In a landmark agreement, Tla’amin Nation is set to reacquire 120 acres at tiskwat, the site of a former village and historic mill.
The move comes 146 years after the lands were illegally sold through the 1878 alienation of Lot 450 and follows a year of negotiations after the federal government accepted Tla’amin’s specific claim for the lot.
On December 27, 2024, Tla’amin Nation and Domtar initialed an Asset Purchase Agreement (APA), starting a 60-day review period. The agreement includes 16 parcels of primarily riverfront and oceanfront lands but excludes the dam, encumbered by a bare land trust between Domtar and Brookfield Power. This milestone represents significant progress toward economic, cultural, and environmental reconciliation.
“This agreement is a step in the right direction for us to regain our rightful place at tiskwat,” said Hegus John Hackett. “We will continue to work with Domtar and Brookfield to protect Tla’amin archaeological and stewardship interests across the site.”
Domtar’s Lana Wilhelm, Director of Indigenous Relations, added, “The entire Domtar team is deeply committed to working with the Tla’amin Nation to do the right thing.”
Overwhelming support was demonstrated during a yearlong public engagement process. An impressive 94% of Tla’amin citizens backed the reacquisition, with youth support at 97%. Concerns about the site’s environmental legacy, expressed by 98%, are addressed within the agreement.
The reacquisition aligns with Tla’amin Management Services LP’s (TMSLP) vision for sustainable development. Plans include leveraging the lands for employment opportunities, revenue generation, and initiatives benefiting Tla’amin citizens and the qathet region.
The APA and business plan will be reviewed by Tla’amin’s Finance and Economic Development Committees before final approval by the Executive Council. A second round of citizen engagement is planned for January 2025, with sessions for elders, youth, and the general community.
The reacquisition of tiskwat is more than a land transfer; it addresses historical injustices. Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, praised the initiative: “This milestone demonstrates the power of collaboration to create social, cultural, and economic benefits for Indigenous communities and the province.”
As Tla’amin Nation embarks on this journey, their leadership in reconciliation and sustainable development sets an example for communities across Canada.
