Qualicum First Nation (QFN) and the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) signed a
cooperation agreement Tuesday.
QFN chief and council and the RDN chair and vice chair signed the agreement in a scenic setting on the oceanfront at the Qualicum First Nation Campground 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 Co-operation 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 Chair 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 agreement is the result of two community-to-community forums held over the past year at which the two parties discussed ways to build the political and working relationship.
They will hold annual meetings to ensure effective and meaningful communication and establish a working group to develop an action plan based on the priorities identified in the document.
The signed agreement is available at www.rdn.bc.ca/protocolagreements