How our local government works
The Strathcona Regional District will be inviting all First Nations in the district to Board meetings. Within the Cortes Currents broadcast area, this should include the Klahoose, Homalco, Tla’amin, We wai Kai, Wei wai Kum and Laichkwiltach First Nations.
The motion was brought forward at the May 11 Board meeting, where the debate centred around the extent of their involvement
”What is the difference between sitting at the board table as an observer and, sitting in the gallery and the audience as an observer? I don’t understand the significance of the difference,” asked Regional Director Gerald Whalley.
Chief Administrative Officer David Leitch explained that someone sitting at the table could participate in the discussion, while someone in the audience was not allowed to comment.
“What about in-camera (i.e.- meetings that are not in public), would they be absent from that or present?” asked Whalley.
“Absent,” said Leitch.
Regional Director Jim Abram objected, “The intent was that they could come to the meetings to observe the proceeding and if there was a need to speak, they could put their hand up and come to the table and speak. But to have them at the table is just almost like having them as directors.”
Leitch said, “In my mind, it is participation. That’s an action verb. It’s not to sit at the table, but it’s to participate in discussions, but, again, happy to make modifications as per the board’s direction.”
At this point the only First Nations member of the Board, Kevin Jules of the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/ Che:k’tles7et’h (Kyuquot/Checlesaht) added, “I sat at the table as an observer for quite a lengthy time and, you know I was a part of the discussions as well. I needed to be a part of and that. That’s how I see it. That’s how it was. That’s how it was for me as an observer. I came and sat at the table.”
Whalley responded, “I had understood in the past that the participation at the board and observer was for those First Nations that were in the treaty process and we’re nearing near completion of that treaty and that would shortly be full members of the board. That was the whole purpose of it. But for those who aren’t, or aren’t even considering it a treaty process, I think it’s inappropriate.”
There were only two director opposed when the motion to invite First Nations in the Regional District to participate as observers at Board meetings was moved, Abram and Whalley.
The motion carried.
Top image credit: the SRD Boardroom – screenshot for a video.
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