Following my previous blog, I wish to provide a bit more information on the agreement between the Okanagan Indian Band and the District of Lake Country.
The District and the Band recently reaffirmed their existing Protocol agreement relating to their collaborative government to government relationship. The ceremony was held at the historic Head of the Lake site on the Okanagan Indian Band Reserve in Vernon.
Both Lake Country and the Okanagan Indian Band share a common boundary of approximately 2kms at the Duck Lake Reserve, located on Lake Country's southern boundary. Both Lake Country and the Duck Lake Reserve are well situated to benefit from their strategic locations, being about five minutes from the rapidly expanding Kelowna International Airport and University of BC Okanagan.
Mayor James Baker and Chief Fabian Alexis were quick to note that "the agreement is grounded on the fundamental underlying principles of trust, honesty and mutual respect". Baker adds that, "collaborating with each other will benefit both parties, as we work together to foster future cultural and economic development ties". "We consider the reaffirmation of this unique government to government protocol a model relationship, covering such areas as joint land use, community servicing, communication, cultural resources, fisheries and aquatic management" says Chief Alexis. Chief Alexis added, "It is uplifting to see a community like Lake Country recognizing and affirming our Okanagan Title and Rights and that the municipality is located within our ancestral homelands. When communities understand and respect the truth with regard to our historical and inherent rights and interests which is reflected in this Protocol, we will all benefit from the assurance built on a growing awareness that our rights, titles and interests are not a threat to anyone. Rather, recognizing and affirming them will make our federation stronger."
Here's a picture of the historic event.
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