Restoration of Highway 1 recognized nationally as inclusive project

Photo: Neskonlith Indian Band

A Kamloops-area highway engagement project has received national recognition from the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC).

The project involves co-operation between the Neskonlith Indian Band and the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure in the twinning of Highway 1 east of Kamloops.

“This highway twinning is crucial, both to improve safety for our community members while preserving this culturally and environmentally sensitive territory,” Neskonlith Chief Judy Wilson said in a press release.

“We appreciate the willingness of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to meaningfully engage in a collaborative design process for this project with our community. This highway expansion will open up economic opportunities for our band and help drive the overall regional economy.”

This project received the award from EDAC’s Marketing Canada Awards, which recognizes excellence in community initiatives and marketing in economic development sector across Canada.

Portions of these highway upgrades will happen on two of Neskonlith Indian Band reserve lands.

“We are extremely proud of the meaningful engagement process with the Neskonlith on this particular highway project,” said Rob Fleming, B.C.’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “It’s an example of community involvement that had technical challenges but still resulted in an innovative outcome. Congratulations to the community members, Neskonlith leadership, and O’Leary & Associates on this milestone.”

The nuancing of this project was delicate, as the provincial and federal governments looked for an approach that would coincide with Neskonlith’s decision-making processes and adhere to Section 35 of the Indian Act while constructing the major infrastructure project.

Tk’wem7íple7s re qelmúcw (Chief and Council) ensured from the beginning that the project needed to integrate culture, language and tradition. They also made sure members of the community were involved in the decision-making process.

Tsk?elél?nemstcwes re stet?ex7ém (listening to the Elders) was the start of the project, and ample research of Secwépemc tradition and law were incorporated. Where ever they could, Secwépemctsín words, phrases and processes were used in project material.

“Congratulations to Neskonlith leaders and community members for being recognized nationally for excellence in collectively promoting their communities, furthering their economic development priorities and integrating culture, language and tradition through the Trans-Canada Highway Twinning Project,” Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar said.

“I look forward to seeing future initiatives incorporate a similar best practice with collaboration and meaningful consultation.”

Ninety-two per cent of the community supported the project to move onto the next phase after the initial engagement campaign explained what is to come.

“This project is a perfect example of how truly meaningful consultation and engagement with Indigenous communities, when done well, can result in a very positive and collaborative outcome for all parties,” added Colin O’Leary, Principal of O’Leary & Associates and project consultant for the Tmicw department at Neskonlith.

Though it will still be years before the project is complete, being recognized by the EDAC is a step in the right direction for the future of cooperation.