The Tla’amin Constitution came into force on April 5, 2016, the Effective Date of the Tla’amin Final Agreement, marking Tla’amin Nation’s transition from a band under the Indian Act to a self-governing treaty nation.
It reflects who we have always been. Since the beginning of time, Tla’amin has held təms gɩjɛ (lands), ʔayʔajuθəm (language), and taʔəw (teachings) as the foundation of our identity and our inherent right to govern ourselves.
This Constitution is the supreme law of the Tla’amin Nation, subject only to the Tla’amin Final Agreement. Where a Tla’amin Law conflicts with it, the Constitution prevails. It sets out the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, the structure of Tla’amin Government, and the principles of accountability, fairness and transparency that guide our leaders.
Because it holds this place at the top of our legal order, the Constitution can only be changed through a deliberate, citizen-driven process: the Executive Council must call a referendum at least 90 days out, give Eligible Voters three weeks’ written notice, and secure the support of 50 percent plus one of those voting. Any amendment must remain consistent with the Final Agreement.
The Constitution
We are known collectively as the Tla’amin Nation and through this Constitution we declare our sovereignty and jurisdiction. We speak our Tla’amin language and are part of the larger grouping of Coast Salish peoples. Since the beginning of time, Tla’amin people have lived on the lands that the Creator provided for our Ancestors. They lived by a traditional system of governance that has sustained us and our lands and resources for thousands of years. Our society governed all forms of environmental, social and political relations through a sophisticated system of traditional laws, as is our traditional way. It is from this proud history that the Tla’amin Nation derives our inherent right of self-government. With jurisdiction and responsible leadership, we will pursue economic, social and cultural development to sustain and improve the quality of life for present and future generations.