This is an update from Tsawwassen First Nation Chief Ken Baird, on behalf of Executive Council, about the TFN Government’s recent and historic Zoom Legislature Meetings, as well as the ongoing response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus.
WEDNESDAY MAY 27 VIDEO TRANSCRIPT FROM CHIEF KEN BAIRD
Good Morning everybody. Before I begin, I would like to thank the Creator for another beautiful day on Mother Earth.
We know these past several months have been challenging for governments and individuals in British Columbia, and across, Canada, including residents of Tsawwassen First Nation and the Tsawwassen People.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone, forcing us to change and adapt in ways previously unimagined.
Executive Council has taken numerous measures to adapt and respond in ways that protect our Members and residents.
Two weeks ago, Executive Council called a Special Electronic Session of the Tsawwassen Legislature, to discuss further ways we can help soften the impacts of COVID-19.
This was an unprecedented move for TFN. With the help of Staff, the Legislature was able to hold an Electronic meeting on Zoom, to discuss and debate the Property Taxation Amendment Act.
Despite not being able to have a meeting in person, we were able maintain many of our sacred ways. We used the services of our “virtual” feather runner Isaac Williams, our Squiqel Steven Stark, and the drumming in of our Legislators by Skosswunson.
As well, we were able to play a video of Walapia speaking our sacred prayer in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ to start our meeting in accordance with our traditions.
The meeting was also an opportunity for many of us to speak to one another after having been socially distanced for so many months.
The Legislative meeting was chaired by fellow Executive Councillor and Squiqel sleqsit (Steven Stark), who guided us through this unique and historic process for Tsawwassen First Nation
We appreciate the patience of everybody as we continue to navigate through these difficult times. But we are seeing light at the end of the tunnel and we are hopeful that things are gradually improving for everybody out there, as well as the people here.
The best to all of you and may the Creator make your days easy as we travel towards the end of this road.
hay čxʷ q̓ə everybody.
Statement from TFN IT on the Zoom Legislature
When the Manager of Government Services called me on our conferencing platform to say EC wants the gathering to be virtual, I was inwardly excited about this project. It would be unprecedented in TFN’s legislative history, and provided a great opportunity to showcase our agility in adapting to this challenge. Oh, and we only had 2 weeks to put it into action. Yikes!
With the collaboration of the GS & IT teams, we began to solution what would be known as the “Zoom Leg”. We purchased a Logitech camera, re-purposed a large 65″ TV, and with the help of Facilities, modified an Admin boardroom table to accommodate the physical distancing requirements.
All in all, I have to say it was a whirlwind of support from so many different departments. My hat goes off to Tejas, Alex, Jenn, Oliver, Randy, and Lloyd for all their help. Without the tests and Leg workshop, it could of gone a lot different. Practice made the difference, and we soon realized various processes needed tweaking. All the while, everyone seemed to be calm and focused on the goal which was to bring our Legislators together in deciding to pass this critical amendment to their laws.
The two days went so well with so many great words expressed by our Legislators. It greatly touched my soul, and made me reflect on how technology is a powerful tool, but only with the beautiful hearts and minds of whom embraced it. We are moving into a new normal, and I’m happy to see technology facilitate and empower the TFN people.
hay čxʷ q̓ə
Brad Smadella, Manager of IT