We are the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, “People of the Inlet.” According to archaeological evidence and our oral history, Tsleil-Waututh people have lived in our traditional territory for thousands of years.
səlilwət (Burrard Inlet) sustains us with food, a place to live, spectacular natural beauty. Our Ancestors travelled throughout the territory, keeping villages in different locations to live wherever seasonal resources were plentiful. Our lands and waters have shaped our culture and will be central to our way of life for generations to come.
We will continue to strengthen the face of səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) on our traditional territory, build capacity within our community, and participate on all levels―social, ecological, cultural, economic―in decision-making within our lands.
We welcome you to learn more about us.
Our Vision
ʔi ct kʷən̓et k̓ʷə xʷəlməxʷaʔɬ štəhi:m ʔiʔ həli ct wə niʔ ʔəw taʔəltal̓xʷ ƛ̓ syəw̓en̓əɬ ct
To maintain our identity as Tsleil-Wautt people, respecting our past and being mindful of our future, sharing a collective vision for a healthy, holistic community in harmony with our surroundings; guided by our spiritual, emotional, mental and physical teachings, thriving in our cultural excellence.
Our Mission
The mission of the Tsleil-Waututh Chief and Council is to provide strong leadership, guidance and support for the greater good of our Nation.
Our Territory
“When the tide went out, the table was set.”
The heart of our community is now centred on səlilwət (Burrard Inlet), between Maplewood Flats and Deep Cove in North Vancouver, but traditional use studies and archaeological evidence show our Ancestors occupied a vast area, about 1,865 square kilometres (190,000 hectares). Our traditional territory encompasses wilderness watersheds northwards to Mount Garibaldi, Coquitlam Lake in the east, and Howe Sound to the west.
This territory was a land of plenty, with abundant fish and game to sustain the Tsleil-Waututh and our neighbours – other First Nations we partnered with through marriage or protocol. We shared resources to provide for all and maintain the area’s abundance.
We never ceded or relinquished our responsibility for this territory, but its resources have been exploited and damaged through industrialization and urbanization. Our Nation holds Indigenous title over what is now a highly urbanized area, which we share with many private and public interests. Our land claim under the treaty process is complex for this reason; nevertheless, we:
- Seek a treaty that prescribes Tsleil-Waututh inclusion in all decisions involving our traditional territory,
- Assert our constitutionally protected Indigenous rights over our traditional territory.
Our birthright and obligation as Tsleil-Waututh people is to care for the lands and waters of our territory to ensure future generations can thrive here.
Culture & Language
Our language is hən̓q̓əmin̓əm. Our name in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm is səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).
Visit our Culture & Language page for further information.
Our Declaration
We are the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation, the People of the Inlet.
We have lived in and along our inlet since time out of mind.
We have been here since the Creator transformed the Wolf into that first
Tsleil-Wautt, and made the Wolf responsible for this land.
We have always been here and we will always be here.
Our people are here to care for our land and water.
It is our obligation and birthright
To be the caretakers and protectors of our Inlet.
Our people descended from powerful hereditary leaders, Waut-salk and Sla-holt.
We know where we come from and we know who we are.
We respect our heritage and nothing can change our history and our truth.
Our people traveled far and wide on our traditional territory.
They paddled our waters and climbed our mountains.
They understood the richness that our traditional territory held.
And in understanding this, they knew our land.
Our ancestors were responsible for the rivers, streams, beaches, and forests of our traditional territory.
Our people knew our land well because it was for the benefit of everyone.
Our Tsleil-Waututh Nation is moving into our future.
Our children and our land are our future.
Our future will bring enough for our children’s children to thrive.
We are looking forward; we are ready to meet the next millennium.
Therefore, be it known far and wide that our Tsleil-Waututh Nation,
The People of the Inlet, are responsible for and belong to our traditional territory.
Let it be known that our Tsleil-Waututh Nation is a Nation unto itself,
Holding traditional territory for its people.
