Tla’amin Nation Relations

From what I’ve seen, the City of Powell River and Tla’amin Nation have developed a generally positive working relationship. That relationship has grown over many years and provides a strong foundation for us moving forward.

The Community Accord between the City and Tla’amin was first signed in 2003 and renewed in 2018. It recognizes both as distinct governments and commits them to working together with mutual respect. That may sound straightforward, but it represents an important change from how governments and First Nations dealt with one another in the past.

The Community Accord commits the two governments to meeting regularly to maintain open and constructive dialogue. Those meetings help keep conversations and relationships current, so that when issues arise, discussions begin from a place of familiarity rather than between people who only come together when there is a problem.

The City, Tla’amin Nation and qathet Regional District also meet through the C3 process to share information and discuss issues affecting the region as a whole. I would like to see those conversations continue and the relationships grow.

We won’t always agree on every issue. What matters is maintaining open, respectful communication and a willingness to work together. A good relationship needs room for honest disagreement, with both governments able to speak openly, listen carefully and work through their differences.

Relationship-building and transparency with the public are both important. These discussions should help inform the work of each government, while City decisions must remain the responsibility of council through its formal decision-making process. Residents should have opportunities to understand and contribute to matters that affect them, with discussions and decisions held publicly wherever possible.

The future of the former mill site at tiskʷat is one example of why this relationship matters. The site has deep historical and cultural importance to Tla’amin Nation, but its future will also have a major effect on employment, economic development, the environment and the tax base of the entire region. The City shouldn’t try to speak for Tla’amin or direct decisions that belong to the Nation, but it should be prepared to work respectfully with Tla’amin, senior governments and future partners wherever municipal involvement can help produce a positive outcome.

As a councillor, I would approach discussions with Tla’amin Nation with respect, a willingness to listen and a commitment to working together. I would support regular communication between our governments and clear communication with residents about the work being done.

Tla’amin and Powell River are distinct communities with their own governments, histories and priorities, but we share the same region. Our economies, infrastructure, environment and futures are closely connected. Maintaining a strong working relationship benefits both communities.