Clearwater mayor Merlin Blackwell signing the MOU with the Simpcw First Nation. (Image Credit: Merlin Blackwell)

By Victor Kaisar

MOU Signed

Districts of Clearwater, Barriere sign MOUs with Simpcw First Nation

Apr 12, 2025 | 3:07 PM

CHU CHUA, B.C. — The Districts of Clearwater and Barriere have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Simpcw First Nation that aims to formalize their working relationships.

Clearwater Mayor Merlin Blackwell told CFJC Today that the MOU gives the local governments like his a framework in which they can work cooperatively with each other.

“It’s good business practice but what it really means on the ground is that we work together and have each other’s backs as communities,” Blackwell said. “We’ve already seen that play out with things like highway patrol and hospitals where Simpcw has come to our assistance.”

“There is definitively strength in numbers on this and working cooperatively on this, especially on issues of mutual concern.”

Blackwell said communities in the North Thompson and Robson valleys benefit from that joint advocacy with higher levels of government.

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Kamloops isn't asking to be treated differently on cancer care. We're asking to be treated the same

12h ago

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: April 17, 2025

16h ago

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Not everyone is wrapped up in politics

21h ago

“Boy does it make an impression in the room when we go into see a cabinet minister with the first nation having our back,” Blackwell added.

“Mayors up and down the valley have walked into cabinet minister meetings with Chief [George] Lampreau and Simpcw Councillors and it makes people take notice, mostly because this level of respect and cooperation isn’t a common thing, yet, across B.C..”

Barriere mayor Rob Kerslake called it an historic day, saying the MOU opens the doors for stronger communication and more opportunities for all signatories.

“By working together as governments, we can better support our communities through partnerships and economic development, infrastructure, environmental protection, cultural understanding and more,” Kerslake said.

“Simpcw feels that Barriere is a good place to invest in. It’s going to fill some gaps in some services. There is potential for them building some housing and other little little businesses that we’re not sure what they are yet.”

Friday’s (April 11) signing ceremony comes about nine months after the Thompson-Nicola Regional District signed its MOU with the Simpcw First Nation. In March last year, Simpcw also signed an MOU with the Village of Valemount and is working on on with the Village of McBride as well.

Simpcw lands cover approximately 50,000 square kilometres from McLure north to Kakwa Park, west of Goat River, and east of Jasper, including the whole of the North Thompson Valley.

The Simpcw First Nation has around 900 members, many of whom live in Chu Chua.