This week, the Capital Regional District (CRD) and the Songhees Nation have signed an official agreement which established a renewed relationship, founded on mutual respect, collaboration and shared prosperity.
The Songhees Nation says the Government-to-Government Protocol Agreement marks a significant milestone for regional reconciliation.
The agreement acknowledges that Songhees Nation have maintained their ancestral knowledge, ecological practices and cultural heritage across generations and that they continue to hold Aboriginal rights and title, as well as Douglas Treaty rights over their territory.
Furthermore, the Nation is also actively negotiating a modern treaty through the BC Treaty Process.
The newly signed agreement has also established that the CRD and Songhees will collaborate and discuss major decisions in a way that recognizes and respects the Nation’s role in the region.
With a confirmed structure for their relationship that identifies clear topics for collaboration and enhancing communication, the Nation hopes the agreement will bring about a new sense of cooperation.
“We are inviting the CRD to walk down a new path with us. Since the CRD operates within our territory, it is important that we work to understand each other,” said Songhees Chief Ron Sam.
“After all, our people were here long before the CRD or any of its municipalities. This Protocol Agreement reflects the strength of our Nation and our commitment to working collaboratively with our neighbours.”
CRD Board Chair Cliff McNeil-Smith added that this agreement represents a new chapter in their relationship with the Songhees Nation.
“It is a testament to our shared vision for a future where our communities thrive together. We look forward to building on this foundation and creating lasting benefits for all.”
Specific areas the two governments will be collaborating include:
- Government-to-government relationship
- Heritage conservation and archaeology
- Shared services and amenities, including water and wastewater servicing
- Parks and protected areas
- Land acquisition, land use, and natural resources
- Harvesting and gathering
- Environmental management and stewardship
- Regional Growth Strategy
- Island Corridor and the E&N Trail
- Economic development
- Employment and education
- Other matters as the Parties may agree
Songhees Nation says that the agreement is important because it has shifted principles into action which will allow their voices to be heard in important matters in the region.
