Tsawwassen First Nation is in the process of incorporating 11 parcels near Brunswick Point, bringing land already owned by the Nation fully under its jurisdiction.
The 11 parcels — totalling about 173 acres or 70 hectares, are currently within the boundaries of the City of Delta adjacent to TFN’s treaty lands. The plots are part of the specified lands near Brunswick Point that were historically governed by the nation prior to colonization which can be acquired and incorporated by TFN under the agreement it signed with the federal and provincial governments in 2009.
In accordance with the Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement, TFN provided formal notice to the Government of Canada, the Government of British Columbia, Metro Vancouver and the City of Delta on Tuesday, April 23, that it wished to proceed with incorporating the lands of Brunswick Point.
“The incorporation of these lands demonstrates how treaty implementation can be an effective means of reconciliation,” states a TFN press release, noting Brunswick Point is deeply rooted in the history, culture and heritage of the Nation and “continues to connect the Tsawwassen peoples to our ancestors, stories, lands and waters that sustain our community and life.”
“The Tsawwassen people have lived and governed these lands since time immemorial. As šxʷkʷecxənəm, which in our language means “lookout” or stewards, it is very important for the Nation to provide stewardship of these lands, to exercise our established treaty rights, and to maintain our connection to the land and culture, which is at the heart of who we are,” Chief sxʷamisaat Laura Cassidy said in a press release Thursday.
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Following the incorporation of the parcels, Tsawwassen First Nation will assume jurisdiction over the land, including property taxation, bylaws and regulations, however all 11 parcels will remain part of B.C.’s Agriculture Land Reserve.
Thursday’s press release states TFN is working with the current lessees of the parcels and “looks forward to establishing long-term relationships rooted in shared values around food security and sustainability,” noting discussions are underway with the City of Delta to ensure servicing is unhindered and unchanged by the transition.
“Brunswick Point lands play a significant role in the Tsawwassen First Nation’s history, culture, and heritage. We are committed to reconciliation and will continue to foster and collaborate with Tsawwassen First Nation to support this important milestone. We believe that through respectful cooperation, we can ensure a smooth transition for residents and strengthen our relationship with the Tsawwassen First Nation,” Delta Mayor George Harvie said in a press release.
With formal notice of TFN’s intention to incorporate the parcels served, the City of Delta, Metro Vancouver and the provincial and federal governments have 150 days to confirm and adjust TFN’s boundaries.
While the process plays out, TFN says it will continue to work with the city and representatives from the provincial and federal governments to “support these steps towards reconciliation.”
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