In recent years, months and days, tensions surrounding the word “treaty” in Tla’amin (Sliammon) First Nation have ebbed and flowed like tides that wash against the coastal nation’s stretching shores.
Those tensions culminated with an emotional vote held on Wednesday, July 10. Three hundred and eighteen voted yes while 235 voted no and Tla’amin became the eighth first nation to ratify a treaty under the BC Treaty Commission process. But the tensions didn’t end there. Some consider the treaty to be closure, but others would argue that the process and fallout has opened up a new set of interpersonal problems that cannot be fixed by 8,300 hectares of land, approximately $30 million and self-government.
In a twist of irony, a week-long canoe journey called Pulling Together concluded on the day of the treaty vote. The host community of Tla’amin, however, was pulling apart.
Tla’amin faces resentment between its members as many neighbours, friends and families stand firm on opposite sides of the proverbial fence. Ultimately, everyone wants what is best for Tla’amin—the people of Tla’amin do, the people of Powell River do, the people of British Columbia do. However, everyone carries different values and bears a different outlook on what they believe is the right course of action with regard to a treaty.
With the results of last Wednesday’s vote, the majority has spoken, albeit not by much, but the majority has still spoken. Though opponents may not agree with the decision their opinions still matter and their voices still deserve to ring clear. Respect is important for both sides.
No matter what happens to or around us, we must never compromise our sense of community. In small population centres like Powell River and Tla’amin, this is the glue that holds people together and carries them through difficult times. Surely the past few weeks can be considered as such.
Change isn’t always easy and it won’t come without a price. Things in Tla’amin, or just about anywhere else on earth, aren’t perfect. It’s a matter of looking into the future and figuring out what is best for the long term, all the while understanding the sacrifices and compromises that need to be made.
An old saying says “divide and conquer” but when it comes down to family, division is rarely the answer. In Tla’amin, strong words have been said, tears have been shed and families have been divided. With regard to community, none of that conquers anything. In the end, the Tla’amin people will find their greatest strength not from money or land, but from restoring the respect and loyalty that forms the foundation of their culture.
