Recent Developments
For some time after the Klondyke Gold Rush in 1898, Telegraph
Creek continued to be an important supply centre for isolated
northern settlements due to its location. During the summers
supplies would be brought up to Telegraph Creek where they
would then be distributed to other settlements such as Dease
Lake. As well, trapping continued to be an important means
of economic activity for many Tahltan families at this time,
as well as work in some trading stores and acting as guides
for hunters. Since this time, though, Telegraph Creek slowly
became less important as a main centre.
After the World War II such developments as the Alaska
highway led to many other towns and villages springing up
in the north, and provided employment which lured many young
Tahltan men away from their traditional homes. Another large
change was Government Legislation which forced the Tahltan
people to permanently settle in Telegraph Creek and for
Tahltan children to regularly attend school. The Stikine
River became a focus for fishing activities, since several
outlying villages and camps were for the most part abandoned.
The introduction of technologies such as canning food and
fishing nets (instead of weirs or traps) led to further
change in the traditional Tahltan way of life.
The north continued to be a hotbed of exploration activity.
In the 1950's surveying and mapping of the north was followed
by mining exploration. Employment was created in the region
by the Cassiar asbestos mine as well as by the construction
of a gravel highway connecting it with Stewart (300 miles
south). This development led to the ending of river boats
coming up the Stikine in 1972, and has eased the isolation
of winter in the area because of the accessibility of vehicles
bringing supplies by road.
Life changed significantly for the Tahltan people over
the years with the introduction of technology ranging from
vehicles to satellite dishes. However the Tahltan people
are currently working hard at maintaining their culture,
including elements such as traditional dance and the instruction
of the Tahltan language for elementary school students.
Telegraph Creek currently has a population of about 450
people and Dease Lake has about 700 people, with Dease Lake
currently acting as the Government and supply centre to
the area due to its centrality.
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