Tlowitsis First Nation Council Geographic Location View Regional Map

Tlowitsis Tribe

Background

Negotiation Status
: Negotiating a comprehensive treaty settlement within the British Columbia Treaty Commission six-stage treaty process.

Negotiation Affiliation
: Negotiating independently with Canada and British Columbia. Not affiliated with a tribal council or treaty group.

Location
: Approximately 100 km northwest of Campbell River, off Vancouver Island. (11 reserves on 201.0 hectares.) Most members live in Campbell River or Alert Bay.

Total band members
:368 (Source: Registered Indian Population by Sex and Residence, April 2007, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada)

Negotiations

In early 2005, the Tlowitsis Tribe withdrew from the Hamatla Treaty Society to pursue negotiations independently within the B.C. treaty process. In June 2005, Tlowitsis’ Statement of Intent was accepted by the B.C. Treaty Commission and the table is about to enter stage 4 of the six-stage process, negotiating an Agreement in Principle.

Other activities

In 2003, the Province signed a management agreement with Hanson Island First Nations, which includes the Tlowitsis Tribe. The agreement ensures these First Nations are involved in future opportunities for the island located near Port McNeill that is highly valued for its recreation and tourism potential.

In December 2005, the Tlowitsis Tribe secured a five-year, $850,000 forest and range agreement with the Province, providing access to 51,275 cubic metres of timber within the Strathcona Timber Supply Area.

In August 2006, Tlowitsis and the Province reached a two-year agreement to help test forest practices in the Central Coast Land and Resource Management Plan area. Under the agreement, the Tlowitsis may harvest up to 41,020 cubic metres of timber as part of a two-year ecosystem-based management (EBM) pilot project. EBM is a new, adaptive management approach that strives to balance healthy ecosystems with a vibrant economy and communities.

Planned meetings

As dates for public meetings are confirmed, they will be publicized through local media and posted on the B.C. Treaty Commission Website Negotiations Calendar.