Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Mary Polak released the following statement today in response to the ‘yes’ vote by Tla’amin Nation members regarding the ratification of their treaty:

“I would like to congratulate Tla’amin Nation members and their leadership on achieving a ‘yes’ vote in favour of the Tla’amin Final Agreement. This is a clear sign that the treaty process is alive and well, and a ‘yes’ outcome to the vote helps build momentum in negotiations across B.C.

“Community support is important as we move toward treaty. This vote is a milestone in the journey to a treaty that will bring many benefits to the community and see Tla’amin become a full, self-governing treaty nation.

“Even though there were forces trying to determine the future of the Tla’amin people, the Tla’amin triumphed.

“The Tla’amin Final Agreement will now go to the provincial legislature for ratification and then to the Parliament of Canada to be ratified. It is a historic moment for the people of Tla’amin and for all British Columbians.”

Of 615 community members registered on the Official Voters List, 318 voted in favour of ratification; 235 voted against; 61 eligible voters did not cast a ballot; and there was one spoiled ballot.

A successful vote required 50 per cent plus one of eligible voters on the Official Voters List to vote in favour of ratification.

For more information on treaties in B.C., visit http://www.treaties.gov.bc.ca/.

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Tla’amin becomes the third first nation to ratify a treaty under the BC Treaty Process. The community has been negotiating a final agreement since 1994. Provisions include 8,300 hectares of land and approximately $30 million, as well as self-government.

The vote proceeded today despite attempts by treaty opponents to stop it.

A group that called itself Protectors of Sliammon Sovereignty had blockaded the Sliammon Salish Centre on June 16, preventing community members from voting. The band obtained an injunction preventing protestors from blocking the vote, but the opponents went to BC Supreme Court on Monday, July 9, seeking an injunction to stop today’s vote. A judge denied their request and upheld the injunction stopping the protestors from holding up the vote again.

RCMP were on site all day at the polling station, but everything went smoothly. Opponents of the treaty alledged voting irregulaties and bribery.