The Sechelt Nation and Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) made history last Saturday when they signed an agreement to mutually watch over and protect the watershed for future generations.
The joint watershed management agreement aims to send a message to the province that local governments want control over the use of their community water supply.
"We're here to make sure we do something physically so our MLA Nick Simons can take it back to Victoria," said Sechelt Indian Band (SIB) Chief Stan Dixon. "We're dedicated and mandated to protect our water."
Dixon and SCRD chair Ed Steeves signed the document in front of elders and community supporters at the Longhouse in Sechelt Oct. 1.
"We are very proud to celebrate this important event," said Steeves. "We look forward to working together and being stewards of this important resource."
Nicholas Simons, MLA for Powell River - Sunshine Coast, said the interests both groups share overlap dramatically.
"I think this is a very historic day that we see the regional district and the Sechelt Nation come together after years of discussions and never giving up," he said. "I will bring forward to [Carole James] what I witness here today, a historic moment."
SIB councillors and SCRD directors were at the ceremony and also signed the agreement.
"When the Sechelt First Nation and its neighbours come together as one voice, we expect the province will listen," said Gibsons Mayor Barry Janyk.
Sechelt Mayor Cam Reid called the agreement an opportunity to put an end to any past divisiveness."Working together as partners, we're powerful," Reid said.
Adrian Belshaw, SCRD director for Roberts Creek, said he believed this to be the first direct agreement between the two peoples.
"We're one here with this issue," Belshaw said.
SIB councillor Tom Paul said where the Longhouse stands today is the same site where they used to come to get water.
"Water is the most vital thing, it gives us life," Paul said.
Chief Doug Kelly, an executive on the First Nations Summit, came for the ceremony from the Sto:lo Nation in Chilliwack. He said the agreement is a promise to future generations they will have a healthy homeland and the opportunity to have healthy water.
"Hold future leadership accountable so they understand the sacredness of that promise," Kelly said.The ceremony fell at the end of a week of meetings between First Nations and the province, where the premier spoke on developing a new relationship, which is "what we're doing here today," SIB councillor Garry Feschuk said. "Our elders gave council the message we have to protect our watershed," Feschuk said. "The new relationship document falls exactly in line with what First Nations want to do with neighbouring communities."
After the signing and speeches, the Le-La-La dancers, visiting from the Kwakwaka'wakw' Nation on North Vancouver Island, performed traditional Native entertainment to celebrate.The Sechelt Nation unveiled a totem pole with a plaque honouring the agreement, which will stand in the Chapman watershed. "We're placing that pole into that watershed É because after today, there's no going back," Feschuk said.
Tony Paul carved the pole with his stepson Denny August and wife Cindy August. At the bottom is a grizzly bear, the master of the forest representing strength, Paul explained. Above the grizzly, the frog symbolizes unity. The eagle's wings lie over the frog, protecting the unity.
"At the top is the watchman to let everybody know the Sechelt Nation is keeping an eye on our territory," Paul said.
The band dedicated the day to the late Gilbert Joe who "dedicated all his time as a volunteer to protect and enhance conservation of our wilderness," Dixon said.
"The province is downloading authority but won't give jurisdiction over protecting the watershed, so hopefully this will move it forward," Dixon said after the ceremony.
