COWICHAN VALLEY – The provincial government and Cowichan (Quw’utsun) Nation, made up of five Indigenous bands, have signed an agreement to advance reconciliation, work collaboratively on key priorities and support self-determination and self-government.
Chief Roxanne Harris of Stz’uminus First Nation
Joining Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, and Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, for a signing ceremony at the BC Parliament Buildings on Sept. 14, 2021, were Squtxulenuhw, also known as Chief William C. Seymour Sr., of Cowichan Tribes; Whul’qul’latza’ aat, also known as Chief Roxanne Harris, of Stz’uminus First Nation; Kwaliimtunaat, also known as Chief Joan Brown, of Penelakut Tribe; Sulsimutsun, also known as Chief James Thomas, of Halalt First Nation; and Pahalicktun, also known as Chief Richard Thomas, of Lyackson First Nation.
“It’s important for our Nation to move forward and be progressive, to blaze a trail for our future generations,” said Chief Roxanne Harris of Stz’uminus First Nation.
Under the agreement the Province and Cowichan Nation will work collaboratively on key priorities, such as:
- implementing Cowichan Nation laws, traditions, customs and practices;
- advancing Cowichan Nation self-determination and self-government;
- co-operative decision-making and dispute resolution; and
- identifying opportunities for economic and socio-cultural well-being.
The agreement establishes formal governance structures, including a political forum with annual leadership meetings between Chiefs and ministers to strengthen the collaborative working relationship between the two governments, and a solutions forum to identify issues or concerns early and work together proactively to find solutions. A board to oversee implementation will also be established.
“The Government-to-Government Agreement is a stepping stone of combined efforts of further developing a relationship with the Province and the recognition of the Cowichan Nation’s Rights and Title. This collaborative agreement will foster tools to further advance our efforts in self-governing, to understand the opportunities as a collective, and we look forward to working with everyone,” said Chief Joan Brown, Penelakut Tribe.
The Cowichan Nation includes Cowichan Tribes, Halalt First Nation, Lyackson First Nation, Penelakut Tribe and Stz’uminus First Nation. Collectively the Cowichan Nation has almost 8,000 members.