Joint Statement of the nine Allied Ty’msyen Tribes of Lax Kw’alaams and Elected Mayor and Council of the Lax Kw’alaams Band

Press Release

We the hereditary and elected leaders of the Allied Ts’msyen Tribes of Lax Kw’alaams and Lax Kw’alaams Band are proud to come together, and though we are disappointed the Da’ax Kw’alaams Man-Ayaawx Constitution was not ratified, we remain united and committed to moving forward together under our historic April 3, 2025 Governance Accord.

Under the Governance Accord, we are pleased to announce moving forward with establishing a productive hybrid traditional and elected governance system as soon as possible for the benefit and best interest of all our people. We commit to involving our people, and ensuring we move in power and unity to defend all our Laxyuup against imminent threats of encroachment and infringement of our collectively held resources, title, and inherent rights.

Despite our best efforts to proceed on an urgent basis with the April 9, 2025 constitutional referendum, we understand the community and members want more. Your voice was heard and we are aligning to meet your call.

Next Steps

We the hereditary and elected leaders of the nine Allied Ts’msyen Tribes of Lax Kw’alaams and

Lax Kw’alaams Band will:

• Use our Governance Accord to set up a nine Allied Ts’msyen Tribes of Lax Kw’alaams branch of government alongside elected leaders;
• Meet with houses and members about moving forward toward strengthening our governance system;
• Hire a Chief Negotiator and support staff for the nine Allied Ts’msyen Tribes of Lax Kw’alaams branch of government, and announce the opening of our own nine Allied Ts’msyen Tribes of Lax Kw’alaams independent institution;
• Work together to finalize, advance and implement the draft Lax Kw’alaams Leadership Blueprint.
• Launch a member survey to understand what members want moving forward with improvements to the Da’ax Kw’alaams Man-Ayaawx Constitution; and
• Reinvigorate and strengthen our Amlahaw Peoples’ Voices Initiative and member engagements based on the voice and direction of our people.

T’oyaxsut ‘nüün to all our people who voted and shared your strong voice. We heard you loud and clear, and we look forward to continuing to learn from and listen to our members and work together in the best interest of our present and future generations.

On behalf of the Hereditary and Elected Leaders of the Allied Ts’msyen Tribes of Lax Kw’alaams and Lax Kw’alaams Band

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