TWN has experienced phenomenal growth in the last decade—in assets, revenues, and staffing—and funds a significant portion through own source revenues. We are committed to managing our growing responsibilities cost effectively to provide quality services, with accountability and transparency for our Tsleil-Waututh community.

We have built a new TWN Administration & Health Centre, which is a focal point for community and administrative affairs, to meet the needs of our growing community. And TWN has acquired new lands, in partnership with the Musqueam and Squamish Nations, which will lead to substantial off-reserve development projects.

Our TWN Administration Department provides strategic direction for the nation, offers operational support for Chief and Council, and oversees TWN Communications, Finance, Human Resources (HR) and Justice activities.

Notices for TWN Administration Building, 3178 Alder Court, North Vancouver:

Meeting room rentals – we are currently not renting out boardrooms for external meetings.

 Office space rentals – we currently have no office space available for rent at this time.

Communications

Our role in Communications is to raise awareness and support for Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s strategic goals and aspirations, set out in our Comprehensive Community Plan. Like others, our nation faces a complex, changing environment. Our aim is to share with stakeholders the knowledge that our Tsleil-Waututh Nation:

  • Balances progress and success with strong cultural values
  • Will be here, in our territory, forever, proud of our identity, culture, and contributions
  • Balances stewardship of the lands, water, and environment with sustainable economic development to protect our sacred territory and generate wealth for future generations
  • Seeks government-to-government reconciliation, cooperation with communities, and good relations with our neighbours

Each year, we hold a number of successful community meetings to keep our members up to date. We’re here to respond to community needs with respect, professionalism, and flexibility because members give Council and staff our mandate.

Relationships

Tsleil-Waututh Nation understands that creating a brighter future involves building relationships and working together. The Relationships Team connects Tsleil-Waututh Nation with opportunities that are aligned with the Nation’s values, including cultural and environmental stewardship, health and well-being, and community and business development. Our goal is for Tsleil-Waututh’s relationships to honour past, present and future generations. The Relationships Team connects and develops agreements with other external governments and organizations such as First Nations, crown and local governments, crown corporations, educational institutions, non-profits and the private sector. The team works collaboratively with a diverse variety of stakeholders to maximize opportunities that advance the objectives of the Nation and the groups we are working in partnership with. If your organization is interested in building a relationship with Tsleil-Waututh Nation, please contact us at relationships@twnation.ca.

Finance

Our TWN finance team handles the financial activities of TWN and its other entities (nearly 40 corporations, partnerships, societies, etc.). We employ robust financial management and accounting practices to manage our nation’s wealth and financial records and:

  • Develop TWN’s annual budget and support departmental budgeting
  • Ensure our government’s operations are fiscally responsible
  • Manage property taxation
  • Handle longer-term financial and investment planning
  • Provide financial advice for new community infrastructure and economic development projects
  • Produce accurate, timely financial reports to inform TWN leadership, community members and other stakeholders
  • Prepare for the annual audit
  • Oversee information technology to prevent breaches and protect data security

We conducted a comprehensive review of our financial management system and attained a Financial Management System Certificate from the First Nations Financial Management Board (FNFMB) in 2016, a major achievement for our nation. FNFMB sets industry standards for accountability, transparency and independent decision making. As part of the certification process, we developed a TWN Financial Administration Law and established a Finance and Audit Committee to make recommendations to TWN Council on financial and investment decisions to promote positive financial outcomes.

Human Resources

The Tsleil-Waututh Nation has about 100 staff to deliver all of our programs and services. Human Resources supports all of our departments so the nation can:

  • Recruit and retain skilled employees who best meet TWN business objectives while fostering our vision and culture
  • Provide employment opportunities for members
  • Offer training and professional development to support staff growth and career advancement with the nation
  • Create opportunities for employees to learn about TWN culture and traditions, and provide structure and support for workplace accountability
  • Conduct performance management to track achievement of job goals and expectations
  • Maintain fair, effective HR policies and procedures
  • Ensure policies and practices for a safe work environment are in place, and support employee wellness

Community Safety

Tsleil-Waututh Nation has a Community Safety Manager who is primarily responsible for the safety of Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s members through the administration of criminal justice and emergency management programs and resources. This position supports the planning and delivery of community-based justice programs and supports and maintains emergency management plans, facilitates, exercises, and communicates with key emergency management contacts. The Community Safety Manager works in a collaborative environment within the community as well as with system partners, government, and non-government organizations. Key partnerships within these systems include North Vancouver RCMP, Integrated First Nation Police Unit, North Vancouver Provincial Court, North Shore Community Corrections, North Shore Youth Probation, Vancouver West Parole (Corrections Canada), Emergency Management BC, and the North Shore Emergency Management Office.