Image credit: TNRD

By Marty Hastings

TNRD/Simpcw agreement

Thompson-Nicola Regional District, Simpcw ink agreement to represent burgeoning bond

Jul 17, 2024 | 2:40 PM

CHU CHUA, B.C. — Simpcw and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Protocol Agreement on Wednesday (July 17) in Chu Chua designed to represent the strengthening relationship between the two governments.

The relationship is grounded in respect, openness, understanding and trust, according to a joint news release.

“The signing of this MOU signifies the commitment of both Simpcw and the TNRD toward building a strong and positive relationship that will serve to benefit the North Thompson Valley and those who live there,” TNRD board chair Barbara Roden said in the release.

Added Simpcw Kúkwpi7 (Chief) George Lampreau: “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 Simpcwúl ̓ ecw (Simpcw Territory).”

One of five priorities in the 2023 to 2026 TNRD Strategic Plan is relationships and reconciliation.

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The Simpcw agreement is the first MOU the TNRD has signed with a First Nations community since an MOU was signed with the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council in 2009.

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, according to the release.

Simpcw, a Secwépemc campfire, are the yecwemínmen (guardians/caretakers) of Simpcwùl̓ecw (Simpcw Territory), which includes more than five-million hectares in the North Thompson and Robson valleys, from McLure in the south to Kakwa Park in the north.

The 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.

The TNRD covers more than 44,000 square kilometres and includes more than 65 unincorporated communities within 10 Electoral Areas, 11 Member Municipalities and 25 First Nations.