Tomorrow, Saturday, June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples' Day, a day to celebrate and recognize the history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada.
The City of Terrace Council and staff truly value the relationships we have developed and strengthened over the years with local First Nations and Métis. We'd like to highlight a few ways working together over the past year have been a win-win for all of us.
- As a result of engagement with partners on the Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan, a Community FireSmart Resiliency Committee - which includes the City, RDKS, Kitselas, Kitsumkalulm and BC Wildfire Service - has been formed. This will help all those involved better protect our area and communities.
- For the couple years, the City of Terrace, along with Community Energy Association, has worked closely with the Nisga'a Lisims Nation's to support building inspection functions in the Nass Valley for all four Nisga’a Villages, and the construction and energy efficiency for new buildings and retro-fitting of existing homes.
- The City's sale of the old Co-op lands to the Métis Nation of BC (MNBC) has the Northwest BC Métis Association developing a daycare in that location that will offer 40 new spots for children in Terrace. (Read the MNBC news release.)
- The ongoing joint venture partnership of Skeena Industrial Development Park with Kitselas First Nation presents valuable economic development opportunities for both communities.
- Extending the Xpilaxha Trail to connect the City of Terrace with the community of Kitsumkalum First Nation, and renaming the trail to recognize the history of mutual support between the communities, means easier travel access to recreation for local residents of both communities.
Another incredible milestone this past year, was returning two Talking Sticks, important artifacts that were displayed for many years in the City of Terrace's Council chambers, to the Dzawada’enuxw First Nation.
We invite you to also take some time tomorrow to reflect on how Indigenous culture has enriched your life. Toyaxsuut nuusm. (Thank you!)