First Nations Engagement

Juan de Fuca Strait

First Nations engagement is a key priority when planning for wastewater treatment in the Core Area, The CRD is eager to work with its First Nations neighbours in a meaningful way on the project to seek their input, to apply their input to avoid problems and to seek opportunities to work together. In December 2008, the CRD submitted an interim report to the Minister of Environment which includes an Appendix on the steps needed for good consultation and engagement with local First Nations, including the Esquimalt, Songhees and Beecher Bay Nations.

Consultation Agreements

Consultation agreements have been signed by the Songhees, Beecher Bay and Esquimalt Nations, the Province and the CRD. These agreements lay out the responsibilities and steps for engagement for the CRD, the Provincial Government and participating First Nations. The consultation agreements state that the province is responsible for the consultation process and that it will delegate certain aspects of that process to the CRD.

2010

In addition to the protocol with the provincial government, the CRD has taken the following steps to engage First Nations on the wastewater management program:

  • The CRD has renewed its secondment of a senior official from the Province with a strong background in aboriginal relations to help work with First Nations on these issues.
  • The CRD and the province have signed tripartite protocols (attached) with the Songhees, Esquimalt, and Beecher Bay Nations laying out a common understanding of the consultation/engagement process.
  • The CRD is also trying to address other issues with these First Nations which have the potential to affect progress on a good working relationship on this project.
  • The Province has provided initial capacity funding to the Songhees, Beecher Bay and Esquimalt Nations to support the consultation process.
  • The CRD has met with federal agencies to ensure a common understanding with regard to consultation duties with First Nations if federal decisions are required to complete the project.
  • The CRD is conducting an information sharing process with Songhees, Esquimalt and Beecher Bay Nations on project design, siting work, and marine monitoring, recording interests and providing these records to MOE officials (summary of interests attached).
  • The CRD is engaging the Tsawout First Nation on marine monitoring issues related to the potential construction of new outfalls.

Read the March 2010 Update on First Nations Consultation and Engagement.

Read the November 2009 Update on First Nations Consultation and Engagement.

2009

In 2009 the CRD planned to accomplish the following goals:

  • Begin the information sharing process in earnest with Songhees, Esquimalt and
    Beecher Bay Nations on project design and siting work
  • Resolve issues, as possible, and refer those not resolvable within the CRD legislative
    mandate to the provincial or federal government
  • Provide information to other interested First Nations not directly affected by the project.

It is important to recognize that consultation and engagement with First Nations is not an endeavor that can be accomplished by simply setting a deadline. Given the complexities of the wastewater treatment project, the legal requirement and genuine desire to engage and consult with First Nations in a meaningful way, and the number of other important endeavors taxing these First Nation’s capacity, this pursuit can be expected to be an important element of the wastewater treatment project.

Read the March 2009 Update on First Nations Consultation and Engagement.