Chu Chua, BC – July 17, 2024 – Today, Simpcw and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) came together in a ceremony to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Protocol Agreement, which represents the strengthening relationship between the two governments which is grounded in respect, openness, understanding, and trust.
The MOU states, in Secwepemctsín: “Re Simpcw ell re Thompson-Nicola Regional District me7 le7 k st7eks k stemi re stqwelminst.s,” meaning “Simpcw and Thompson-Nicola Regional District will talk to everything will be good.” This MOU is the result of nearly a full year of work between the leadership of Simpcw and the TNRD.
“The signing of this MOU signifies the commitment of both Simpcw and the TNRD towards building a strong and positive relationship that will serve to benefit the North Thompson Valley and those who live there,” said TNRD Board Chair Barbara Roden. “The TNRD is committed to a strong and lasting relationship with Simpcw, and we look forward to engaging on issues of mutual interest in a way that is respectful, open, principled, pragmatic, and collaborative.”
“Simpcw places significant importance on working together through government-to-government relationships because we see this as a path forward to achieving a strong future for generations to come, for not only Símpcwemc (Simpcw people) but all those who reside in Simpcwúl̓ecw (Simpcw Territory),” stated Simpcw Kúkwpi7 (Chief) George Lampreau.
Kúkwpi7 Lampreau and Simpcw Tќwenem7i’ple7 (Councillors) came together with Chair Roden and the TNRD Directors of Electoral Areas “A,” “B,” “O,” and “P” to sign the MOU in Chu Chua. The ceremony was open to the public and media, and was followed by a community-to-community forum.
One of the five Strategic Priorities in the TNRD 2023-2026 Strategic Plan is Relationships and Reconciliation. This is the first MOU that the TNRD has signed with a First Nation community since an MOU was signed with the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council in 2009.
The TNRD is committed to strengthening relationships and building a shared future with all First Nation communities who territory we reside on. Simpcw has prioritized building relationships through agreements with municipalities. In March, Simpcw signed an MOU with the Village of Valemount and is working to develop similar agreements with the District of Barriere, the District of Clearwater, and the Village of McBride.
About the TNRD
The TNRD covers more than 44,000 square kilometres which includes more than 65 unincorporated communities within 10 Electoral Areas, 11 Member Municipalities, and 25 First Nations. For more information on TNRD communities and services, visit: tnrd.ca/about-the-tnrd.
About Simpcw
Simpcw, a Secwépemc campfire, are the yecwemínmen (guardians/caretakers) of Simpcwùl̓ecw (Simpcw Territory). Simpcwùl̓ecw includes more than 5 million hectares in the North Thompson and Robson valleys, from McLure in the south to Kakwa Park in the north. This area covers Jasper and the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the headwaters of the Athabasca River, and the Big Bend of the Columbia River.
Media Contacts:
Corbin Kelley, External Relations & Advocacy Advisor
Thompson-Nicola Regional District
Tel.: 250 377-6325
Email: ckelley@tnrd.ca
Ursula Johnston, Communications Coordinator
Simpcw
Tel.: 250 672-9995 (ext. 275)
Email: Ursula.Johnston@simpcw.com
