Canada and shíshálh Nation strengthen nation-to-nation relationship with signing of Letter of Understanding

News release

February 15, 2019 — Sechelt, BC — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Renewing the relationship with Indigenous peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership is key to achieving reconciliation.

Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the shíshálh Nation (Sechelt Indian Band) signed a Letter of Understanding committing them to move forward together to advance a lasting reconciliation that builds upon the existing self-government agreement between Canada and the shíshálh Nation.

Through the Letter of Understanding, Canada and the shíshálh Nation have agreed to explore a number of key topics and priorities that would support the negotiation of a long-term nation-to-nation reconciliation agreement. The focus of the discussions will be on how to implement shíshálh’s Aboriginal title and rights, recognize shíshálh’s right to self-determination, advance socio-economic prosperity and health for the shíshálh people, and revitalize shíshálh language and culture.

Quotes

“This Letter of Understanding demonstrates that the Government of Canada is committed to working with the shíshálh Nation to support their vision of self-determination. Today we have taken an important step together to renew the relationship and work towards creating a better future for the shíshálh Nation and its people.”

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

“shíshálh has entered into the Letter of Understanding with Canada as an exercise of our governance, and in order to enhance the exercise of shíshálh’s title and rights.  The Letter of Understanding represents another step in the Nation to Nation relationship between shíshálh and Canada, and creates a path forward for the outstanding work between our Nations.”
 
Chief Henry Warren Paull
shíshálh Nation

Quick facts

  • The shíshálh Nation has been self-governing since 1986.

Associated links

Contacts

For more information, media may contact:

Matthew Dillon-Leitch
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
819-997-0002

Media Relations        
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada Media Relations
819-934-2302
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@canada.ca

Chief Warren Paull    
shíshálh Nation Chief
Offices of the shíshálh Nation Chief and Council
1-604-885-2273

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