The B.C. government is renewing their agreement with a First Nation Group.
The shíshálh Nation and the province have reaffirmed their agreement about long-term reconciliation to help strengthen economic, cultural, and environmental initiatives.
Chief Lenora Joe said the renewal helps develop collaborative decision-making and address challenges for this era and future generations.
“We are working to restore our swiya to its natural state and protect it for future generations. Only by working together can we enable a better future for everyone who makes the swiya home.”
The agreement builds on shared commitments to identify and transfer six square kilometres of land to the Nation for economic and cultural use, explore future decision-making opportunities, provide ongoing support to Nation’s economic development, culture and language, and support environmental and cultural restoration work.
The agreement was first signed in 2018, which focused on strengthening the government-to-government relationship, giving shíshálh Nation inherent rights and title and formalizing decision-making structures between the province and the Nation.
Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Randene Neill said the agreement reaffirms changes to the Dock Management Plan announced in August 2024.
“This shared commitment between B.C. and shíshálh Nation will benefit our entire region economically, culturally, and environmentally.”
Engagement on the plan will start later in the year.
