QUALICUM – Qualicum First Nation (QFN) and the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) have signed an important agreement that will build trust and greater understanding between the two parties. QFN Chief and Council, along with the RDN Chair and Vice Chair recently signed the agreement at a ceremony held on QFN traditional territory.
“This is the beginning of a more formal relationship between QFN and the RDN that builds off past successes,” said Chief Michael Recalma. “The Cooperation Agreement is based on the values of collaboration and respect, which are fundamental principles for any positive government to government relationship.”
“This is a very exciting day,” said RDN Chairperson Bill Veenhof. “This agreement will not only strengthen our relationship with QFN, it will help us gain a deeper understanding of the needs of QFN members. By working together, we can assist each other in providing for the needs of our communities.”
The Cooperation Protocol is the result of two community-to-community forums held in the past year. At these forums, QFN Chief and Council and the RDN Board of Directors met to discuss ways to build the political and working relationship between the two parties. The Cooperation Protocol will guide future and ongoing discussions on topics of mutual interest.
To ensure effective and meaningful communications, annual joint meetings will be held between the RDN Board and QFN Chief and Council. The Protocol will also establish a Working Group which will develop an action plan based on the priorities identified in the document.