On Saturday, March 15, the Tla’amin Nation hosted a powerful Final Agreement signing ceremony. The Tla’amin Final Agreement is the culmination of 20 years of hard work and negotiations and signals a new era of independence for the Tla’amin people.
Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor Jeff Cook (pictured) attended, along with HFN Councillor Jack Cook. They were joined by two other signatories of the Maa-Nulth Treaty at the celebration: Chief Anne Mack from Toquaht First Nation and Chief Francis Gillette from Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations.
The BC Treaty Commission was among those present in Powell River, BC for the signing ceremony. Commissioner Jerry Lampert emceed the event. Also present were his colleagues Commissioner Dan Smith and Director of Communications, Brenna Latimer.
The celebration took place at the old village of Tees Kwat. Numerous Tla’amin citizens attended. John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation attended on behalf of the provincial government. Also attending were representatives of the federal government, the First Nations Summit, and the BC Assembly of First Nations, and chiefs from neighboring First Nations.
You can learn more about the Final Agreement and treaty process HERE.