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Another historic event took place at Tsawwassen First Nation on Feb. 1 as the TFN Legislature sat for the first time.
After a meal together, the first members of the Tsawwassen Legislative Assembly gathered for the inaugural meeting that was mainly ceremonial.
 But after a feather made its way around the table and short comments were made, Chief Kim Baird used the occasion to talk with the legislators about the job ahead.
“We have done much, but there is so much to do… we have to remember that we have more than a century of colonization to overcome.
“We must be true to our own views and also welcome diverse views. We must remember that the first fundamental agreement to the community is loyalty to its members and we must try to remain loyal to the collective.
“It is all up to us to try to make the community what we want it to be. I believe we are more than capable of doing this. In fact, no one else can do it for us.
“I challenge all of you to come with a ‘can do’ attitude and focus on where we should go, not where we have been.
“We have to let our staff manage administration while we concern ourselves with governing.”
The chief ended her comments with a warning that a frantic pace of change might not be for the best.
“We have so many new things to put in place it seems hard to believe that we will have stability in the near future and have time to assess what doesn’t work.”
Others will be watching
Regional Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould from the Assembly of First Nations was also on hand to congratulate the Tsawwassen people for the treaty that was achieved last April.
 She said she was honoured and humbled to be the first guest speaker before the legislature: “An event marking the end of a long chapter”.
The regional chief said that she had attended many of the negotiation sessions leading up to the final treaty. She credited the TFN negotiators “who handled the many difficult issues with dignity and knowledge”.
She said that while the treaty process impressed her, she was even more inspired to be with the law-making body that was a consequence of the treaty. “It is one thing to negotiate… it is really quite something to actually establish and implement a government.
“The decisions that you make here, in this place, will affect your daily life and guide your future. And that is exciting. At the birth of a new government, all citizens – young and old – have an increased role to play ensuring that the systems and structures that are put in place do, in fact, meet your needs.
“All governments evolve, and yours is no different. It is important that, as you test new ideas and push the bounds of First Nations government, you remain open to change and the inevitable evolution that will be driven by your members’ desires and needs.
Chief Wilson-Raybould remembered Effective Day last spring when TWN passed “an ambitious and far-reaching legislative package”…comprehensive and inclusive and set an example for all First Nations.
“Your laws will be tested on the ground and in your courts. Do not be afraid of the process. It is a fundamental practice of good governance.
She said that as TFN develops “others will be watching as you move past and exit this colonial world.
“At times, the work ahead may seem daunting… But it is truly a time for First Nations people… it is a time of change and change is here.
Three year terms
 The 12-member Legislative Assembly was elected to their three-year terms in September.
The four legislators with the highest number of votes make up an executive council that manages the day-to-day operations and debates proposed regulations under Tsawwassen Law.
The executive councillors are: Laura Cassidy, Andrea Jacobs, Marvin Joe and Bryce Williams.
Eight others were elected as members of the TFN Legislative Assembly. They include Ken Baird, Sheila Williams, Tony Jacobs, Loretta Williams, Louise Ahlm, Kathy Genge, Andrew Bak and Nikki Jacobs.
The assembly’s responsibilities include meeting for debates, considering and enacting Tsawwassen Laws and passing the annual budget.
Legislature notes
- Tony Jacobs was elected the first Squiqel or speaker of the TFN Legislature.
- Another item of business attended to during the first session was adoption of the Legislature Rules and Procedures Manual.
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The 2010 Winter Olympic Games torch traveled through the Nations of Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council since late October when it visited T’Sou-ke, Stz’uminus and Snuneymuxw. After its journey across Canada, it returned to the Salish Sea, visiting Sliammon, Tsawwassen and Tsleil-Waututh in the days before the Games began.
Perhaps Chief Justin George said it best: “This is such a moment. It is time for Canada to unite and come together. That’s what the Olympic Games are all about.”
“It is our time to show our capabilities and who we are,” said Chief George. "We are canoe people. This is all about paddling together, with one heart, one mind, one spirit.
But perhaps more important than the money was the prominence the nations received in the lead-up to the Games. Leaders figured in many of the major announcements by VANOC. Coast Salish symbols seemed to be everywhere.
One of the most memorable images of the 2010 Games – at least for those of us in the Coast Salish family – were the people from the Four Host Nations gathered by the four welcoming figures around the huge drum during the opening ceremonies.
Later, four others from TWN appeared, all wearing white, in the wintry performance. They were Charlene Aleck, Jordan Gallie, Sarah Thomas and Elder Leonard George.
“Growing up, my family had a sailboat so I spent a lot of time travelling,” Kirstin said. “It has greatly influenced who I am today. After graduating high school, I moved to Dawson Creek, but it did not take too long for me to realise there is nothing as beautiful as the coast of BC.