Members of Tsawwassen First Nation today celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Effective Date of their modern treaty, which restored land ownership and self-government jurisdiction to the Tsawwassen people after years of negotiation.
Tsawwassen members and guests are celebrating in the longhouse with songs, drumming, dancing and other ceremonial activities. As well, dignitaries from treaty partners, other First Nations, regional and municipal governments and business partners were be on hand to witness the event.
The TFN first entered formal treaty negotiations with the federal government and province in 1993, beginning “Stage One” of the six-stage process under the newly-formed B.C. Treaty Commission. A deal was signed in 2009.
“Today, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of our modern treaty, an agreement which has restored our inherent right to self-government after more than a century-and-a-half of colonialism,” said Chief Bryce Williams in a statement. “We are now on the path to achieving our strategic vision of a community that is united, proud, and prospering.”
The TFN notes that in the 10 years since, it’s created strategic partnerships to develop residential, commercial and industrial properties that provides the tax base necessary to fund its ambitious plans.
