On April 3rd, 2009, TFN reclaimed its self governance as a First Nation and instituted a new set of governing institutions to replace the previous Indian Act structure. A professional public administration supports these government structures. The administration is headed by the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), who is responsible for providing efficient management of the nation’s work force and is the link between the political and administrative levels of Tsawwassen Government.
TFN’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is responsible for ensuring that Tsawwassen Government is an effective, efficient organization that delivers high quality programs and services to its Members. The CAO reports directly to the Chief and is responsible to Executive Council. The mandate of this position is to provide sound management and oversight of the Tsawwassen Government administration, and help guide the administration to deliver on the Community Vision in an effective manner.
This department oversees the planning and delivery of health and social development programs to improve the quality of life for TFN Members. These programs provide opportunities for personal growth, health, and well-being.
The department is responsible for the following programs: support Members in accessing health care services; providing Elder care and chronic health case management; process and deliver income assistance to eligible clients, and support transition to employment for those classified as employable; provide support services to families and children who are in contact or at risk of contact with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD); management and administration of TFN’s social housing stock; delivery of public health programming to Members; community outreach; providing treatment and counseling options for Members suffering from addictions or mental health issues; and the implementation of the TFN Community Safety Strategy, based on the 4 pillars approach to crime reduction.
This department is responsible for the following programs and services: delivery of K-12 educational programming (including after-school programs for children and youth) to Tsawwassen Members on Tsawwassen Lands; providing funding and support to Members seeking access to post-secondary education; managing TFN’s Smuyuq’wa’ Lelum Early Childhood Development Centre; and delivery of language and culture programming to the TFN community.
The department also administers the cultural fund which supports the implementation of the Standing Committee on Language and Culture (SCLC)’s Living Traditions language and culture strategy.
The core function of the Government Services department is to serve the Tsawwassen Government by providing them with the means, mechanisms, and information to make sound decisions. To that end, Government Services works to ensure the efficient operation of the Tsawwassen Government in the best interests of the Members, while adhering to the Tsawwassen Constitution and with consideration of TFN’s cultural traditions.
Government Services is responsible for the following program areas: institutional support; records and information management; enrolment and membership services; communications; events planning; Treaty implementation and compliance; and service planning and capacity development.
The PIGA mandate is to serve Tsawwassen First Nation and Tsawwassen Members by providing the best professional, apolitical advice and support to the Chief, Executive Council, Legislature, and other departments within the Administration. PIGA supports the development of the government’s policy agenda, coordinates responses to issues facing the government and TFN, and supports the effective operation of government. PIGA shares responsibility for the implementation of the Treaty, and has primary responsibility for intergovernmental relations with our partners at federal, provincial, and municipal levels.
PIGA is responsible for the following program areas: Treaty implementation; intergovernmental support; consultation support; due diligence; law development; measure and program evaluation; and program planning.
The mandate of the Natural Resources department is to ensure that Tsawwassen Members and the Tsawwassen First Nation maximize our opportunities to exercise our aboriginal and Treaty rights through sustainable harvesting of the natural resources endowed by the Creator. This department works to protect, preserve, and promote Tsawwassen culture, and work in conjunction with other levels of government to ensure the sound management of the natural resources within our territory.
Natural Resources is responsible for the following three program areas: gathering; wildlife and migratory birds; and fisheries.
The mandate of the Finance Division is to support the day-to-day financial operation and provide sound financial administration of the Tsawwassen Government, through rigorous application of TFN’s financial controls and adherence to legislated requirements. The activities of this division include: the development of the annual budget and 3-year budget under the umbrella of the Finance and Audit Committee; facilitate the annual audit of TFN’s financial statement; manage accounts payable, contract administration, collection of revenues, and tax administration; and maintain and enforce the TFN Financial Management Act and regulations, as well as TFN’s financial policies and procedures.
The administration component of this division is responsible for ensuring that TFN’s staff are supported with information technology, meeting and office space, reception support, and other office requirements that are necessary for an efficient and effective administration.
This division is responsible for five program areas: finance; information and technology; administration support; subsidies and distributions; and administration of the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer.
The Lands and Municipal Services Division is responsible for land use planning, land management, and regulation of Tsawwassen Lands. This includes the following program areas: land use planning; assistance with the registration of interests; issuing permits; undertaking various municipal-type land and planning functions; facilities management; and land management. The Director also oversees the Public Works/Water and Sewer and Facilities Department.
This department is responsible for ensuring the community is a safe, clean, and hospitable place to live, and that it has appropriate and reliable infrastructure in place. The main activities of the department are: public safety, road maintenance, street lighting, and snow removal; garbage and recycling collection; grounds and lawn maintenance, including drainage ditches, fire hydrants, vehicles and other equipment; community and staff event set up, clean up, and security; maintain a safe and clean water supply and operation of the sewage treatment plant; repair, maintain and inspect TFN Public buildings to ensure TFN’s capital assets are protected; and maintenance of social housing and other TFN-owned buildings.
The Designated TFN Enforcement Officer is a TFN employee whose primary role is to handle laws enforcement matters related to Tsawwassen Laws and Regulations, similar to municipal-type by-law enforcement. If you have a problem relating to any Tsawwassen Laws or Regulations, the officer will do his or her best to address your concerns. The Designated Enforcement Officer works closely with the Delta Police Department to ensure that TFN Lands are as safe as welcoming as they can be. The officer wears a recognizable uniform and will be operating in a vehicle clearly marked “Tsawwassen First Nation Peace Officer”.
The Human Resources Department serves a dual function within the organization, providing advice and support to both individual employees and to the government in respect of employment-related matters. This department is responsible for the following program areas: succession planning; performance management; compensation structure; recruitment and selection; change management; employee relations; training and development; occupational health and safety; Workers Compensation Board (WCB) case management; return to work programs.