Communications Agreement Struck by Shuswap Local and Secwepemc Governments

Cooperative government-to-government relationships and open communications are at the heart of an agreement signed by representatives of Shuswap local governments and Secwepemc governments on September 28. Photo: Rock Deneault.

In the fall of 2018 seven local governments and three Secwepemc governments agreed to a long-term, cooperative government-to-government relationship and to foster open communication across the Shuswap watershed portion of Secwepemc'ulecw.

The Shuswap Local and Secwepemc Governments Communications Agreement has four goals, which are to:

1. integrate local government and Secwepemc communities on areas of mutual interest through regular communication and working together on joint initiatives
2. provide a collective voice to the governments of BC and Canada on common issues
3. raise awareness of Secwepemc'ulecw and Secwepemc traditions, and
4. deliver joint education opportunities for elected officials, staff and residents, members and constituents.

The governments agreed to meet in both formal and informal settings and to work together on initiatives of joint benefit to local and Secwepemc governments. The agreement complements all existing protocols and provides a foundation for future agreements where none currently exist.

The Fraser Basin Council is pleased to have supported the process leading to the agreement.

Signatories are Cst’elnec (Adams Lake Indian Band), Sk’atsin (Neskonlith Indian Band), Splatsin, Columbia Shuswap Regional District, Regional District of North Okanagan, Village of Chase, City of Salmon Arm, City of Enderby, Village of Lumby and District of Sicamous.