T’ašii: A Path Forward – Orientation Guide to support KCFN & SRD Cooperation
In April 2011, the Maa-nulth First Nations Final Agreement (the Treaty) came into effect. Representing five First Nations along Vancouver Island’s West Coast (Huu-ay-aht, Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h, Toquaht, Uchucklesaht), the historic Treaty included direction for the Nations to join the regional district where they are located within ten years of the Treaty’s effective date.
On April 1, 2012, Huu-ay-aht and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ joined the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD). Uchucklesaht joined the ACRD as a government member on February 1, 2014, and Toquaht joined the ACRD on October 1, 2016. Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h (KCFN) is scheduled to join the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) by April 2021.
This Orientation Manual is meant to support local elected officials and staff as well as residents and citizens in moving down the path to regional cooperation and governance. It is an initiative supported by BC’s Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and expands on an earlier ‘Fact Package’ called T’ašii: the path forward, which was produced to support cooperation between Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/ Che:k’tles7et’h First Nations and the Strathcona Regional District.
The specific goals of this Orientation Manual are to:
- Provide KCFN and SRD with detailed information on the various individual governments (municipalities, Nations) and electoral areas at the table, in order to facilitate understanding, positive communications, and relationship building among leaders and their constituents;
- Provide detailed background information on governance processes, procedures, organizational structures, and systems within both governments to facilitate a smooth transition and efficient ongoing operation; and,
- Help clarify some key facts and concepts on KCFN and SRD corporate structures and governance procedures.
