The negotiation and implementation of modern treaties and self-government agreements is key to building renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-government relationships with Indigenous peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership.

“I would like to offer heartfelt congratulations to Chief Bryce Williams and the Tsawwassen people as they celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date of the Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement. It has been my pleasure to witness the Tsawwassen First Nation rapidly build on past economic successes and build partnerships to support the health and prosperity of their people. I look forward to the next 10 years.”

Marc Miller
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

“Today we celebrate an important anniversary in our community; one that is key to building stronger relationships with Indigenous peoples of the Tsawwassen First Nation based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership. Over the past decade, this Treaty has allowed for a renewed relationship between government and the Tsawwassen First Nation that has allowed our small community in the Lower Mainland to grow, collaborate and prosper. Our federal government is committed to continue walking the path of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in both partnership and in friendship.”

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough
Member of Parliament for Delta

“I offer my congratulations to the Chief and people of the Tsawwassen First Nation on this very significant milestone. History was made 10 years ago, showing us all that a treaty is not the final destination, but rather the foundation for a new relationship that grows and flourishes over time and brings us another important step forward on our path to reconciliation.”

The Honourable Scott Fraser,
British Columbia Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

“Today, we the people of Tsawwassen First Nation, celebrate our Treaty as the document which provided us with a return to self-government. It has provided the power, clarity and certainty to lay the groundwork for prosperity and well-being. We will continue working with our partners, including the province of British Columbia and the government of Canada, toward fulfilling the spirit and intent at the heart of our Treaty, which is to help our people thrive and prosper.”

Chief Bryce Williams
Tsawwassen First Nation

• The TFN Final Agreement is BC’s first modern urban treaty and the first treaty completed under the British Columbia Treaty Commission.

• The governments of Canada, BC, and TFN are partners in the Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement (the Treaty), which comprises a land claim and self-government agreement.

• The Treaty came into force on the Effective Date of April 3, 2009.

• The Final Agreement provides for the transfer of over 724 hectares of land previously held either by Canada or the Province of BC; the resolution of the First Nation’s title claim over its 10,000 square kilometer traditional territory and the retention of hunting, fishing, and gathering rights in that territory;  and self-government provisions, including jurisdiction over land management, and aspects of health care, education, post-secondary education, social assistance, and child and family services.

Associated links

• Tsawwassen First Nation
• BC Treaty Commission
• Province of British Columbia News Release

For more information, media may contact:

Matthew Dillon-Leitch
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
819-997-0002

Media Relations
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
819-934-2302
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@canada.ca

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