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Tla'Amin voters ratify constitution
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Document lays foundation for self-government
by Laura Walz | editor@prpeak.com
A majority of Tla’Amin (Sliammon) First Nation members have approved a constitution, paving the way toward a final treaty agreement.
The constitution is based on the traditional teachings of Tla’Amin elders and forms the basis for a democratically accountable Tla’Amin government. It includes a process for enacting laws, a system of financial administration and conflict-of-interest rules.
Of 492 eligible voters, 273 voted in favour of the document, which translates into 55.4 per cent voting in favour of ratification. A successful vote required 50 per cent plus one of those on the official voters list to vote yes. Eligible voters cast ballots in Vancouver on October 22 and in Tla’Amin on October 24.
“This is a major victory for Tla’Amin,” said Chief Clint Williams. “The vote on a final treaty is yet to come and there is still a lot of work in front of us. Today our community signalled it is ready for a new era of self-government and opportunity.”
The constitution was developed over many months in consultation with Tla’Amin members, said Roy Francis, Tla’Amin chief negotiator. “The constitution reflects the vision and values that Tla’Amin people embrace,” he said. “It defines who we are—true not only to our history and traditions, but also to our place in the modern world.”
George Abbott, BC minister of aboriginal relations and reconciliation, congratulated Tla’Amin on the successful vote. “This document is based on Tla’Amin historical teachings and will form the democratic cornerstone of the relationship between the Tla’Amin people and their government in the future,” he said. “Community support is essential as we move toward treaty.”
The only outstanding chapter left to be negotiated in the final treaty agreement is the fishery chapter. For two years Canada has refused to negotiate fishery provisions, a delay which is costing the band $1 million a year.
Tla’Amin has been in treaty negotiations with Canada and BC since 1994. It has borrowed almost $9 million for the treaty process.
“While we celebrate today’s victory, we are not distracted from the challenges that lie ahead,” said Williams. “This vote is a clear message to Canada. Tla’Amin people are prepared to take the next step toward a brighter future for Tla’Amin and all Canadians, but our patience has its limits. If Canada is sincere in its spoken commitment to reconciliation, it will not impose any more delays on the Tla’Amin people.”
The constitution is based on the traditional teachings of Tla’Amin elders and forms the basis for a democratically accountable Tla’Amin government. It includes a process for enacting laws, a system of financial administration and conflict-of-interest rules.
Of 492 eligible voters, 273 voted in favour of the document, which translates into 55.4 per cent voting in favour of ratification. A successful vote required 50 per cent plus one of those on the official voters list to vote yes. Eligible voters cast ballots in Vancouver on October 22 and in Tla’Amin on October 24.
“This is a major victory for Tla’Amin,” said Chief Clint Williams. “The vote on a final treaty is yet to come and there is still a lot of work in front of us. Today our community signalled it is ready for a new era of self-government and opportunity.”
The constitution was developed over many months in consultation with Tla’Amin members, said Roy Francis, Tla’Amin chief negotiator. “The constitution reflects the vision and values that Tla’Amin people embrace,” he said. “It defines who we are—true not only to our history and traditions, but also to our place in the modern world.”
George Abbott, BC minister of aboriginal relations and reconciliation, congratulated Tla’Amin on the successful vote. “This document is based on Tla’Amin historical teachings and will form the democratic cornerstone of the relationship between the Tla’Amin people and their government in the future,” he said. “Community support is essential as we move toward treaty.”
The only outstanding chapter left to be negotiated in the final treaty agreement is the fishery chapter. For two years Canada has refused to negotiate fishery provisions, a delay which is costing the band $1 million a year.
Tla’Amin has been in treaty negotiations with Canada and BC since 1994. It has borrowed almost $9 million for the treaty process.
“While we celebrate today’s victory, we are not distracted from the challenges that lie ahead,” said Williams. “This vote is a clear message to Canada. Tla’Amin people are prepared to take the next step toward a brighter future for Tla’Amin and all Canadians, but our patience has its limits. If Canada is sincere in its spoken commitment to reconciliation, it will not impose any more delays on the Tla’Amin people.”
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