Who We Are

Chiefs Steering Committee on Technical Services

The First Nations Technical Services Advisory Group (TSAG) was established in 1996 by Treaty Chiefs as a not-for-profit group to serve First Nations in Treaty 6, 7 and 8 across Alberta. Its purpose was, and continues to be, an organization created by First Nations to support the interests and needs of First Nations, with Chiefs and Technicians working together to address issues such as water, housing, health, education and infrastructure.

The mandate of the Chiefs Steering Committee on Technical Services is to provide oversight and direct TSAG programs and service delivery, holding the organization accountable to their values and operating principles. Starting in October 2022, the Chiefs Steering Committee has taken the lead in exploring the organizational, community, legal and political impacts of the Indigenous Services Act 2019 and Bill C-61 First Nations Clean Water Act.

Guided by our Elders & Knowledge Holders

As the carriers of ancestral wisdom and traditional teachings, Elders and Knowledge Holders provide the spiritual, cultural, and historical context necessary to understand the deep relationship between our people and water. Their guidance ensures that Chiefs approach the protection of our Treaty rights with humility, respect, and a vision rooted in traditional law, and our worldviews.

Their role in supporting Chiefs in the fight to protect Treaty rights and water is foundational, as they offer a deep understanding of natural law, oral histories, and the sacred agreements between Treaty Nations and the Crown. These agreements were not merely legal documents but spiritual covenants that reflect a shared commitment to stewardship of the land and its resources.

Their guidance ensures that advocacy for Treaty rights and its protection is not solely a legal battle but also a deeply spiritual act of honouring the Creator’s gifts and the responsibilities passed down through generations.

Elders Mission Statements

Guiding Principles

The Creator made our people and all living and non-living things, including water as our Relation/Kin, in harmony with the Laws of Mother Earth.

Protection of Treaty rights, to live without interference and assurance of our social and economic advancement.

Honour of the Crown is expected along with good faith dealings in line with the special relationship between, and obligations of, the Nations who entered into Treaty.

Reciprocity between Treaty-Crown partners to recognize Treaty Nations and the continuing Treaty making powers within the Treaty territories, as well as with other governments and key stakeholders for collaboration and partnerships.

Stewardship/Ownership of water (above/below) and asserting inherent jurisdiction, under Treaty for “as long as the sun shines, the grass grows and the waters flow.”

Establishing our own processes regarding water in line with the Inherent Right to self-determination and as demonstrated by Treaty making.

Respect and Recognition and building partnerships, under Treaty, to understand and not interfere with one another.