On September 30, City of Powell River made history with a precedent-setting decision that demonstrates the special relationship between the city and Tla’amin Nation, according to mayor Dave Formosa.
“This is a first for British Columbia,” said Formosa. “No other municipality has consented to having lands designated as Treaty Settlement Lands (TSL) within their boundaries at the request of an indigenous nation.”
The properties include: A small property on Wharf Street beside Marine Traders; the site of Powell River’s former hospital at the intersection of Arbutus Street and Highway 101; the 245.6 acre Gibsons Beach property; the industrial waterfront in the Catalyst Paper Corporation harbour, the site of Tla'amin’s log dump for its forestry operations.
Tla’amin requested Powell River’s consent in order to have the TSL designation approved by the provincial and federal governments. With that approval, Tla’amin would be government and taxation authority for the properties.
Tla’amin hegus Clint Williams, who attended the council meeting where history was made, said the city had shown courage in following through on its promise of dedicating the land to Tla’amin Nation.
Williams recounted what he described as a long journey for Tla’amin, coming from the Sliammon Indian Band and the evolution into self-government.
“It has been quite an historic journey,” said Williams. “There have been some bumps along the road on the way and we have felt like a third wheel at times. I want people to know we’ve been very patient as the Sliammon Indian Band and the Tla’amin Nation. Having the consent will be taking the next step forward. This has been a long time in the making. We raise our hands to you.”
