ʔɛmaθtən – The Grandchildren’s Census
Youth Census for Tla’amin Citizens Ages 13–17
Open: November 20 – December 20
Tla’amin Nation is launching ʔɛmaθtən – The Grandchildren’s Census, our first census made just for youth. We want to hear directly from Tla’amin citizens ages 13 to 17 about your lives, your ideas, and what you need to feel supported and strong.
Your answers will help shape programs, services, and budgets for the next five years in areas like culture, wellness, education, work, language, and community life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Earlier this year, Tla’amin completed its first census – taq̓atštəm – for adults 18 and older. That gave us an important picture of how things are going for grown-ups. But it did not tell us what life is like for youth.
We need a youth census because:
- Youth have different experiences than adults. You move through school, social media, sports, culture, and community in your own way.
- Programs work better when youth help design them. Adults cannot fully speak for youth. We need to hear from you in your own words.
- Decisions made today shape the world you inherit. Planning for housing, health, language, education, recreation, and jobs will affect ʔɛmaθtən the most.
- Good planning needs real youth data. Your answers help Tla’amin direct resources, apply for grants, and build supports that match what young people actually need.
As Hegus John Hackett says, our young people carry strengths and values we do not hear enough about. This census is one way to change that.
All Tla’amin citizens 13 to 17 years old, whether you live in t̓išosəm or away from home.
About 15 minutes.
Yes. 100 percent confidential. No one working at Government House, the Health Centre, or any Tla’amin department will see individual answers.Your name and Citizen number are stored separately from your responses. Only grouped results are shared and used for planning.
Yes. Eligible youth who complete the census will receive a $50 handshake, which can be received by mailed cheque, or via physical pick-up at designated locations and dates below:
- Every Wednesday (Nov 26, Dec 3, Dec 10, Dec 17)between 3:00 – 4:30pm – Tla’amin Nation Government House
- Nov 28 – Brooks Secondary School
- Dec 5 – Brooks Secondary School
- Dec 12 – cheque via mail
- Dec 14 – Vancouver
- Dec 16 – Victoria
- Jan 9 – cheque via mail
How to Complete ʔɛmaθtən
1. Online
You can fill out the census on your phone, tablet, or computer.
Click here to complete the census. Or, scan the QR code:
2. With Support at School
Tla’amin staff will be at Brooks Secondary between 10am to 12pm on:
- Friday, November 28
- Friday, December 5
to help Tla’amin youth complete the census during the school day.
3. In Vancouver or Victoria
Join an upcoming Christmas Gathering to complete onsite – Tla’amin Legislators and staff will be available for anyone who needs support
- Vancouver on Dec 14
- Victoria on Dec 16
More information and to RSVP, click here.
4. By Phone or In Person
If you would rather answer the questions with someone helping you:
- Call 604-483-9646 Ext 4
- Or email census@tn-bc.ca
Your Privacy is Protected
We take your privacy seriously.
- Your answers are confidential and anonymous.
- No one in the community will see individual answers.
- Personal details like your name and address are kept separate from your survey responses.
- Results are only shared as grouped statistics.
- All data is stored securely under Tla’amin policies on confidentiality and information security.
You do not have to answer every single question, but we hope you will answer as honestly as you can. What you share is important and we commit to protecting your privacy.
Information for Parents and Guardians
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada considers most youth over 13 able to give meaningful consent for data collection.
- Youth are encouraged to complete the survey on their own, so their answers are in their own voice.
- If a youth needs help reading the questions, adults are asked to read them neutrally and not lead answers.
- Individual responses are not shared with parents, guardians, teachers, or staff. Only grouped results are reported.
- For ethical and privacy reasons, youth and parents will not be able to access individual data, but overall findings will be shared with the community once the survey is complete.
This census is one way for young people to tell leaders how they are really doing so we can provide better services and supports.
Need Help or Have Questions?
If you have questions about ʔɛmaθtən or need help completing the census, please contact:
Phone: 604-483-9646 Ext 4
Email: census@tn-bc.ca