Tsleil-Waututh First Nation facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tsleil-Waututh Nation
səlilwətaɬ
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | British Columbia |
| Government | |
| • Body | Chief and Council & Traditional Council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1,865 km2 (720 sq mi) |
| Population
(2018)Enrolled members
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| • Total | 596 |
| Demonym(s) | Tsleil-Wautt |
| Languages | |
| • hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ | Very few |
| • English | All members |
| Time zone | UTC−8 (Pacific Standard Time) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−7 (PDT) |
The Tsleil-Waututh Nation (Halkomelem: səlilwətaɬ) is a First Nations community in British Columbia, Canada. They were once known as the Burrard Indian Band. The Tsleil-Waututh Nation, or TWN, are Coast Salish people.
They speak hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓, which is a dialect of the Halkomelem language. The Tsleil-Waututh are closely related to the Squamish and Musqueam Nations. However, they are separate in their politics and culture. Some of their traditional lands overlap.
The TWN is part of the Naut'sa mawt Tribal Council. This council includes other First Nations governments. These governments are located on the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island, and near Vancouver. As of January 2018, there were almost 600 members. About 287 of them lived on the reserve.
In 2011, a national report called the Community Well Being Index was released. It found that Burrard Inlet 3 was a very successful First Nation community in Canada.
Contents
Meet Famous Tsleil-Waututh Members
Many important people have come from the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. They have made a big difference in their community and beyond.
Chief Dan George: Actor and Advocate
One of the most famous members was Chief Dan George. He was an actor and a strong supporter of Indigenous rights. You might know him from his roles in movies like Little Big Man and The Outlaw Josey Wales. He also played Old Antoine in the TV show Cariboo Country. His family members are still very active in the TWN government and culture today.
Leaders Who Shaped the Nation
- Hereditary Chief John L. George was the longest-serving elected Chief. He helped start the Union of BC Indian Chiefs in 1969. This group was formed to oppose a government policy that would have ended Indian status. He worked hard to protect the TWN's rights to their land and resources.
- Leonard H. George was also an elected Chief. He created Takaya Developments, which helped bring new building projects to the TWN. He also brought the TWN into the BC Treaty Process. This process helps First Nations negotiate their rights with the government. Leonard was Chief Dan George's son and also a successful actor.
The Burrard Canoe Club
The TWN is also well-known for its amazing war canoe racing team. They are called The Burrard Canoe Club. They show great strength and teamwork in their races.
Experience Tsleil-Waututh Culture
The TWN offers ocean canoe tours through Takaya Tours. You can learn about their culture and history on these special trips. You can find out more at Takaya Tours.
Understanding Tsleil-Waututh Reserves
Indian Reserves are special areas of land set aside for First Nations. The Tsleil-Waututh Nation manages these reserves:
- Burrard Inlet 3 (Halkomelem: səlil̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ) is the main reserve. It is on the north shore of Burrard Inlet in North Vancouver. It covers about 108.2 hectares.
- Inlailwatash 4 is about 1 kilometer upstream from the Indian River. It is 19 kilometers north-northeast of Burrard Inlet 3. This reserve is 0.5 hectares.
- Inlailwatash 4A is about 1.3 kilometers upstream from the Indian River. It is also 19 kilometers north-northeast of Burrard Inlet 3. This reserve is 2 hectares.
Important Events and Projects
The Tsleil-Waututh Nation has been involved in many important events and projects.
Youth Documentary: Reds, Whites & the Blues
In 2006, a documentary was made by four Tsleil-Waututh youth. It showed the challenges they faced with the education system. The film was called Reds, Whites & the Blues or Reading, Writing & the Rez. It was a production by CBC Newsworld and CBUT.
Welcoming the World: 2010 Winter Olympics
In 2010, the TWN helped welcome the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. They were part of the Four Host First Nations. This group also included the Musqueam, Squamish, and Lil'wat Nations. This was the first time that Canada recognized the Indigenous nations for the Olympic event. It was also the first time Indigenous land holders were acknowledged by the Olympic committee.
Protecting the Land: Sacred Trust Initiative
The TWN is working to protect their traditional lands and waters. They are against the Trans Mountain Expansion Project. You can learn more about their efforts and scientific reports at the Sacred Trust Initiative website: twnsacredtrust.ca.
See also
