Photo: Contributed

The South Okanagan Similkameen Protocol Agreement third anniversary was celebrated this week in Penticton.

Speakers included Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, MP Richard Cannings and MLA Dan Ashton.

Others who talked about the importance of the agreement and working together were Penticton Indian Band Chief Jonathan Kruger, RDOS chair Mark Pendergraft and Osoyoos Indian Band councillor Yvonne Weinert.

The agreement was signed by the Penticton Indian Band, Osoyoos Indian Band, Lower Similkameen Indian Band and the Regional District of Okanagan‐Similkameen on June 21, 2013.

It establishes a government-to-government relationship to identify, consult and address common concerns and interests of importance.

The parties work together in a spirit of common respect and co-operation by recognizing and celebrating diversity, while collaborating to achieve mutual prosperity.

The signing of the agreement was a momentous event which the parties honoured at the three-year anniversary celebration.

The ceremony came the day after National Aboriginal Day.

In Penticton, there was a special celebration marking the opening of The Crossing the River: Supporting Creative Reconciliations exhibition at the Shatford Centre.

The event was sponsored by both the En'owkin and Shatford centres.