Tuesday, April 5, will go down in history as the day Tla’amin Nation became self-governing again, but Saturday, April 9, will be forever ingrained in the memory of those who attended two celebration ceremonies.
A morning event at Tla’amin Government House on Klahanie Drive introduced the community to six staggeringly beautiful red cedar poles, created by six different carvers, four of whom are Tla’amin people.
The three welcoming poles depicting father, mother and child symbolize Tla’amin’s openness and acceptance. This has been evident in Tla’amin’s commitment to provide all of its people with the same opportunities, a point hegus Clint Williams reinforced during the divisive treaty process. Whether for or against the treaty, Williams has stressed that all Tla’amin people be treated the same.
Once welcomed, three larger totem poles depict the past, present and future of the Tla’amin people.
A figure on the past pole watches over the grounds while Tla’amin ancestors sit proudly atop the present pole.
The future pole was designed from sketches by students at James Thomson Elementary School and Brooks Secondary School, featuring a thunderbird preparing to take flight, as well as handprints from 10 of the students. Three faces on the future pole represent the culture, spirit and future leaders of Tla’amin.
The pole-raising ceremony, including a blessing of the six carvers, each unveiling one of the poles, was a fitting culmination of over 22 years dedicated to the treaty implementation.
A community celebration followed at Evergreen Theatre in Powell River Recreation Complex and featured speeches, gift exchanges and song and dance.
Williams’ speech was a highlight, bringing those who packed the Evergreen to applause as he spoke of Tla’amin’s accomplishments and optimism for the future.
In reference to the symbolic burning of the Indian Act at 12:01 am on treaty-implementation day, Williams delivered the line of the day, “They said disco was dead, but ‘burn baby, burn’ was on everyone’s mind that night.”
Earlier that day, Williams spoke more poignant words, perfectly encapsulating what self-governance means to Tla’amin.
“The Indian Act did not define us or make us Tla’amin people,” said Williams, “the Indian Act just made us indians.”
Jason Schreurs, publisher/editor
