A trio of Capital regional directors make up a new chair’s task force to explore governance relationships with area First Nations.
Sooke Mayor Maja Tait, Central Saanich Mayor Ryan Windsor and Victoria Coun. Marianne Alto will do “emissary-type work, going out and listening to and speaking to First Nation groups,” said CRD chair Nils Jensen.
“It fulfills the direction of the board to move forward building bridges with First Nations,” he said, adding the new task force is a direct reflection of the last CRD board’s desire to create a governance relationship with local First Nations
“This is the first step in that, for the CRD to reach out to the First Nations and get their views on how best to co-ordinate their interests and aspirations with the CRD.”
The CRD board approved the appointment of the special task force on First Nations engagement to meet with CRD First Nations to develop options for bringing First Nations into the CRD governance framework and report back to the chair and governance committee within 12 months.
cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com