The Capital Regional District (CRD) and the xʷsepsəm (Kosapsum) Nation move into 2025 with a new government-to-government relationship, priority goals and commitments with a recently signed memorandum of understanding (MOU).
“This MOU marks an important step forward in our relationship with the CRD,” said Esquimalt Nation Chief Jerome Thomas. “By working together in the spirit of respect, recognition, and reconciliation, we are creating opportunities for meaningful collaboration that support the well-being of our people and the protection of our lands for future generations.”
CRD and xʷsepsəm (Kosapsum – the traditional name of the Esquimalt Nation) staff will hold quarterly meetings to ensure ongoing communication and implementation of priority topics identified in the MOU. Additionally, regular government-to-government meetings will be held between leadership and elected representatives. These regular points of connection foster stronger relationships and provide a mechanism to incorporate xʷsepsəm priorities and perspectives into CRD initiatives and decision-making.
“Strengthening our relationships with First Nations is a priority for the CRD board,” chair Cliff McNeil-Smith said in a news release. “We appreciate the collaborative relationship that is developing with xʷsepsəm Nation and look forward to continuing to find new ways of working together that respect their governance."
By outlining principles for working together, this MOU will directly support the creation of new processes for respectful and reciprocal government-to-government decision-making.
It’s the second MOU signed between the CRD and one of the 19 First Nations with traditional territories in its boundaries.
A document that aims to “foster a stronger partnership, enhance communication, and promote a deeper understanding and respect for each other's governance structures and cultural values” was announced April 1 between the CRD and W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), and W̱SIḴEM (Tseycum) First Nations, through the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council.
