Mowachaht Muchalaht First Nation, the Village of Gold River and the Village of Tahsis have signed a shared vision statement which solidifies their commitment to work together to enhance the well-being of each community and the region. The statement was signed on March 17.
A press release states that it was an historic step forward to unite the three communities by enabling collaboration through shared values, respect and a newly-established working relationship.
This new relationship will strengthen the communities’ ability to pursue business and economic development strategies for the betterment of their members, citizens and local businesses.
The Vision Statement talks, in part of “ongoing effective communications, relationship-building and strategic positioning.”
“We are progressive communities that share a desire to responsibly manage our natural resources in a manner that will stimulate new business opportunities and develop a diversified economy whilst always respecting each other.”
Chief Mike Maquinna of the Mowachaht Muchalaht Council of Chiefs said “This is a defining moment in the long history of the Mowachaht Muchalaht First Nation. This Vision Statement reflects the truth of the respectful, trusting and mutually-beneficial relationships with our valued Tahsis and Gold River neighbors.”
Mayor Brad Unger of Gold River said “Revitalizing our local and regional economy in a sustainable way requires working closely with the Mowachaht Muchalaht First Nation and the Village of Tahsis. We know that open and meaningful relationships are fundamental to our economic growth.”
Tahsis Mayor Jude Schooner said the three communities were stronger together, than apart. “We have put into our daily lives the relationship and reconciliation that is often talked about, but not always delivered. We have done it here.”
The communities will now work on a co-operation agreement to implement key aspects of the Vision Statement, which is a product of a series of community to community meetings with funding from the government of British Columbia.
