British Columbia and the Tsartlip First Nation on the Saanich Peninsula have signed an interim reconciliation agreement, setting the stage for two years of further negotiations.
The Province announced the deal on April 7 which includes a variety of cash payouts to the Tsartlip to accommodate consultation, history and culture exploration and heritage protection.
B.C. will pay the First Nation $100,000 over two years “to enhance Tsartlip permitting referral capacity and processes” — under the consultation banner.
Another $20,000 will be paid to allow the First Nation to consult with Elders and explore application “to change and/or add official place names … and develop a community cultural regognition strategy.”
The Province will pay $25,000 more to support the Tsartlip during negotiations over heritage protection and help identify and inventory heritage sites of spiritual, ceremonial or cultural value.
Other areas of negotiation over the next two years include the Tsartlip’s interests related to park management plans at Gowlland Tod and Goldstream Provincial Parks. Both parties will also review foreshore leases and permits within Saanich Inlet “with the goal of promoting best boat-waste management practices” as well as derelict boat and water protection issues in the Inlet.
The Province also noted the government and Tsartlip “have agreed to discuss the Nation’s interests in acquiring lands, water lot leases in the Inlet and acquiring a park-use permit for a portion of Gowlland Tod Provincial Park.”
In recent years, the Tsartlip First Nation under Chief Don Tom have been exploring community economic growth. They completed a new gas station on Stelly’s Cross Road in 2016 and began work on a residential development in the same area.
The First Nation and neighbouring community of the District of Central Saanich have embarked on a reconciliation strategy as well, with both communities discussing a new project — a walking path/sidewalk along Stelly’s Cross Road to provide a safe place for pedestrians.
— with files from the Province of B.C. and the Peninsula News Review