An updated memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Government of BC and Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) was announced today.
According to the statement, the MOU represents a renewed commitment to advance reconciliation and highlights it as a “shared, cross-government responsibility.”
“Local governments are key partners in our collective work to advance reconciliation,” said Murray Rankin, minister of Indigenous relations.
“Through negotiations and their collaboration with Indigenous communities at the local level, we can better achieve our shared priorities.”
@UBCM is proud to reaffirm its commitment to work towards reconciliation by renewing our MOU with the Province on Engagement on First Nations Negotiations and other Indigenous Initiatives #UBCM21 https://t.co/nqwJgwN4nc pic.twitter.com/RrXrbo01V8
— UBCM (@UBCM) September 14, 2021
Since the MOU was last updated in 2018, the provincial government has passed the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act which establishes UNDRIP as the framework for reconciliation.
The statement claims that the renewal confirms UBCM’s support for advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples at the local level.
“This renewed agreement [...] encourages the strong communication and information sharing needed to open doors to meaningful conversations and partnerships,” said Josie Osbourne, minister of municipal affairs.
The 2021 MOU was signed at the conclusion of the Pathways to Truth and Reconciliation plenary session at the annual UBCM convention on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021.
UBCM represents all BC member municipalities and regional districts, including nine First Nations members which includes four Nisga’a villages and the Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Splatsin First Nation, Tla’amin Nation, Tsawwassen First Nation and the Uchucklesaht Tribe.
