Snuneymuxw First Nation and the City of Nanaimo signed a drinking water agreement Dec. 21 that will provide potable water from the city’s water distribution system to Snuneymuxw’s Indian Reserves No. 2 and No. 4 in Cedar.
For the first time, Snuneymuxw citizens living in these communities will be serviced by city water.
Snuneymuxw Chief Douglas White III praised the partnership and the opportunity for his people.
“On behalf of the people of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, I want to provide our deepest gratitude and respect to Mayor John Ruttan for the leadership that he has shown on this issue of Snuneymuxw drinking water supply – an issue that is of profound significance to our people and all Canadians,” said White in a release. “The water projects enabled by these agreements will be a major step to close the significant quality of life gaps that exist in Canada between First Nations and other Canadians.”
Ruttan said the agreement demonstrates the strength of the relationship between the city and Snuneymuxw.
The agreement was signed at a ceremony at Snuneymuxw’s council chamber on Centre Street.
