The Board acknowledges that the CRD conducts its business on the Traditional Territory of the Lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples. It recognizes the First Nations governments across this region-Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees) and Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) Nations here in the core area, the W̱SÁNEĆ Nations {W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin), SȾÁUTW̱,(Tsawout) W̱SIKEM (Tseycum)} out on the Saanich Peninsula and Gulf Islands, to the west Sc'ianew (Beecher Bay), T’Sou-ke, and Pacheedaht, and MÁLEXEȽ (Malahat) and Pune’laxutth’ (Penelekut) Nations; and is committed to respectfully and appropriately engage those First Nations communities in regional strategies, decision-making and shared interests.
The capital region spans the Territories of approximately 20 First Nations, of which 11 have Reserve lands and 9 have settlement populations made up of 4,142 members. The First Nations Relations Division supports the CRD and its Board to build strong and enduring relationships with neighbouring First Nations governments.
Task Force Final Report
At the October 10, 2018 meeting, the CRD Board approved a set of recommendations from the Final Report of the Special Task Force on First Nations Relations. Read more >>
The Final Report provides a summary of activities and some lessons learned over the course of the Task Force’s four year term and presents eight recommendations for the Board’s consideration. The recommendations capture the Task Force’s view of optimal next steps to guide the CRD’s path towards a more inclusive governance model for the region.
Special Task Force on First Nations Relations
Established in 2015, the Special Task Force on First Nations Relations is a clear signal to neighbouring First Nations governments that the CRD is making a serious commitment to working together. It is a concrete step demonstrating that government-to-government relationship-building is a priority focus of the Board.