On the heels of Parksville city council approving staff to draft a policy on recognition of First Nation territory, Qualicum Beach Coun. Barry Avis would like to know what the status is on his deferred motion for First Nation recognition.
Avis’ motion to formally recognize First Nations at the start of Town of Qualicum Beach council meetings was deferred at the Dec. 11, 2017 regular council meeting. Since Avis’ initial notice of motion at the Nov. 20, 2017 meeting, Avis said he has provided town CAO Daniel Sailland with the wording the Vancouver Island Regional Library board says at the start of its meetings.
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Sailland said staff has been attempting to follow up with the Qualicum First Nation, but have been unable to co-ordinate a meeting. Sailland said the plan was for he and Mayor Teunis Westbroek to meet with Qualicum First Nation Chief Michael Recalma to discuss the exact wording and to make sure the Qualicum First Nation is in agreement with the wording.
Sailland also said town staff wanted to put a similar statement in the OCP, as well as talk about the possibility of a protocol agreement.
A protocol agreement is where two governing bodies work together through discussions and information sharing, and to work on issues that could concern both governments.
“It’s not uncommon for municipalities to meet once a year with government-to-government meetings through protocol,” Sailland said.
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