Tsawwassen First Nation
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2023-04 to 2024-03)
Reporting Period: 2023-04 to 2024-03
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Sustainability
- Treaty Implementation
- Community Development
- Cultural Revitalization
- Economic Development
Environmental Achievements
- Completed Phase 2 of the xʷəliw̓ənstəxʷ ct k̓ʷə syaləxʷec (Honouring Our Ancestors) Sustainability Charter, funded by a $100,000 grant.
- Expanded the cə̓lisələm (TFN Community Farm) infrastructure with a cold storage structure and a new greenhouse.
- Conducted a Tsawwassen Marshland Project baseline study funded by the VFPA to improve juvenile salmon habitat.
Social Achievements
- Welcomed families into the new čitməxʷʔelə (Owl Nest) 36-unit rental complex.
- Supported Members building and renovating homes on Lands.
- Expanded the Leasehold Resident Advisory Committee to 12 members.
- Hosted several events open to leasehold residents and the public, such as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls event and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event.
- Participated in the Tribal Canoe Journey as a host for the first time in 10 years.
- Provided various programming initiatives, including Wellbriety, Movement as Medicine sessions, and the Women’s Craft and Chat.
- Hosted the first Youth Financial Planning Workshop at the Member’s Gathering Youth Forum.
- Supported eight Members enrolled in the TFN-Simon Fraser University Language Program.
- Provided ongoing cultural support including cleansings and brushing off, prayers and blessings, and openings for meetings and events.
Governance Achievements
- Developed a new recruitment strategy to build capacity in the senior management team.
- Completed significant progress on a new Strategic Framework that includes the xʷəliw̓ənstəxʷ ct k̓ʷə syaləxʷec (Honouring Our Ancestors) Sustainability Charter.
- Initiated engagement on the 15 Year Periodic Treaty Review Project.
- Made re-engaging with Members a priority and explored new tools and pathways to ensure Members’ voices are heard.
- Developed a new process for high-volume mailouts to leasehold residents.
- Developed new investment policies for the Tsawwassen Government and TFN Trust Society.
- Introduced amendments to the Financial Management Policy.
- Developed respective codes of conduct for Executive Council and Advisory Council.
Climate Goals & Targets
Medium-term Goals:
- Implementation of the new Strategic Plan for 2025-2030.
- Completion of the 15 Year Periodic Treaty Review Project in 2024.
- Implementation of the Tsawwassen Land Use Plan Update project.
Short-term Goals:
- Phase 3 farm expansion at cə̓lisələm (TFN Community Farm) in 2024.
- Completion of Phase 1A (Schematic Design) of the TFN Administration Building – Legislature project in June or July 2024.
- Completion of the Elders Centre by Fall 2024.
- Finalize a “you are here” sign for the Great Blue Heron Way (GBHW) Boardwalk at the Breakwater Dyke in 2024.
- Installation of 29 shared pathway signs on Lands in 2024/2025.
Environmental Challenges
- Challenge of filling staff positions resulting in lower than budgeted staffing costs.
- Slower than expected Member housing projects resulting in lower than budgeted servicing and housing grants.
- Capacity shortages due to an increased volume of work in the Leaseholder Relations role.
Mitigation Strategies
- Developed a new recruitment strategy.
- Successfully overcame challenges related to capacity shortages due to an increased volume of work in the Leaseholder Relations role by successfully resolving most of the concerns brought forward by leasehold residents and achieving expansion of LRAC representation. Plans to add additional capacity to broaden service delivery and enhance communications.
Supply Chain Management
Responsible Procurement
- Member businesses and joint ventures are prioritized for contracts.