Legislation was introduced today in the House of Commons to ratify the Tla’amin Final Agreement, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to find common solutions through negotiation and move forward together in a spirit of partnership and reconciliation. With unanimous support from all parties, the bill was passed at all stages in the House of Commons.

The Tla’amin Final Agreement is the fourth final agreement to be reached under the British Columbia treaty process, and gives the First Nation more control over land and resources, as well as self-government over their lands, resources and members. Once in effect, the Tla’amin Final Agreement will provide certainty with respect to the Tla’amin Nation’s Aboriginal rights, including title, providing economic benefits to the First Nation.

Quick facts

• The Tla’amin Nation, also known as the Sliammon First Nation, entered the British Columbia treaty process in May 1994. The Final Agreement was ratified by Tla’amin members through a community vote on July 10, 2012. On March 14, 2013, the Tla’amin Final Agreement Act, British Columbia’s legislation ratifying the Final Agreement, received Royal Assent. The signing of the Tla’amin Final Agreement by the three parties was completed on April 11, 2014 when, on behalf of Canada, Minister Valcourt signed the Final Agreement.
• The Tla’amin Nation is located on the northeast coast of the Strait of Georgia, 130 km northwest of Vancouver, BC. The Tla’amin Nation has approximately 1000 members, 60 percent of whom live on reserve just north of Powell River, BC. The First Nation’s claimed traditional territory covers 609,000 hectares.
• Since 1973, across Canada 26 comprehensive land claims and 3 stand-alone self-government agreements have been concluded and are being implemented. Of the 26 concluded claims, 18 include provisions related to self-government.

Quotes

“Once this Final Agreement is in effect, the Tla’amin Nation will benefit from increased control over their own affairs while being removed from significant parts of the Indian Act. Going forward, the Tla’amin Nation will have certainty over the ownership of land and resources, the ability to create new investment opportunities and ultimately, to make decisions determining their economic future. The British Columbia treaty process is delivering results, and our government will continue to work with First Nations in British Columbia to conclude treaties in the best interests of all Canadians.”

- Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

 

“The signing of the Tla'amin Final Agreement and its introduction into Parliament marks a historic milestone for the Tla'amin Nation. It honors our connection to our lands and history, and it begins our movement out from under the Indian Act.”

- Chief Clint Williams, Sliammon First Nation