November 20, 2025
Tla’amin Nation is launching ʔɛmaθtən – The Grandchildren’s Census, a new 15-minute survey inviting Tla’amin youth ages 13 to 17 to share their experiences, ideas, and priorities. Running from November 20 to December 20, the census gives young people a direct way to tell leaders what matters most to them as the Nation plans for the future.
Earlier this year, Tla’amin completed its first adult census. While it provided an important snapshot of Tla’amin citizens 18 and older, it did not capture the daily experiences, strengths, and challenges of our youth. A youth census is needed because young people move through the world differently and bring perspectives that adults cannot speak for. Programs and decisions that shape the next generation must be informed by youth themselves, not assumptions.
This new census gives ʔɛmaθtən the chance to speak in their own voice about culture, wellness, education, work, belonging, and community life. It will help the Nation design stronger programs, direct resources where they are needed, and support future grant applications grounded in real youth data.
Hegus John Hackett says youth perspectives are essential as the Nation plans for the next generation.
“Tla’amin ʔɛmaθtən will inherit the world that we are shaping through the decisions we make today. Yet our young people carry strengths and values we don’t hear enough about, said hegus Hackett. “I encourage all youth don’t let the adults speak for you, please take 15 minutes to tell us what matters to you.”
All responses to ʔɛmaθtən are 100 percent confidential. No one working in Governance House, the Health Centre, or any Tla’amin department will see individual answers. Responses are stored securely and only shared as grouped results.
Youth can complete the census online by clicking here
Everyone who completes it will receive a $50 handshake.
Read more about it here: https://tlaamin.boleyn.dev/census
To support students, Tla’amin staff will be at Brooks Secondary on Friday, November 28 and Friday, December 5 to assist youth in filling out the census during the school day.
For help completing the census, call 604-483-9646 Ext 4 or email census@tn-bc.ca