Dzenes hoti’e, Nenh Gluadz ushyē, Good day, my name is Nenh Glunadz (refers to the ground after the caribou have walked on it); my English name is Curtis Rattray. My mother is Christine Rattray and her mother is Shawklink (Elizabeth Edzerza), we are members of the Tāłtān Nation and Tsesk'iye (Crow) from the Cawtoonma family and the Nahlokoteen tribe (end of the ridge nation). My father is Albert Rattray and he is Scottish-Canadian.
I live in Tatl'ah (Dease Lake) in Tāłtān Territory. I moved there in 1991 to live with my granny - Liz Edzerza. I am culturally grounded as I try to live my life based on Tāłtān values of honesty, ethical, hard work, inclusiveness and belonging, and contributing to community. I work to maintain a healthy relationship with people and the land. I continue to work on myself to address intergenerational trauma and learn how to cope with my personal issues and learning challenges. I have spent a lot of time on Tāłtān land and found the land has helped me on my healing journey. Over the years have backpacked to many remote places in Tāłtān territory which have given me good knowledge of our lands and the spiritual connections by talking with Elders about these places and experiences.
I contribute back to our community by:
I have a through understanding of politics as I have always been interested in politics and being raised in a Tahltan family full of very politically active aunties encouraged my interest. I graduated with a bachelors degree from University of Victoria with a major in Environmental Studies and minor in Political Science. I have served in the Canadian Armed Forces as a regular and reserve member and was awarded the “Canadian Decoration” for with 12 years service.
I have extensive experience working in the aboriginal rights and title sector, I have served as the elected Chairman of the Tahltan Central Council, the spokesperson for the Tahltan nation and I was responsible for the representing the Tahltan nation on the reconciliation of inherent Tahltan rights and title issues.
I live in Tatl'ah (Dease Lake) in Tāłtān Territory. I moved there in 1991 to live with my granny - Liz Edzerza. I am culturally grounded as I try to live my life based on Tāłtān values of honesty, ethical, hard work, inclusiveness and belonging, and contributing to community. I work to maintain a healthy relationship with people and the land. I continue to work on myself to address intergenerational trauma and learn how to cope with my personal issues and learning challenges. I have spent a lot of time on Tāłtān land and found the land has helped me on my healing journey. Over the years have backpacked to many remote places in Tāłtān territory which have given me good knowledge of our lands and the spiritual connections by talking with Elders about these places and experiences.
I contribute back to our community by:
- I work with youth; I practice youth at the centre as I believe they are our future. My goal in working with youth is to create strong, healthy Tāłtān leaders.
- I take youth on the land starting when I first moved to Dease Lake in 1991. I have taken them out in all seasons, usually ages 10 to 18.
- I am co-developing a Tāłtān Guide certification program that mentors young Tāłtān adults to be backcountry guides who can lead youth on the land.
- I am President of Stikine Minor Hockey Association, and I also coach youth.
- I have chaperoned youth on field trips like Gathering Our Voices and the latest trip was in April 2022.
- I work with School District 87 to develop Tāłtān curriculum that meets the provincial learning outcomes with Tāłtān content. I also teach K to 12 students Tāłtān culture and history and take them on the land so they can develop their bush skills.
I have a through understanding of politics as I have always been interested in politics and being raised in a Tahltan family full of very politically active aunties encouraged my interest. I graduated with a bachelors degree from University of Victoria with a major in Environmental Studies and minor in Political Science. I have served in the Canadian Armed Forces as a regular and reserve member and was awarded the “Canadian Decoration” for with 12 years service.
I have extensive experience working in the aboriginal rights and title sector, I have served as the elected Chairman of the Tahltan Central Council, the spokesperson for the Tahltan nation and I was responsible for the representing the Tahltan nation on the reconciliation of inherent Tahltan rights and title issues.
