Victoria, BC– Capital Regional District (CRD) and paaʔčiidʔatx̣ (Pacheedaht) First Nation are pleased to announce they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing their government-to-government relationship. By outlining priority topics for collaboration and principles for working together, this MOU will directly support the creation of new processes for respectful and reciprocal government-to-government decision-making.
“paaʔčiidʔatx̣ (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 paaʔčiidʔatx̣ (Pacheedaht) First Nation elected Chief Jeff Jones. “This MOU is the first of its kind signed by the CRD in recent years and will foster even greater trust and collaboration that have real importance in the daily lives of our people.”
"This MOU outlines the CRD’s commitment to collaboratively address the priorities of the paaʔčiidʔatx̣ (Pacheedaht) First Nation. By co-creating a new path forward, we can put the principles of reconciliation into action,” said Colin Plant, CRD Board Chair. “We are excited about the possibilities that this collaboration offers and look forward to a brighter, more inclusive future where we prosper together. I hope that this MOU paves a path for more partnership opportunities between the CRD and other First Nations in the region."
The MOU sets out operational commitments on priority areas essential for the well-being of communities in the region, including:
- Government-to-Government Relationship
- Water Supply and Sewage Treatment Infrastructure
- Port Renfrew Official Community Plan
- Solid Waste Management
- Juan de Fuca Community Parks
- Regional Parks
- Land Use Referrals
Implementation of this MOU will have far-reaching impacts. It will facilitate the incorporation of Indigenous leadership and traditional knowledge into a variety of CRD initiatives and strategies, benefiting service delivery in the region. Moreover, it will identify possible partnerships to enhance economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for paaʔčiidʔatx̣ (Pacheedaht people).
Attached: Pacheedaht First Nation – CRD Memorandum of Understanding (PDF)
The CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and government partners to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492
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Shawn Hall
Pacheedaht First Nation
604-619-7913
shawn@apogeepr.ca