Whereas current provincial programs offer some financial assistance to advance reconciliation and relationship building efforts, they generally support one off events as opposed to more systemic and sustained engagement efforts; And whereas funding under such provincial programs is far less than the actual cost of convening multi-party collaborative processes, resulting in the contribution of funding by local governments; And whereas funding under such provincial programs is not stable, on-going funding and results in large amounts of staff time to apply for these programs: Therefore be it resolved that the Province of British Columbia develop stable, ongoing funding programs with systemic, inclusive, and collaborative approaches to assist with First Nations reconciliation and relationship building efforts.
Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation has a long standing relationship with local governments and recognizes the importance of engaging local government in reconciliation activities. Through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing MAH and Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development FLNR, the Province provides some support for local government to advance its own reconciliation with First Nations through the Community to Community C2C operated by MAH and Rural Dividend Fund programs operated by FLNR. MIRR signed a new MOU in Fall 2018. MIRR has held the initial implementation of the MOU with UBCM and the second meeting is scheduled for February 2019. BC Participation in the Implementation of the MOU is jointly by MIRR and MAH staff. The responsibility of local governments to engage with neighbouring local government entities is not new, and the increased attention by local governments to extend that engagement to neighbouring First Nations is important to ensure that all affected have input and consideration into local and regional initiatives. Local governments day to day relationship building with neighbouring First Nations should be considered part of their existing role and responsibilities.