TLA-O-QUI-AHT
HA-HOULTHEE/TOFINO, BC,
June 27,
2024 /CNW/ - Today, Chief Councillor Elmer Frank
of Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation; the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree,
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; and representatives from
Parks Canada on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault,
Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced the signing
of the Hisiikcumyin Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines
collaborative efforts and a path forward between the Tla-o-qui-aht
First Nation and the Government of Canada to address community priorities and
advance reconciliation.
The MOU aims to:
- build trust between the Parties
- set a path forward for ongoing discussions and
negotiations
- identify key priorities for negotiation
- establish a clear process for co-developing binding
agreements
Our path to reaching this agreement dates back more than 20
years to 2003 and the initial signing of an agreement between the
Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and the Government of Canada. In that agreement, Canada agreed to transfer two parcels of land.
Subsequently, 86 hectares of land from Pacific Rim National Park
Reserve were transferred, and the community of Ty-Histanis
[ta-yus-taa-nis] was created. But many years later, the transfer of
a second parcel of land remained unfulfilled, and the signing of
today's MOU charts a way forward to honouring our commitment.
The MOU will enable collaboration between Tla-o-qui-aht First
Nation and the Government of Canada on key priorities, including economic
development opportunities, language preservation and
revitalization, addressing housing and infrastructure needs,
self-governance, the recognition and implementation of
Tla-o-qui-aht's title and rights, as well as greater opportunities
for shared benefit, management and stewardship of Pacific Rim
National Park Reserve.
The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation envisions a community where
respect, collaboration and celebration are integral to daily life.
Rooted in the belief that "we are all one"
(His-shuk-nish-tsa-waak), Tla-o-qui-aht's mission focuses on
restoring and promoting traditional values while enhancing services
for all members. Guided by strong administration and governance
that honours their Ha'wiih (Hereditary Chiefs) and natural laws,
the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation aims for a harmonious and prosperous
future.
The co-developed MOU will guide rights-based discussions, help
renew the Nation-to-Nation relationship and advance the First
Nation's vision for self-determination. This agreement exemplifies
Canada's ongoing work to implement
the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples Act Action Plan.
Quotes
"Today's Memorandum of Understanding looks to address past
wrongs and the unfilled commitment of the federal government. This
agreement marks a significant step forward in our path towards
reconciliation and partnership with the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.
By actively supporting their priorities and aspirations, we
acknowledge our shortcomings and are reaffirming our commitment to
upholding our responsibilities. Together, we are working to build a
better future."
The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
"Today's signing event is a step in our journey to building true
Nation-to-Nation relationships. The agreement will lead to greater
economic opportunities and shared management and stewardship of
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. We are hopeful this moves the
Tla-o-qui-aht Nation's people closer to healing from the harm
caused by policies that separated people from ancestral lands,
culture and identity."
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible
for Parks Canada
"We are pleased to be signing the Hisiiscumyin Memorandum of
Understanding with Canada and
thank Minister Anandasangaree for travelling to the Tla-o-qui-aht
Ha-Houlthee to mark this event. This is an important milestone on
our road to reconciliation. Tla-o-qui-aht looks forward to the work
ahead and calls on Canada to work
with us to fulfill longstanding commitments. While there will be
headwinds as we improve our relationship with Canada, we accept these challenges and know
that challenges remind us to bear down and work hard to continue to
find solutions that improve the lives of our children and the lives
of the many Tla-o-qui-aht generations to come."
Chief Councillor Elmer Frank
Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation
Quick facts:
- The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation resides on the West Coast of
Vancouver Island, including Tofino,
British Columbia, and the surrounding area.
- There are 12 Indian reserves (IR), with two residential IRs and
three IRs located within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
- The Tla-o-qui-aht Nation has over 1200 members.
- The Nation speaks a dialect of Nuu-chah-nulth known as Central
Nuu-chah-nulth (Nuučaan̓uɫ).
- The Administration comprises about 50 employees, with ongoing
growth as the Tla-o-qui-aht Nation's lands, economic and local
development expand.
- As a Nation with strong traditions, Tla-o-qui-aht's governance
honours their traditional Ha'wiih (Hereditary Chiefs), providing
services that promote and uphold traditional values for their
members.
Associated links
Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation
Stay connected
Join the conversation about Indigenous Peoples in Canada:
X (Twitter): @GCIndigenous
Facebook: @GCIndigenous
Instagram: @gcindigenous
You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via
RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit
www.cirnac.gc.ca/RSS
SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs
Canada