The səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) and District of North Vancouver sign historic Relationship Protocol Agreement 

The səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) and the District of North Vancouver are pleased to announce that they have signed a joint Relationship Protocol Agreement (RPA). 

This historic agreement formalizes their commitment to work together to implement the municipal-specific Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the Provincial Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. 

Based on shared values that include trust, recognition, fairness, respect, transparency, open and extensive dialogue and collaboration, this agreement recognizes and acknowledges common interests and objectives, and commits to strengthening their working relationship. 

“This agreement provides a road map for a meaningful and impactful relationship between Tsleil-Waututh Nation and the District of North Vancouver,” said Chief Jen Thomas. “We are working on a number of initiatives to revitalize our language, reconnect with our cultural traditions, steward our traditional lands and waters, and build the capacity of future generations to thrive, and we welcome DNV’s meaningful support and engagement on these. Reconciliation means moving from ideas to action, and this is an important step forward. We are stronger together.” 

In addition to promoting a relationship of open communication, this government-to-government relationship agreement also aims to support joint initiatives that will benefit social and economic wellbeing, enhance cultural awareness, incorporate Indigenous and general community interest into land management, provide good governance structures, and share public administration capacity where feasible. 

“We are committed to continuing to build a relationship with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation based on a foundation of respect, trust, and collaboration,” said District of North Vancouver Mayor Mike Little. “We look forward to engaging in meaningful dialogue and partnership and to building a stronger and more inclusive community by working together.” 

The agreement also highlights key initiatives that səlilwətaɬ and the District of North Vancouver have agreed to work on together, including: protection and promotion of culture and heritage; environmental stewardship and climate action; community and social development, and economic collaboration and prosperity; parks planning, management, and community recreation; infrastructure, servicing, and transportation; public safety; and land-use policies, objectives, and regulations. 

To learn more about the Relationship Protocol Agreement visit DNV.org/RPA. 

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For more information please contact: 

Cassie Brondgeest, 236-334-4525, communications@twnation.ca 

Ryan Schaap, 604-209-8841, schaapr@dnv.org