[Kyuquot Sound] - The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) and the Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che: k'tles7et'h' First Nations (KCFN) successfully came together on October 11, 2023, for a Community to Community (C2C) forum.
The SRD and KCFN were successful in a joint application to the UBCM (C2C) Forum Program which helps local governments and First Nations connect and build relationships. The two organizations planned an event which occurred at Houpsitas, the Kyuquot/Checleseht village and Walter's Cove, located on the traditional treaty territory of the Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che: k'tles7et'h' First Nations. The C2C event facilitated dialogue, created collaboration opportunities, and worked towards resolving issues of joint responsibility, interest, or concern while advancing outcomes that promote reconciliation and mutual understanding. In 2021, KCFN became the newest government member of the SRD.
Strathcona Regional District Elected Officials and members of the KCFN Legislative Assembly participated in the forum. The event allowed both parties to highlight their different government structures, providing a better understanding how their governance function at each level. The discussions revolved around priorities, significant projects, and initiatives undertaken by the SRD and the KCFN. The forum also explored collaborative opportunities and cooperation between the SRD and the KCFN, learning about the Maa-nulth Treaty and future collaborations.
"The Strathcona Regional District is committed to building on the momentum generated by this C2C forum with the Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che: k'tles7et'h' First Nations," said SRD Chair, Mark Baker. "We look forward to continuing our work together on initiatives that benefit both communities and contribute to the broader goals of reconciliation."
An orientation guide to support local elected officials and staff, as well as citizens in moving down the path to regional cooperation and governance, was created and discussed at the Community to Community Forum. Please visit www.srd.ca/a-path-forward for more information.
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Media Contact - Dave Leitch, SRD Chief Administrative Officer (250) 830-6703 | dleitch@srd.ca
About - UBCM Regional Community to Community Program > www.ubcm.ca/c2c
With British Columbia and Canada adopting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), as well as the summary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's (TRC) 94 Calls to Action, the C2C program holds even greater significance. The goal of a Regional C2C program is increased understanding and improved overall relations between First Nations and local governments.
Photos:
Village of Houpsitas - Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k'tles7et'h' First Nations (KCFN)[/caption]
Community to Community Forum, hosted at Walters Cove Resort - October 11, 2023[/caption]
KCFN CAO Cynthia Blackstone leads SRD Board and staff on a community tour highlighting the Nation's several initiatives and economic development projects at a glance.[/caption]
KCFN Representative SRD Board Member, Matthew Jack with members of the KCFN legislature participate in Community to Community Forum sharing their community's perspective. KCFN has been a voting member of the SRD Board since 2021.[/caption]
Cynthia Blackstone, CAO of KCFN presents the Nation's goals during the Community to Community Forum[/caption]
SRD CAO David Leitch, presents the Regional District's strategic directions and services during the Community to Community Forum.[/caption]
Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k'tles7et'h' SRD Board member Matthew Jack hosts the Regional District Board meeting in his home community, Houpsitas.[/caption]