Qualicum First Nations chief Michael Recalma will serve as an alternate director for Electoral Area H in the Regional District of Nanaimo board.
An oath-taking ceremony was held at the First Nation band office in Qualicum Beach on Wednesday, Dec. 14, attended by RDN board chair Vanessa Craig, Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns, Parksville-Qualicum MLA Adam Walker, Area F (Coombs, Hilliers, Errington, Whiskey Creek, Meadowood) director Leanne Salter, alternate Area G (French Creek, San Pareil, Little Qualicum, Englishman River) director Brian Wiese and Qualicum Beach Coun. Anne Skipsey.
Recalma will attend the RDN board meetings when Area H (Bowser, Qualicum Bay, Deep Bay) director Stuart McLean is unavailable. Recalma has also served previously as alternate director.
“I look forward to serving as alternate director on the RDN Board and building on our long-standing relationship,” said Recalma. “You always see what’s going within the community especially within Area H as well as what’s going on outside the community. It’s nice to have that seat in there to have the ability to know what’s going on outside our little world.”
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In addition to Recalma’s new role, the Qualicum First Nation and the RDN have recently renewed their Protocol Agreement. Under this agreement, and separate from his capacity as alternate director, Recalma will be a participating, non-voting member of the RDN board.
The agreement serves as the framework for working together on matters of mutual interest. Principles of reconciliation are at the heart of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s report, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and British Columbia’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. The renewed agreement is based on these principles and values.
“I am very pleased to welcome Chief Recalma to the board and I look forward to working together on matters that are important to Qualicum First Nation and the region,” said Craig. “I celebrate this step towards inclusive governance and the opportunity to build trust and greater understanding.”
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