by Patricia McDougall

Sliammon First Nation is putting in place a new game plan in the run-up to the Tla’amin Treaty becoming effective in just over one year.

That’s the word from Roy Francis who is the nation’s chief treaty negotiator and president of the Sliammon Development Corporation. Part of the new plan is informing and sharing with membership the variety of services and programs that are available to the community.

It also means the many departments in the nation—from housing and emergency services to education and language—moving into self-government mode outside the Indian Act. Francis said moving towards self-determination means “being bold, being responsible, and being decisive as there is no security living under the Indian Act.”

Currently law making and creating trusts for future generations is underway in preparation for the treaty effective date in the spring of 2016. The focus is on managing finances in a responsible sustainable way.

Treaty lands and resources have increased by 6,000 hectares, 70 kilometers of that are waterfront. There are 120 leases of waterfront property that will generate about $15 million in revenue.

With a land use plan endorsed by the community, business development in forestry, minerals and fisheries will start to create a sustainable future for generations to come, Francis said. Development for minerals, gravel, fisheries, businesses and forestry are underway. A new governance building will be built along with new residential subdivisions.

Sliammon will become the taxation and law making authority through its governance and election laws when treaty comes into effect. The legislative arm will be the law-making body consisting of five executives.

All these things are parts of the new game plan, said Francis. He added that Sliammon is leading by example, already sharing and networking with other member nations on their own paths to treaty.