's] Chief Asp was clear that wealth was always to be created and could never be taken. Federal funding was firmly declined and returned to the government, along with all conditions it required.... Today funds are independently generated in the marketplace....
    "Equity rights and land titles were key components of wealth creation, including the tradability of those equity rights within the framework established by the Tahltan Central Government– undertaken to protect ‘the Tahltan inherent aboriginal rights and title’ and ‘the eco-systems and natural resources of Tahltan traditional territory.'
    "Traded rights have not only been an economic tool, but generated resources for improved environmental outcomes ...
    "From 98% unemployment to zero, Chief Asp concludes ... : 'We broke the welfare culture of the Tahltan Nation forever.’ A single message reverberates not only across North America, but globally: 'If the Tahltan can do it, any Indigenous Nation can do it!’"

~ Garreth Bloor, from his post 'Economic Freedom: Breaking the Culture of Welfare Dependency'