RDNO-Splatsin sign accord

Photo: Contributed

Splatsin Kukpi7 Wayne Christian

The Splatsin First Nation and Regional District of North Okanagan will be working closer together on a range of projects after signing a co-operative communications framework agreement.

The RDNO and Splatsin will now meet on key topics under a framework that requires communication and reporting.

The key areas of discussion will include: Shuswap River boating regulations, Sicamous to Armstrong rail corridor and the development of properties around Mabel Lake.

“Splatsin has been in discussion with the RDNO regarding an agreement to facilitate communications and co-operation among the parties,” said Wayne Christian, Splatsin Kukpi7 (Chief,) “These discussions began at a meeting between Splatsin and RDNO in March. On March 13 Splatsin chief and council passed a motion to fully support and approve the signing of the RDNO-Splatsin Co-operative Communication Framework as presented to us by our Title and Rights Department.”

RDNO chairperson Bob Fleming said the protocol “will help to guide respectful communications and build upon the relationship and history of cooperation between Splatsin and the RDNO. We look forward to continuing to work with Splatsin on issues of common interest and objectives.”

Christian said Splatsin strives to engage its members in the pursuit of good governance, “to ensure we respond to needs that are expressed at the individual, family, community and national levels.”

The Splatsin are the most southern tribe of the Shuswap Nation, the largest Interior Salish speaking First Nation in Canada whose aboriginal territory stretches from the BC/Alberta border near the Yellowhead Pass to the plateau west of the Fraser River, southeast to the Arrow Lakes and to the upper reaches of the Columbia River.