By Tricia Thomas

Sliammon First Nation members voted ‘yes’ on the proposed changes to their Tla’amin Constitution at the end of May. Early voting took place in Vancouver on Saturday, May 23 with an all-day vote at the Salish Centre in Sliammon on Monday, May 25.  Out of 149 members who voted (electronically, by mail or in-person), 110 approved the minor changes.

The proposed updates to the six-year-old constitution that replaces the Indian Act, comes as the nation readies itself for the treaty effective date in April 2016.

The Tla’amin Constitution is the foundation for the Tla’amin Government under Treaty and is considered the highest form of law for all decision-making and policies. Through the Constitution, the Tla’amin Nation declares sovereignty and jurisdiction and governs its own people.

Over several years, input has been received by the Treaty committee who have been working to develop the Constitution to meet all legal standards. Small amendments needed to be incorporated to the Constitution to reflect the conflicts between Tla’amin law and the Constitutional laws.  These proposed changes required a vote by members of the Nation to move them forward.

Go to http://sliammonfirstnation.com/ for more info.