The Tla’amin People are part of the northernmost Salish people. Since time immemorial, Tla’amin people have lived according to ʔəms taʔow, our ancestral teachings, which guide how we govern ourselves, care for our families, steward our territory, and build relationships with our neighbours. These teachings emphasize integrity, respect, honesty, accountability, sharing, and balance, and they continue to shape who we are today.
Who We Are — Tla’amin People
Our worldview is carried through ʔayʔajuθəm, our language, and through the knowledge of our ƛaχƛaχay (Elders), who are the keepers of our history, laws, and teachings. By listening to and learning from them, we ensure that our ancestral knowledge is passed forward to future generations in ways that remain relevant and alive.
The Tla’amin Nation is self-governing under our modern treaty, which came into effect in 2016. This milestone marked a return to self-government and restored important authorities over our lands, laws, and governance. Today, our elected Legislature and administration work together to serve Tla’amin people living both on and off Tla’amin lands.
We are a growing and resilient Nation. While our history includes periods of profound disruption and hardship, we continue to move forward grounded in our teachings, guided by our people, and committed to a strong future for generations to come.
About the Tla’amin Community
The Tla’amin community is made up of more than 1,200 citizens, with over half of our families living within our main village of t̓išosəm (tee-sho-sum) and across Tla’amin territory. t̓išosəm means “the place where the waters run milky with herring spawn” and is the Tla’amin’s primary community today.
t̓išosəm is the heart of our on-lands community. There are over 300 homes in the community, governance offices, community services, cultural spaces, and infrastructure that support daily life. Over time, the community has grown to include health and wellness services, education and recreation programming, emergency services, and spaces for gathering and ceremony. These services are delivered with the goal of supporting the well-being of Tla’amin people at all stages of life.
The Tla’amin Nation places strong emphasis on caring for children and youth, honouring Elders, supporting families, and ensuring access to education, health, and cultural programming. Language revitalization, cultural renewal, and community connection are ongoing priorities, alongside practical supports that help families thrive.
Our community is also shaped by collaboration. Tla’amin Nation works closely with neighbouring governments, service providers, and partners to address shared challenges and advance opportunities across the region. At the same time, we are committed to strengthening our own capacity and ensuring that decisions affecting our people are guided by Tla’amin teachings and lived experience.
Our Lands and Waters
ʔəms giǰɛ (ums gidje) is the traditional territory of the Tla’amin People. Spanning more than 609,000 hectares of land and water, this territory has sustained Tla’amin life, governance, economy, and spirituality since time immemorial. Our relationship with the land and waters is not only historical, it is active, ongoing, and foundational to who we are as a Nation.
The ocean and river systems are central to Tla’amin conception of, and responsibilities to, the territory. Tla’amin waterways are our highways, providing food and medicine and pathways for travel and commerce.
Through our treaty, which came into effect in 2016, 8,322 hectares of land were transferred back to Tla’amin Nation, alongside important governance authorities. These lands, along with additional parcels acquired by the Nation, form the foundation for rebuilding, restoring, and planning for the future. The treaty provides tools to support housing, economic development, environmental stewardship, and cultural continuity, while addressing the impacts of colonial disruption.
Stewardship of these lands is guided by Tla’amin law, knowledge, and responsibility to future generations. We continue to assert our role as rightful owners and decision-makers throughout our territory, working to restore balance, protect sensitive ecosystems, and ensure that the land continues to sustain life, today and into the future.