Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) and the xʷsepsəm (Kosapsum) Nation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), formalizing their government-to-government relationship and setting out commitments to work together on priority areas.
“This MOU marks an important step forward in our relationship with the CRD,” said Esquimalt Nation Chief Jerome Thomas. “By working together in the spirit of respect, recognition, and reconciliation, we are creating opportunities for meaningful collaboration that support the wellbeing of our people and the protection of our lands for future generations.”
CRD and xʷsepsəm staff will hold quarterly meetings to ensure ongoing communication and implementation of a shared workplan to address priority topics identified in the MOU. Additionally, regular government-to-government meetings will be held between leadership and elected representatives. These regular points of connection foster stronger relationships and provide a mechanism to incorporate xʷsepsəm priorities and perspectives into CRD initiatives and decision-making.
“Strengthening our relationships with First Nations is a priority for the CRD Board. This MOU reflects our commitment to working together respectfully on a government-to-government basis,” said CRD Board Chair Cliff McNeil-Smith. “We appreciate the collaborative relationship that is developing with xʷsepsəm Nation and look forward to continuing to find new ways of working together that respect their governance."
By outlining principles for working together, this MOU will directly support the creation of new processes for respectful and reciprocal government-to-government decision-making.
The MOU sets out priority topics for collaboration, including:
- government-to-government relationship;
- archaeology and heritage conservation;
- water & wastewater servicing;
- E&N Rail corridor and regional trail; and
- other subjects of mutual interest or concern.
This partnership will foster a deeper understanding and integration of Indigenous knowledge and leadership in regional planning and service delivery.
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.ca.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Zoe Gray, Manager Website and Public Engagement
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3225
Cell: 250.507.7657
