City and Penticton Indian Band councils meet for neighbourly discussion

PENTICTON – Penticton City Council and the Penticton Indian Band council met to reaffirm a neighbourly relationship in their first joint council meeting this week.

The two councils met on Monday, March 4 to discuss the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, as well as the 94 recommendations arising from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, according to a media release issued today, March 7.

“The members of Penticton City Council had been looking forward to meeting with the Penticton Indian Band Chief and Council since Chief Chad Eneas personally congratulated us on the night of our swearing in ceremony,” Penticton Mayor John Vassilaki said in the release.

“Our time together Monday with Chief Eneas and his Council served as a productive starting point to discuss the partnerships and interests that are critical to all our people and economies while also acknowledging the important role of reconciliation in developing respectful and just relationships between our communities," he said.

The politicians from both governments shared a commitment to look at how they can apply reconciliation through proper recognition of Indigenous people and are eager to build frameworks that enhance a neighbourly relationship between the two, the media release stated.

“We are excited about the commitment by both parties to further dialogue culminating in real outcomes,” Band Chief Chad Eneas said in the release.

The two parties reviewed the 2004 protocol agreement, with a wish to see it expanded.

Band council members also discussed the issue of provincial and federal systemic polices that work to create an unequal reality for the Penticton Indian Band. The two groups agreed to work together to work collectively on projects of common interest.

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