The Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s community lands are located along Dollarton Highway, between Maplewood Flats and Deep Cove, offering breathtaking views of Burrard Inlet and the North Shore mountains.
The Tsleil-Waututh Nation is a self-governing community that offers a variety of programs, services, and cultural experiences for its members and the broader public.
Health & Wellness Services
Through these experiences, the Tsleil-Waututh Nation continues to honour, share, and protect its cultural traditions, fostering a deep connection between people, land, and water.
The Tsleil-Waututh Nation (TWN) offers a unique blend of contemporary housing and deep-rooted cultural identity, ensuring that both Nation members and the wider community can experience a harmonious lifestyle rooted in tradition and modernity.
Tsleil-Waututh Nation Community Housing
TWN has a dedicated residential community on Nation lands, providing homes for Tsleil-Waututh members. These homes are designed to support cultural continuity, family connections, and a strong sense of belonging, offering a safe, thriving environment where traditions are passed down through generations. Housing is developed with a focus on sustainability, community wellness, and access to cultural spaces, ensuring that TWN members continue to live on their ancestral lands while embracing modern amenities.
Master-Planned Developments
Beyond TWN’s member housing, the Nation has also created thriving residential communities open to the public, blending modern design with natural beauty:
Seymour Village & Lupine Walk – A collaboration between Takaya Developments and Aquilini Development Group, offering modern townhouses and condos in Raven Woods.
A Legacy of Sustainable Development – Takaya Developments, a Tsleil-Waututh Nation-led real estate company, has created over 1,500 homes while maintaining a commitment to environmental stewardship and Indigenous values.
The Tsleil-Waututh Nation (TWN), meaning “People of the Inlet”, has thrived along Burrard Inlet for thousands of years, maintaining a deep spiritual, cultural, and environmental connection to the land and waters. Their history is a story of resilience, adaptation, and leadership—guiding the community through significant changes while preserving their traditions and asserting their rights.
One of the most revered figures in Tsleil-Waututh history is Chief Dan George (1899–1981), an actor, poet, and activist who brought Indigenous rights and culture to national and international attention. As Chief of TWN from 1951 to 1963, he played a pivotal role in advocating for Indigenous recognition and self-governance. His powerful 1967 speech, Lament for Confederation, delivered at Canada’s Centennial celebrations, remains one of the most stirring calls for Indigenous sovereignty in Canadian history.
Beyond his activism, Chief Dan George was a celebrated actor, earning an Academy Award nomination for his role in Little Big Man (1970). His legacy as a cultural bridge between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities continues to inspire generations of leaders within TWN and beyond.
Echoes Across Seymour: A History…
The current Chief of Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Chief Jen Thomas, is a proud səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) Member, following in the footsteps of her mother, former Chief Maureen Thomas. With a deep commitment to education, housing, and social initiatives, Chief Jen champions the rights and title of TWN to benefit the next seven generations. Under her leadership, TWN continues to grow as a self-governing Nation, strengthening governance, expanding housing opportunities, and advocating for environmental protection.
TWN – Elected Chief and Council
Located on Dollarton Highway within Tsleil-Waututh Nation land, the Infant Jesus of Prague Mission Church stands as a historic and spiritual landmark. Built in 1958, this humble yet significant church was constructed during a period of religious and political turmoil—when the Pope directed new Catholic churches worldwide to be dedicated to the Infant Jesus of Prague in solidarity with the Czech people during the Communist takeover of Czechoslovakia.
The modest white-shingled church features a Marian Shrine, with a peaceful statue of Mother Mary, providing a space for quiet reflection and prayer. Inside, an old pump organ adds to its charm, while a narrow, curved stairway leads to a small balcony, offering a glimpse into the church’s rich history.
For decades, this church has been a spiritual sanctuary for Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities alike, bridging faith, culture, and history. It remains a testament to the resilience of the Tsleil-Waututh people and their ability to integrate diverse influences into their vibrant community.
Suzanne Wilson – Churches on Sundays Blog
TWN continues to honour its heritage through language revitalization, canoe racing traditions, cultural celebrations, and community initiatives. The annual Whey-ah-Wichen Canoe Festival, held at Cates Park, brings together Indigenous Nations to celebrate paddling traditions that date back thousands of years. This event highlights cultural pride, community unity, and the skill of Tsleil-Waututh canoe racers.
From Chief Dan George’s groundbreaking advocacy to Chief Jen Thomas’s forward-thinking leadership, the Tsleil-Waututh Nation remains a beacon of strength, resilience, and cultural pride—ensuring that the People of the Inlet continue to thrive for generations to come.
Supporting local businesses and fostering community connections across the North Shore
