Since the beginning of time, our ancestors lived by a system of governance that sustained our people, our lands, and our waters.
A sophisticated body of law governed every form of environmental, social, and political relationship. It is from this history that Tla’amin Nation draws our inherent right of self-government.
The Tla’amin Treaty restored self-governance and control over parts of our territory. Tla’amin now holds law-making and administrative authority over 8,322 hectares of our lands, set out in our Government Law and carried out by the Tla’amin Government. The Tla’amin Constitution guides the Nation in exercising these authorities in a way that respects Tla’amin culture and taʔow. It requires our government to be open, democratic, and accountable, and to respect the rights and equality of all Tla’amin Citizens.
Tla’amin laws and regulations support the economic, social, and physical development of our community, the protection of our natural and cultural resources, and the administration of our lands and finances. Together, the Treaty, the Constitution, and the laws passed by our elected leadership describe how decisions are made, how leaders are chosen, and how Tla’amin Citizens take part in the life of the Nation.
This page provides an overview of Tla’amin governance and a starting point for learning how our government works.
Our Governance Structure
Tla’amin Nation is governed by an elected leadership model that reflects Tla’amin taʔow and is accountable to Tla’amin Citizens.
The Legislative Assembly
The Legislative Assembly is the law‑making body of Tla’amin Nation. It is composed of nine elected leaders:
- One Hegus (Headperson)
- Eight Legislators
Together, the Legislative Assembly is responsible for:
- Enacting Tla’amin laws and regulations
- Setting overall policy direction
- Approving budgets and major decisions
- Representing the interests of Tla’amin Citizens
Legislative Assembly members are elected by Tla’amin Citizens for fixed terms through a transparent and independent election process.
The Role of the Hegus
The Hegus serves as the head of the Legislative Assembly and is a central leadership role within Tla’amin governance.
The Hegus:
- Acts as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
- Serves as a member of Executive Council
- Represents Tla’amin Nation in official and ceremonial capacities
- Provides leadership in advancing the priorities and well‑being of the Nation
The Hegus is elected directly by Tla’amin Citizens and is accountable to the Nation through law, custom, and community process.
Legislators
The eight Legislators are elected representatives who work collectively to make laws and guide the direction of Tla’amin government.
Legislators:
- Participate in Legislative Assembly meetings
- Debate and vote on laws and resolutions
- Bring forward issues and perspectives from the community
- Serve on Executive Council or committees, where appointed
All Legislators are bound by codes of conduct, conflict‑of‑interest rules, and accountability measures set out in Tla’amin law.
Executive Council
From among the eight Legislators, four are selected to serve on Executive Council, alongside the hegus. Legislators decide who Executive Council members are.
Executive Council functions similarly to a cabinet and is responsible for:
- Overseeing the implementation and enforcement of Tla’amin laws
- Providing direction to administration
- Managing portfolios such as finance, community services, lands and resources, public works, and economic development
- Representing Tla’amin Nation in intergovernmental relations
Executive Council members work collectively and report back to the Legislative Assembly and to Tla’amin Citizens.
Our Leadership
Hegus: John Hackett
Executive Council: Dillon Johnson, Losa Luaifoa, Callum Galligos, Brandon Louie
Legislators: Erik Blaney, Gloria Francis, Brandon Peters, Tanner Timothy
Elections and Terms
Leadership elections are held every four years and are governed by the Tla’amin Election Law.
Key features include:
- Elections administered by an independent Elections Officer
- Secret ballots
- Accessible voting options, including mail‑in and electronic voting
- Clear rules for eligibility, campaigning, and appeals
Elected leaders swear an oath of office before assuming their roles.
The Treaty
The Tla’amin Treaty is a modern treaty between Tla’amin Nation, Canada, and British Columbia. It recognizes Tla’amin’s right to self-government and sets out our authority over lands, resources, governance, and fiscal relationships. Citizens approved the Treaty in 2012, and it came into effect on April 5, 2016. It is organized into chapters covering governance, lands, fisheries, culture and heritage, taxation, and implementation.
Learn more about the Tla’amin Treaty
The Constitution
The Tla’amin Constitution sets out how the Nation exercises its self-government authorities and responsibilities. It requires an open, democratic, and accountable government that respects Tla’amin culture and taʔow and the rights and equality of all Citizens.
Read the Tla’amin Constitution
Laws and regulations
Under the Treaty, Tla’amin Nation has the authority to make its own laws. These laws guide how our government operates and how matters such as lands, citizenship, housing, finances, and community services are managed. We have enacted more than 23 laws and associated regulations to date, all kept in a public registry available for review.
Committees
Committees support Tla’amin governance by providing advice, oversight, and community input in key areas. Members may include elected leaders, Tla’amin Citizens, and people with relevant expertise. The standing committees are the Citizenship Committee, the Culture Committee, the Economic Development Committee, and the Finance Committee. Each has a defined mandate, membership, and meeting schedule.
Learn about committees, roles and membership
General Assembly
General Assemblies are gatherings of Tla’amin Citizens that offer the chance to hear from leadership, review reports, discuss priorities, and give direction to government. They are held regularly and include presentations on finances, programs, and major initiatives. Citizens may bring forward resolutions and recommendations to guide future decision-making.
Learn about the General Assembly
Citizens Census
The Tla’amin Citizens Census helps ensure the Nation has accurate information to support planning, representation, and decision-making. Census information informs community programs, housing, services, and long-term planning. Summaries and reports from recent censuses are available for review.