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Three Lower Mainland First Nations are backing Vancouver’s plan to abolish the city’s elected park board.
In a letter of support made public by Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim on Monday, the Musqueam Indian Band, the Squamish Nation and the Tsleil-Waututh Nation express their support for the elimination of the long-standing elected board.
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The Indigenous groups, collectively known as the MST Nations, say they are ready to work with the city on amendments to the Vancouver Charter that would transfer responsibility for park policy and operations to city council.
As part of the endorsement, the MST Nations say they expect to be involved in discussions on modernizing the Vancouver Charter so it better aligns with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and B.C.’s own Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
“We are grateful to Musqueam Indian Band, Squamish Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nation for their invaluable support and continued partnership,” said Sim in a statement. “My team and I look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts with First Nations throughout this process to ensure our parks and recreation facilities get the care they deserve.”
Sim called the letter of endorsement — signed by Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow, Squamish Nation Chairperson Khelsilem and Tsleil-Waututh Chief Jen Thomas — a “significant stride” toward amending the Charter.
“It further underscores the core focus of reconciliation in the planning process and a brighter future for Vancouver’s parks and recreation facilities.”
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The MST Nations ask city officials to work with their technical team on how the amendments are drafted and what comes next.
“The city acknowledges this vital work and commits to long-term collaboration with” the MST Nations, said the statement.
Asked about the endorsement at a news conference on Monday, B.C. Premier David Eby joked it was an issue many British Columbians are “lying awake wondering about.” He said his government’s priorities are to work with the city on key issues like housing, health care, safe communities and affordability.
He said “it’s not out of the question” that the provincial government will be able to address the park board abolition in this legislative session, but noted “serious complexities” surrounding park management in Vancouver that might make that an “uphill battle.”
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