Westbank First Nation would like to see more progress concerning inclusive regional governance in the Regional District Central Okanagan (RDCO).

This collaborative approach aims to build relationships, recognize First Nations rights, and incorporate Indigenous perspectives and decision-making.

At its Feb. 20 meeting, the RDCO Board received an update from its Intergovernmental Working Group, which includes representatives from both WFN and RDCO. The group is developing a governance model that includes granting WFN voting rights on the board. The update highlighted that the RDCO is ahead of other regional districts in the province in advancing its governance process.

鈥淔or Westbank First Nation, we鈥檙e not far enough along,鈥� WFN Director of Operations, Lisa Pastro told the board. 鈥淚 understand where the province is coming from with respect to the work they are doing with other regional districts and nations, however, we have been trying to advance this work for 20 years.鈥�

The provincial government passed the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) into law in 2019. A section of the act required the development and implementation of an action plan, adopted in 2022, which included self-determination and the inherent right of self-government for First Nations. 

The Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs is responsible to support inclusive regional governance by advancing First Nations participation on regional district boards.

鈥淭his is a large, layered and important initiative,鈥� Sally Ginter, RDCO CAO, explained to the board. 鈥淚t is going to take time, unfortunately. From what I have seen though, there appears to be an effort and a willingness (provincially) - that is my perception.鈥�

Pastro agreed.

鈥淭his is work that hasn鈥檛 been done before in B.C,鈥� she said, adding that WFN and the RDCO will likely need to have their own agreement. 

鈥淲e are a self-governing nation, we don鈥檛 have a treaty.鈥�

WFN is currently unable to vote on the regional board due to provincial legislation, which requires nations to have a treaty with the province to fully participate in regional governance. WFN Councillor Jordan Coble serves as the nation's representative on the RDCO Board.

The Intergovernmental Working Group continues to collaborate with provincial representatives towards inclusive governance.