Premier Congratulates Tsawwassen First Nation on Landmark Treaty Vote

July 26, 2007

Tsawwassen – Premier Gordon Campbell congratulated the Tsawwassen First Nation for ratifying the first modern day treaty negotiated under the British Columbia treaty process.

“Chief Kim Baird and the entire Tsawwassen First Nation have shown tremendous leadership by taking this historic step forward and ratifying the Final Agreement,” said Premier Campbell. “Tsawwassen First Nation members have worked hard to ensure that the terms of the Final Agreement will help build a brighter future for their community. I commend them and the federal government for the leadership and commitment they are demonstrating by moving this agreement forward.”

“The treaty represents our final break from the Indian Act – through self-government, not assimilation,” said Kim Baird, Chief of the Tsawwassen First Nation. “Independent and self-defining, our government will be recognized as such when we join the Greater Vancouver Regional District, and will finally have access to water as well as autonomy over our land-use planning. We look forward to the real work that lies ahead and implementing our treaty and rebuilding our community.”

On July 20, 23 and 25, Tsawwassen First Nation members voted on the Final Agreement. The ratification process required a positive endorsement from 50 per cent plus one of the members on the registered voters list. Of 187 registered voters, 69.5 per cent voted in favour of the treaty that provides a cash transfer of $13.9 million and a land transfer totalling 724 hectares.

Over the coming months, the Province of British Columbia will introduce Tsawwassen settlement legislation.

“From this historic day, the Tsawwassen First Nation will move forward to close the social and economic gaps that exist between them and other British Columbians,” said Premier Campbell. “The agreement will bring tangible benefits to not only the Tsawwassen but the whole region. All British Columbians will benefit from this empowering decision.”

A treaty will boost confidence for investment in British Columbia and give the Tsawwassen First Nation the opportunity to become economically self-reliant. A treaty will also bring certainty in regards to the use, ownership and management of land and resources. It will provide the Tsawwassen First Nation with the tools to build working relationships with the federal, provincial and local governments.

“Fully informed Tsawwassen members have voted to build a better future for themselves, their children and grandchildren through a treaty,” said Chief Commissioner Steven Point of the Treaty Commission. “We applaud Tsawwassen First Nation for setting its people on a path to becoming self governing and self sufficient. That’s a goal all First Nations share.”

The 358 Coast Salish people who are members of the Tsawwassen Band occupy traditional lands on the Strait of Georgia near the Tsawwassen ferry terminal, about 25 km south of Vancouver.

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