The Capital Regional District (CRD) and the xʷsepsəm (Kosapsum/Esquimalt) Nation announced today that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU).
The MOU has formalized their government-to-government relationship and will hold one another accountable to commitments to work together on priority initiatives.
“This MOU marks an important step forward in our relationship with the CRD,” said Esquimalt Nation Chief Jerome Thomas.
“By working together in the spirit of respect, recognition and reconciliation, we are creating opportunities for meaningful collaboration that support the wellbeing of our people and the protection of our lands for future generations.”
The CRD says their staff will work with Esquimalt Nation staff, holding quarterly meetings that ensure ongoing communication and the implementation of a shared workplan.
In addition to the staff meetings, government leadership meetings will be held between Nation and CRD leaders.
These meetings will provide a way to incorporate Nation priorities and perspectives into CRD initiatives and decision-making.
“Strengthening our relationships with First Nations is a priority for the CRD Board. This MOU reflects our commitment to working together respectfully on a government-to-government basis,” said CRD Board Chair Cliff McNeil-Smith.
“We appreciate the collaborative relationship that is developing with xʷsepsəm Nation and look forward to continuing to find new ways of working together that respect their governance.”
The MOU has set out key, priority topics for collaboration which include:
- Government-to-government relationship
- Archaeology and heritage conservation
- Water and wastewater servicing
- E&N Rail corridor and regional trail
- As well as other subjects of mutual interest or concern
The goal of this partnership will be to foster a deeper understanding, as well as an integration of Indigenous knowledge in regional planning and service delivery.
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