Tla’amin Nation Chief and British Columbia Premier Approve Memorandum for Tis’kwat Site

In the presence of a large crowd, Tla’amin Nation Chief John Hackett and British Columbia Premier David Eby officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at fostering cooperative stewardship and promoting mutually beneficial economic development for Tis’kwat, the historical settlement of the Tla’amin people.

Eby emphasized that the ceremony symbolized a renewed commitment between the Tla’amin Nation and the province of British Columbia, with the shared goal of addressing historical injustices and working together toward a better future.

“The Tis’kwat village site is so central to the Tla’amin people, and the injustice that was done, when the village site was taken, when the river was dammed, when the salmon disappeared, and when others took the economic benefit, left Tla’amin out,” said Eby. “For generations, the Tla’amin people have tried to grapple with that loss, which was profoundly wrong.”

“Our goal here today, of the provincial government, is to pledge to work in partnership with Tla’amin Nation to address that wrong. The title of the memorandum of understanding is: we are going to take care of Tis’kwat. We will take care of the site together.”

Eby emphasized that this commitment aligns with the provincial government’s acknowledgment that traditional approaches, like legal disputes and division, are not conducive to the progress of the province.

“Our whole province is going to benefit from this important work that we are doing,” said Eby. “Today is an important day, but it’s just the first day of many days to come of hard work.”

Hackett mentioned that the leader of Tis’kwat had staged a protest at the Tis’kwat site back in 1878. He further noted that Tla’amin is actively seeking ownership of the site.

“We believe, truly, that local ownership of Tis’kwat makes sense,” said Hackett. “Why? Because we have always been here and always will be here. We will always be accountable to this place – our ancestors, our future generations and our neighbours.”

“While it’s early days, I can say we are planning for a dynamic range of economic activities at Tis’kwat – activities that take advantage of the site’s unique attributes, to establish and grow low carbon, environmentally appropriate businesses and jobs. These activities are consistent with the Tla’amin commitment to long-term stewardship of the site.”

Hackett mentioned that Tla’amin is presently engaged in ongoing discussions with business partners to explore opportunities in clean fuel production, the development of value-added forest products, and land-based salmon aquaculture.

Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons, who presided over the event, emphasized that the members of the Tla’amin Nation have remained steadfast in their commitment to Tis’kwat.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be valid for two years starting from the signing date of October 27, and the involved parties will convene prior to its expiration to explore the possibility of an extension.

Paper Excellence Canada, the owner of the Catalyst Paper Tis’kwat mill site, released the following statement: “Paper Excellence Canada extends its congratulations to the Tla’amin Nation and the Government of British Columbia on the momentous MOU signing. The company acknowledges the significant historical and contemporary social, cultural, and economic importance of Tis’kwat to the Tla’amin Nation as a former village site.”

In response to inquiries from The Peak following the MOU signing ceremony, both Hackett and Eby affirmed that the MOU represents a significant step in the process of reconciliation.