Tla'amin Becomes Eighth First Nation to Reach a Modern Treaty in the BC Treaty Negotiations Process

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 20, 2014) - On Thursday June 19, 2014 the Tla'amin Final Agreement Act received Royal Assent, the last step in a twenty-year effort by the Tla'amin people to achieve reconciliation and recognition of their rights. This would not have been possible without the hard work of the treaty negotiation teams from Tla'amin, Canada and BC. The BC Treaty Commission acknowledges their commitment on achieving a modern day treaty.

Tla'amin Nation joins the Tsawwassen, the five Maa-Nulth First Nations and Yale in completing final agreements in the BC treaty negotiations process, demonstrating that despite complex challenges, reconciliation with First Nations is achievable. Modern treaties, fairly negotiated and honourably implemented, are an essential step towards a prosperous Canada and the Treaty Commission congratulates the Tla'amin people.

Commissioner Lampert, who spent the past six years working closely with the parties commented, "The BC Treaty Commission is delighted that the final agreement between Tla'amin, Canada and B.C. has been completed. There is still much work ahead for the three parties in preparing for the Effective Date, April 2016. We wish the parties every success during this implementation period."

Quick Facts

• Tla'amin (Sliammon) Nation entered the BC treaty negotiations process in 1994.
• Tla'amin AiP ratified in October 2003, and was signed by the three Principals in December 2003.
• October 2011, Tla'amin Final Agreement was initialled by the three parties.
• Approval was given to the Final Agreement by the Tla'amin Nation in July 2012.
• The BC Legislature unanimously passed the Tla'amin Final Agreement Act in March 2013.
• March 15, 2014, Tla'amin and BC Final Agreement signing ceremony at old village of Tees Kwat.
• April 11, 2014, Tla'amin and Canada signed the Final Agreement in a ceremony in Ottawa.
• June 19, 2014, Tla'amin Final Agreement Act receives Royal Assent.
• Tla'amin Treaty officially takes effect on April 2016.

About the BC Treaty Commission The Treaty Commission is the independent body responsible for overseeing treaty negotiations among the governments of Canada, BC and First Nations in BC. It has three roles: facilitation, funding, and public information and education. Visit www.bctreaty.ca to learn more about the Treaty Commission.