The Capital Regional District (CRD) and the Pacheedaht First Nation have officially committed to a collaborative and reciprocal government-to-government relationship by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU).
The MOU is the first of its kind in recent years for the CRD. The MOU outlines collaborative priorities and principles, aiming to facilitate respectful and reciprocal decision-making.
The key focus areas include the government-to-government relationship, water supply and sewage treatment infrastructure, the Port Renfrew official community plan, solid waste management, Juan de Fuca community parks, regional parks, and land use referrals.
“Pacheedaht peoples have always been stewards of our lands, waters, and resources. This is an important step forward in the strong government-to-government relationship we have been building with the Capital Regional District,” said Chief Jeff Jones of the Pacheedaht First Nation.
CRD board chair Colin Plant expressed excitement about the possibilities the collaboration offers and its potential to put reconciliation principles into action.
“This MOU outlines the CRD’s commitment to collaboratively address the priorities of the Pacheedaht First Nation. We are excited about the possibilities that this collaboration offers and look forward to a brighter, more inclusive future where we prosper together,” he said.
The CRD stated in the press release the MOU will integrate Indigenous knowledge into their initiatives, improving service delivery. It will also identify partnerships for economic opportunities and better quality of life for Pacheedaht people.
RELATED: Island First Nation reclaims stewardship of beach in historic agreement
