First Nations Engagement
Statement on National Indigenous Veterans Day
Today we honour the contributions made by First Nations, Inuit and Métis Veterans in service to Canada for National Indigenous Veterans Day. As we continue to walk the path of meaningful reconciliation, it is important that we hold up the significant sacrifices that Indigenous Veterans made fighting alongside our Allies in the First and Second World Wars. Indigenous Peoples continue to serve in Armed Forces efforts and United Nations peace operations around the world.
The Regional Board and staff at the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) wish to thank the Veterans and their families for their continued service, and to recognize the impact that they have made to Canada’s history.
Written statement on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) offices will be closed on September 30, 2022 in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The closure is a period for reflection on the lasting impacts of the Canadian Indian residential school system, and as a time to listen and learn from Indigenous Peoples. The PRRD acknowledges the painful generational trauma that this system has caused, and reminds its residents that we are situated on the traditional territory of the Dane-Zaa (Beaver), signatories of Treaty 8 and the Metis BC Region 7.
“As a Regional District, the importance of this day cannot be understated. As the Board reaffirms our commitment to building meaningful relationships with our Indigenous neighbours, we are also reflecting on the steps we have taken throughout the past four years to lay the groundwork for increased cooperation and understanding. We recognize that although there is still much more work to do, we are proud of the progress we have made during this term, and are confident that the incoming Board will continue to provide the leadership necessary to keep us moving in a positive direction” – Chair Brad Sperling.
PRRD adopts cultural safety mission statement
The Peace River Regional District is proud to have finalized a cultural safety mission statement to help establish the principles of cultural safety at all levels within the Regional District and to guide future decision-making.
The statement and accompanying graphic representation are a result of over a year-long collaboration between the Regional Board and Maugwa Clan Energy, and demonstrate a way forward to universal relationships, a way of being and setting the table for indigenous and non-indigenous peoples to work in good relationships for a prosperous future.
The statement and graphic representation were completed and finalized at the May 12, 2022 Committee of the Whole Meeting.
Doig River First Nation and PRRD working toward MoU
Doig River First Nation (DRFN) and the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) convened an all-day workshop in May between elected officials and senior administrative staff to learn more about each other’s governance structures, service delivery models and bylaws relating to land use. DRFN has acquired several fee simple properties within the regional district that are in the process of transitioning to reserve status through the Addition to Reserve mechanism. The process adds lands to the existing reserve land of a First Nation or creates a new reserve for First Nations. Future activities on these lands within the PRRD will encompass a range of developments that will strengthen the socio-economic status of DRFN and the greater BC Peace region.
Statement regarding racist remarks towards Chief Desjarlais
Chair Brad Sperling, on behalf of the Board of Directors for the Peace River Regional District (PRRD), has released the following statement regarding the hateful remarks made towards Chief Judy Desjarlais.
“We are aware of the anonymous voicemail sent to Blueberry River First Nation’s Chief Desjarlais, in which repulsive racist comments and threats were made. I want to be very clear that the Peace River Regional District fully condemns racism and the expression of hatred, and we are incredibly disappointed that this event has occurred.”
“There is no instance or scenario that justifies a member of our community being treated this way.”
“The PRRD has been actively engaged in conversations with our First Nations partners about how we can set the table for inclusivity, and progress towards a relationship that is based on a foundation of honesty, integrity and trust. It is imperative that residents of the Peace region feel safe within their communities. The remarks made this week reinforce why this work is critical, and why we will fervently continue our efforts in this capacity.”
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation recognized at the PRRD
In June, the federal government passed legislation formally recognizing September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In recognition, the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) offices will be closed that day. As a Regional District government, the PRRD recognizes the importance of officially honouring September 30, in alignment with our ongoing commitment to advance reconciliation in partnership with First Nations in this area.
