Protocol to be signed by RDOS signators

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Regional District directors have voted in favour of an agreement with Indian bands in the RDOS based on wording first agreed to more than 5 years ago.

Municipal and regional leaders met with native leaders last month in Osoyoos and promised to move quickly to get this protocol signed.

Native leaders signed the agreement in 2008 and have wait a long time for this day.

Quoting RDOS CEO Bill Newell – there is benefit not danger in this agreement.

In a previous board legal opinions began to play a part in the effort to get a protocol. Newell says history shows that the signing was aborted because of one “where as” clause that spoke to  aboriginal rights and title – that is embed in the constitution. the RDOS was warned that it was not a local responsibility to negotiate land claims with natives so it was it recommended they not participate.

Wiser  heads now prevail as the agreement is not about land per se but about cooperation and education on many issues. Mayor of Keremeos Manfred Bauer says this is a new chapter and the agreement will redress past mistakes.

The agreement involves the Lower Similkameen, Penticton and Osoyoos Indian Bands along with the Okanagan Nations Alliance. The Upper Similkameen Indian Band will be invited to sign the agreement as well.

Complete text of the agreement is outlined in the link at the top of this page.