Tla’amin (Sliammon) Nation is ushering in a new era as a treaty nation with the construction of its governmental centre soon to be underway.
A ceremonial sod turning on the newly cleared plot of land for the Tla’amin Governance House, adjacent to Klahanie Drive, signified the beginning of the construction phase of the new building. The ceremony was held on Thursday, March 12, followed by a luncheon.
Tla’amin Chief Clint Williams told the crowd at the event there was a tight construction time schedule.
“We are shooting for one year, and the reason we are shooting for one year to have this building built and completed is to welcome in a new era, a new Sliammon,” Williams said. “We are switching gears to the Tla’amin Nation.”
Williams said April 5, 2016 is the effective date of Tla’amin’s treaty with the federal and provincial governments.
“It’s an exciting year coming up,” he said. “Right now, we have this new administration building and we will be building a new standalone sewage system, mid to late summer.”
Williams also said in a year’s time, potentially, there will be 15 new infill lots located behind the administration building.
“Knowing that our housing situation is totally maxed out at this time, our new friends at Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada are looking at the possibility of 15 new infill lots,” Williams said. “For those young families that are wanting to build new homes and make a new start, it is going to be very timely. It will be a new day and a new time for the Sliammon First Nation.”
Eric Magnuson, Regional director general, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada-BC Region, said it was an honour and a pleasure to be on the Tla’amin traditional territory for the ceremony.
“It is a step forward, a new place and a new time,” he said. “It is nice to be standing at an event with the chief and be referred to as a friend. We know our history has been difficult but we are on a path of reconciliation. Recognizing the traditional territories, the right to govern and prosper, is what reconciliation is about.
“There’s a lot going on, a lot to be proud of and I think you are going to have a fantastic future here. I’ve seen the design for what you are building. I’m really looking forward to seeing it when it’s completed. I am impressed with the strength, vision and leadership of this nation. As members, you’re all part of that.”
City of Powell River Mayor Dave Formosa said it was an honour to be at the event and an honour to escort Dr. Elsie Paul, Tla’amin elder, to her prayer and to her shovel. Formosa said his history with the first nation goes back many years with the Sliammon Development Corporation. He became a director and he said it was the best thing that ever happened for his relationship with his friends that he grew up with in Powell River at Assumption School.
“It brought everything together,” he said. “It was great to watch the treaty, the economic development and the government evolve to where it is now,” he said. “I was lucky and honoured to get a Sliammon traditional name.
“What Sliammon has in store for this whole region makes us all stronger and we all prosper together. We have a difference here and there but we work them through. We are all friends.”
Dr. Elsie Paul, who said a prayer before the sod turning, recognized all of the Tla’amin councillors and first nation members, guests and visitors in attendance.
“I thank you all for coming to help us with this special day for this new venture that we are going into,” she said, speaking alternately in the Tla’amin language and English. “I’m so proud of our nation for how far it has come. This building is going to be really important to our nation. I’m looking forward to it. My prayer is that all goes well and that this building, that is going to be placed here, will be put to good use on this special place; our land here.”
For artist renderings of the proposed new building, click here.
