Tla’amin citizenship is how we formally recognize belonging to our Nation and our shared responsibilities to one another. Citizenship decisions are guided by Tla’amin law and made by the Citizenship Committee, with administrative support from the Citizenship Registrar.
This page explains who can apply, the different pathways to citizenship, timelines, and what to expect once you submit an application.
Who Can Apply
An individual may be eligible for Tla’amin citizenship if they:
- Are of Tla’amin ancestry (or were adopted as a child by someone of Tla’amin ancestry), and
- Have established, or clearly intend to establish, a continuing Tla’amin community connection.
All applications are assessed on the full body of evidence provided. There is no automatic entitlement to citizenship outside the rules set out in Tla’amin law.
Related documents
Citizenship Pathways
Pathway 1: Conditional Membership (most applicants)
Most applicants are first enrolled as Conditional Members. Conditional members do not receive the benefits of citizenship until they are granted full citizenship.
Key timelines
- The waiting period is 3 years, starting on the day you are enrolled as a Conditional Member.
- You may apply for citizenship no earlier than 2 years after the waiting period begins.
- You must apply before the end of the 3-year waiting period.
If you do not apply within this window, your conditional membership ends unless an extension is granted.
Waiting Period Extensions
Extensions are limited and time-sensitive:
- First extension:
- Up to 6 months
- Must be requested at least 20 business days before the 3-year waiting period ends
- Submitted to the Citizenship Registrar
- Second extension:
- One additional 6-month extension
- Must be requested at least 20 business days before the first extension ends
- Submitted to the Citizenship Registrar
- After the waiting period has ended:
- One final 6-month extension may be requested
- Must be submitted within 6 months after the waiting period ended
- Submitted to the Citizenship Committee, with written reasons and supporting documents
Related Documents
Pathway 2: Citizenship Without Conditional Membership (exceptions)
Some individuals may be enrolled directly as Tla’amin Citizens, including:
- Individuals whose parents are both Tla’amin Citizens
- Individuals of Tla’amin ancestry who were members of the Sliammon Indian Band the day before Treaty effective date
- Certain children with one Tla’amin Citizen parent who meet additional requirements
These cases are assessed individually by the Citizenship Committee. Visit the Citizenship Application page to apply.