Tsawwassen Lands facts for kids

The Tsawwassen Lands are a special area of land in British Columbia, Canada. This land is managed by the Tsawwassen First Nation, which is one of Canada's Indigenous peoples. The Tsawwassen Lands are located right next to the causeway that leads to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. To the south, you'll find the Canada–United States border, and to the north is Canoe Pass, which is part of the Fraser River.

The Tsawwassen First Nation uses these lands for different purposes. For example, they run a park-and-ride service for people taking the ferry. There's also a neighborhood called Tsatsu Shores, where people who are not members of the First Nation live. This area is just south of the ferry causeway. The Tsawwassen Lands cover about 662 hectares (which is about 1,636 acres).

The large shopping center called Tsawwassen Mills mall is also located within these lands.

What are the Tsawwassen Lands?

The Tsawwassen Lands are the home and territory of the Tsawwassen First Nation. For a long time, this land was known as an "Indian Reserve." In Canada, reserves were specific areas of land set aside for First Nations by the government.

A New Agreement: The Tsawwassen Treaty

On April 3, 2009, something very important happened for the Tsawwassen First Nation. A special agreement called the Tsawwassen Treaty became official. A treaty is like a big, formal agreement between different groups, often governments or nations.

This treaty changed the status of the Tsawwassen Lands. Before the treaty, the land was a "reserve." After the treaty, it became "fee-simple land holdings." This means the Tsawwassen First Nation now owns the land in a way that is similar to how other people or groups own private property. They have more control and ownership over their land, which is a big step for their self-governance.

Where are the Tsawwassen Lands?

The Tsawwassen Lands are located in a very interesting spot in British Columbia. They are in the Metro Vancouver Regional District, close to the city of Delta, British Columbia.

• Next to the Ferry Terminal: The lands are right beside the road that leads to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. This terminal is a busy place where ferries leave for Vancouver Island and other places.
• Near the Border: If you go south from the Tsawwassen Lands, you will reach the border between Canada and the United States.
• Close to the Fraser River: To the north, the lands are bordered by Canoe Pass. This is a branch of the mighty Fraser River, one of British Columbia's most important rivers.

What Happens on the Tsawwassen Lands?

The Tsawwassen Lands are a lively place with different activities and developments.

Shopping and Services

• Tsawwassen Mills Mall: One of the biggest and most popular places on the lands is the Tsawwassen Mills shopping mall. It has many stores and attracts visitors from all over the region.
• Ferry Park-and-Ride: The First Nation operates a convenient park-and-ride service. This allows people who are taking the ferry to park their cars and then walk onto the ferry, which can save them time and money.

Homes and Community

• Tsatsu Shores: There is a residential area called Tsatsu Shores. This is a place where people who are not members of the Tsawwassen First Nation can live. It's located just south of the ferry causeway.

These developments help the Tsawwassen First Nation create jobs and build a strong community on their lands.