The Tsleil-Waututh First Nation, (TWN), also known as the “People of the Inlet,” is a progressive and vibrant a Coastal Salish community of that occupies a 110-hectare reserve on Burrard Inlet in North Vancouver and two smaller reserves at the head of the Indian Arm River. Being so near the center of a major city presents both opportunities and challenges. A traditional territory that is home to an urban population of over one million people offers an exciting range of economic development options. At the same time, this urban setting can present many barriers to carrying out age-old patterns of wild food harvest and spiritual practice. For the Tsleil-Waututh, living in a rapidly developing traditional territory has meant accepting the responsibility to protect and enhance the Tsleil-Waututh cultural traditions, while actively participating in complex regional governance and development arenas. This case study will explore the principle of “Strategic Long-term Planning” and its relevance to the nation-building efforts of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. That is their strategic long-term planning efforts, is focusing on being open to regional involvement, effective partnering and creating well-developed planning models. The TWN is working hard to protect their community identity and culture in the face of rapid urban expansion.

Historical, Political, Legal, and Geographical Context

·       Historical Context

In the early 1990s, the Tsleil-Waututh Nation initiated a revitalization process to reaffirm their presence within their traditional territory and ensure their community’s survival amidst urban expansion. This period marked a significant turning point as the leadership developed a vision for the community, land, and people, laying the groundwork for future development. In recent decades, the First Nation community of Tsleil-Waututh in British Columbia has been surrounded by increasing urban development in Vancouver. Rather than just observing, the community is playing an active role in planning and development in the urban area(Tsleil-Waututh Nation, 2020) .

·   Political and Legal Context

In 2000,Tsleil-Waututh First Nation created its own community constitution consisting of four elected speakers and nine traditional local council leaders. The community's four departments, social development, economic development, treaty, lands and resources, and administration and public works, work together as a management board, replacing the traditional band manager structure. The resulting restructured government now includes administrative functions (but no band manager), elected positions, representatives from the nine traditional families of the nation, and the community whose role it is to oversee the entire governance process. The Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s political and legal environment has been shaped by their enrollment in the treaty process and their engagement with numerous partners operating within their traditional territory(Tsleil-Waututh Nation, 2020) . 

·       Geographical Context

The ecological, cultural, and spiritual health of Burrard Inlet and the Salish Sea has been negatively impacted by development since colonization. Climate change is expected to worsen these effects and pose new challenges for Indigenous communities. The decline in biodiversity, including traditional food species, threatens their lands and rights. To address this, Tsleil-Waututh is committed to improving conditions in Burrard Inlet, increasing scientific knowledge, building community resilience to climate change, and protecting the area from unsustainable development. They aim to update water quality objectives, reduce pollution, map habitats, and recover shellfish beds. This commitment aligns with their stewardship obligations and their relationship with the region. The Tsleil-Waututh traditional territory encompasses the Burrard Inlet, an area facing significant environmental challenges due to urbanization. Conservation of Burrard Inlet for future generations requires greater emphasis on environmental stewardship while recognizing the inlet is a working port. The proximity to Vancouver presents both opportunities and challenges, necessitating a balanced approach to development that respects both cultural heritage and environmental sustainability(Tsleil-Waututh Nation, 2020) .