Project Overview

The Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN)’s “Ancestors Make Us Strong Census Project” was undertaken alongside the Nation’s 15-year Treaty Review to better understand how the treaty has influenced Members’ health, wellbeing, cultural practices, language revitalization, and participation in self-governance.

The project is the first comprehensive data collection project since 2012. Blending a traditional census with a well-being study, the questionnaire explored many facets of life at TFN. The Census will help TFN:

Make informed decisions for TFN’s Self Government
Improve and design programs and services that meet Member needs
Identify gaps, barriers, and community priorities
Measure progress and change over time
Ensure Members’ voices are reflected in TFN Governance and development.

All activities were supported by cultural guidance from language and culture specialists, as well as inclusive supports for participation.

Over 80% of the Tsawwassen Membership participated. Data collected will be analyzed and shared in a final report, and TFN staff look forward to analyzing the data in many different ways with use of the Build Your Own Data platform.

About the Logo

Art by Victoria Williams

Robin Buss, a community member and Victoria’s close friend since childhood, had a vision for the artwork – salmon transforming into ancestors. After sketching out her vision, Victoria finished the final design.

“The Tsawwassen First Nation are known as the "salmon people" because of the ‘legends’ of how salmon came to our territory. We are one with the salmon and believe the salmon cycle reflects our own—not only do we rely on salmon for food, but we incarnate as salmon. Each year, we give thanks to our salmon ancestors, welcoming them home and honoring their gifts.”