An excerpt from an editorial entitled ‘Welcome to Tla’amin’ that appeared in the Jan. 6 edition of the Powell River Peak newspaper. The Tla’amin treaty takes effect on April 5 this year.

The upcoming treaty will not even come close to solving all the problems Tla’amin Nation still faces. There is still much healing to do from over a century of oppression, and an even longer history of genocide against First Nations peoples, but a treaty is a step in the right direction and will hopefully begin a stronger relationship with government and City of Powell River.

Autonomy is an empowering tool and there is no doubt Tla’amin Nation will use it to strengthen itself in all areas, including infrastructure, finances and community programs.

Residents of the area who do not belong to the nation can support its efforts by trusting and encouraging the treaty-implementation process while recognizing and validating Tla’amin’s independence.