South Okanagan

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen will host a Community to Community Forum involving local First Nations and key representatives from various levels of government.

Photo: Contributed

The South Okanagan Similkameen Community to Community Forum is scheduled for March 14, 2013 at the Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort and Spa in Osoyoos, BC.

“Our objective is to create a trusting and unified environment in which we can build discussion on common social, economic and environmental interests,” says Dan Ashton, Chair of the RDOS Board.

“Our expectation is to talk about how we can support and integrate the diverse interests in the South Okanagan Similkameen.”

Local representatives from various levels of government including the Regional District, local municipalities, Upper Similkameen Indian Band, Lower Similkameen Indian Band, Osoyoos Indian Band and Penticton Indian Band, as well as representatives from the Province of British Columbia.

“The RDOS encompasses four Okanagan Nation Member Bands; Upper Similkameen Indian Band, Lower Similkameen Indian Band, Osoyoos Indian Band and Penticton Indian Band” noted Penticton Indian Band Chief Jonathan Kruger,

“It is important for us to re-introduce the Protocol Agreement and Accord which lays the foundation for a mutual respectful working relationship recognizing and respecting each other’s Governance together”

Organizers say the forum will be held behind closed doors in order to provide for "free comment and discussion."

The meetings are closed to the public.