Our journey towards reconciliation
The District of North Vancouver respectfully acknowledges the original peoples of these lands and waters, specifically the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), on whose unceded ancestral lands the District of North Vancouver is located. We value the opportunity to learn, share, and serve our community on these unceded lands.
We recognize Canada’s colonial past and its impacts on Indigenous Nations and Peoples.
Our vision for reconciliation is to build strong relationships and collaborative partnerships with Indigenous Peoples that builds on the work contained in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action. We strive to weave social and environmental responsibility, cultural competence, and economic opportunity into the fabric of our community and to create an inclusive and nurturing community for current and future generations.
We seek to:
- Recognize the strength, resiliency, and diversity of Indigenous cultures;
- Respect Indigenous knowledge, teachings, and values, as well as respect the land;
- Have courage to listen, reflect, and participate in difficult discussions, and to embrace change;
- Create space for dialogue with Indigenous Peoples and Nations to create trust; and
- Build our capacity to work with open minds and open hearts.
Working with local First Nations governments
All five local governments across the North Shore, District of West Vancouver, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), work together when opportunities arise to lobby senior levels of government on issues of shared interest. North Shore Connects is one example of this type of partnership.
Visit the North Shore Connects website to learn more
A history of collaboration with səlilwətaɬ
The District has a long history of collaborating with səlilwətaɬ. As the municipality is located within the səlilwətaɬ traditional territory, the two governments have worked together on initiatives of mutual interest over the years.
- In 2023, together with səlilwətaɬ Council, the District of North Vancouver Council signed a Relationship Protocol Agreement that formalizes their commitment to work together to implement the municipal-specific Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the Provincial Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Learn more about the Relationship Protocol Agreement.
- In 2019, the səlilwətaɬ applied to the federal government for an Addition to Reserve involving lands currently under the jurisdiction of the District of North Vancouver. This area under discussion consists of two parcels of land comprising 45 acres in the Maplewood area, and is co-owned by Darwin Properties and the səlilwətaɬ. Read more about the AtR
- Agreements to co-manage Whey-ah-Wichen/Cates Park date back to 2001 and have been used as a model in the region for other parks co-management arrangements. At the heart of səlilwətaɬ traditional territory, the Whey-ah-Wichen/Cates Park is a place of cultural and spiritual significance to səlilwətaɬ and a place of historical and recreational significance to səlilwətaɬ and the District. The agreement outlines the principles to guide the co-management and future planning of the park, including the protection and enhancement of its natural and cultural environment for the enjoyment of present and future generations. In 2023, səlilwətaɬ and the District announced a joint project to restore the Whey-ah-Wichen/Cates Park shoreline with funding provided by the provincial government's British Columbia Destination Development Fund.
- Service agreements for reserve lands located along Dollarton Highway east of the Seymour River have been negotiated regularly since 1994, and a service agreement for IR3 was recently renegotiated in 2021 to extend to 2025. This agreement covers provision of services such as fire services, water and sewer services, along with non-utility services and a public works operational plan shared by both səlilwətaɬ and the District.
Reports
- Report to Council: Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities (November 25, 2020)
- Report to Council: Indigenous Land Acknowledgements (February 9, 2021)
- Recommendations Regarding Continued Support and Action on Reconciliation, Anti-Racism, Equity, Inclusion and Diversity (November 7, 2022)