I presently sit on the Protocol Working Group (PWG) and we have been working well with Snuneymuxw First Nation. We are working together to bring economic development to the Nation and City. We have seen the Snuneymuxw flag return to City Hall, which is a sign of improved relationships. We recognize working with Snuneymuxw First Nation is the right thing to do. We will have disagreements however they will be dealt with immediately and respectfully.

I happily agree, we live, work and play on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw people. Working together is important and always should be. A harmonious relationship is crucial

The City’s relationship with SFN is the best it’s ever been. I got that directly from a member of the Nation. It’s not perfect and there is a lot of work to do however we have laid the foundation for that work to move forward and we are getting results that benefit both nations and the work is moving forward.

The relationship is much improved since 2018. The City and Snuneymuxw have a renewed protocol agreement and meet regularly.

I think that this true in the sense of the protocol agreement but I would want a meeting to see if the implementation is meeting the expectations of staff and elected officials from both the City and Snunueymuxw First Nation.

With the restoration of the city of Nanaimo and Snuneymuxw protocol working group that brings regular meetings between the Snuneymuwx Chief, Mayor and councillors, a stronger and more collaborative relationship with Snuneymuww First Nation (SFN) has developed over recent years. Positive collaborations have been the standing of the Welcoming Pole in Maffeo Sutton Park, the large annual public event to acknowledge the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, the provision of 12 temporary housing units for Snuneymuwx community members experiencing homelessness and the continued dialogue between the city and SFN on the many matters of concern to the two governments.

We have re-established our shared work tables, broken bread and supported each other through a difficult number of years. A strong relationship with Snuneymuwx is essential for our city’s success and I am deeply committed to our shared work.

My Council initiated the era of cooperation with our Snuneymuxw colleagues. I will work diligently to reinstate our positive ‘Shared Vision’ community partnership with the Port Authority, Snuneymuxw First Nation, School District 68, the Regional District, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo Airport, etc.

There is still more to do, but the relationship is improving, at least from my perspective.

We need to listen more and talk less as we develop this partnership with our local indigenous communities.

Yes! The SFN flag is now up at City Hall upon the restoration of our relationship.
Together we created and celebrated our new Protocol Agreement. We now meet monthly for PAWG and have whole Council gatherings to strengthen these ties. We worked together with SD 68 to celebrate Indigenous Day on September 30th. The new welcome totem pole carved by Noel Brown was installed at Maffeo Sutton Park. New SFN artwork created at our Beban Aquatic Center along with language to help us learn.

The City of Nanaimo has made good progress on building a stronger, more collaborative relationship with the Snuneymuxw First Nation. There is much more work to do together. I have good relationships with the Snuneymuxw Chief and Council and if elected will work towards further strengthening the relationship between Snuneymuxw and the city. With a positive working relationship we can manage growth effectively and ensure that we improve the livability of the region.

I certainly hope so! We all want to improve and strengthen the relationship with our Snuneymuxw First Nation community. Our diversity makes us stronger and as we have learned about all of the terrible errors of the past, we can make the future better. Working together we can do so much more for the future of this region.

From the news that is shared, it certainly appears that significant strides have been made toward building a more respectful and appreciative environment with the Snuneymuxw First Nation over recent years. With such a history, it has taken time, effort and patience to move forward in collaboration with one another. We need to continue to grow together and utilize our humanitarian strengths to move forward.

There is progress but more needs to be done. The indigenous communities are inspiring and we need to continue to listen and respect the culture. This communication is vital as their presence is showing a positive improvement in our city in more ways than one.

I think we have and still need to continue to build and strengthen this relationship moving forward.

Yes

Yes our relationship with SFN has improved dramatically and become more collaborative over recent years. There is a good working relationship between city and SFN staff, and also between Council and SFN Council. Mutual trust has been build based on personal relationships and goodwill. It is recognized that we need to work together for economic prosperity that will benefit everyone.

It is categorically unfair for Nanaimo Residents to constantly hear before every Council Meeting and Civic Function that we are all on Unceded territory. The implication is clear. Unceded is a synonym for “Stolen”. Every Nanaimo Resident is living on Stolen property. Every Nanaimo Citizen is complicit in a crime. We are all accomplices.

The next step is clear : Reparations. Nanaimo Residents, and Canadians in general are being psychologically prepared to accept the idea that we are in part guilty and thus responsible for the actions of our Ancestors, or people whom we are not even related to, but merely living on land they once occupied.

This is NOT how a divide between peoples is healed. You do not continue to jab a stick into an old wound and expect the wound to heal. Only more resentment and disenfranchisement is created. Modern Canadians are very accepting people. We respect everyone, regardless of their religious or cultural beliefs. First Nations people are full Canadian Citizens with all the rights and possibilities that entails.

A Stronger, More Collaborative relationship to me sounds like : finding ways to divert more Tax Payers money into nebulous projects to “heal divisions” that accomplish nothing.

I think this needs to be done in consultation with Snuneymuxw First Nation. They need to tell us where they would like to see changes made. We are presently working with Snuneymuxw First Nation on renaming many streams and places of significance. A recent example is the naming of the NDSS Community Field to q’unq’inuqwstuxw, a Coast Salish word meaning pass it back.

Renaming is contentious. Exploring indigenous names /terms in consultation with the Snuneymuxw people for areas being developed or areas being redeveloped is a win win for proper and respectful reconciliation.

Renaming is a weird term. The renaming already took place. This concept of renaming comes with a lot of push back from some people and we need to work slowly on these opportunities. Most landmark names are created by people with no connection to the land and only here a short time. Land surveyors like 19th century Otto Klotz who named a mountain after himself. The way forward is to look at certain landmarks, see if there is a need or will to return the name that was there for millennia. I own an Indigenous publishing company. When we are using indigenous words we put them in the format of (english translation) (Written indigenous language) and then (English sounds of the word “phonetics”). This allows the reader to choose the word they wish to use and if they choose the indigenous word to be able to pronounce it correctly. I would suggest that going forward on landmark “renaming” that we look to something similar like (indigenous written name), (phonetic spelling) to help folks who are not familiar with the phonetics of Hul’q’umi’num’ to pronounce the word. I find that given that opportunity most people will use the indigenous name gladly.

Rather than spend money on changing current signs, any new roads/signs etc could be named using First nations terms.

Many native people are homeless on unconceded native land let’s house them first

Fully agree.

I believe that more opportunities should be explored to rename parts of Nanaimo to traditional, First Nation terms.

This is an example of something the city can do to save money and instead of changing names on existing streets (which would cost the city money) we could name new streets with traditional First Nations terms.

Any efforts in this direction should be led by the Nation.

Dual English and Snuneymuxw names are reasonable ways to show and respect our mutual history.

I believe that recognizing history through the names of those who forged it is a valid way of creating civic pride and recognition of our heritage, however it has been created.

This is a good way to reverse some of the cultural genocide which took place in our community and nation’s history.

A key part of the reconciliation process involves using traditional First Nations terms to rename parts of the community in particular geographic locations. For example the history of the name Chase River is based on a manhunt for a Snuneymux man who was later hanged. This is not a positive historic name. The Chase River should be renamed with the original Snuneymuxw name ‘Kulwulton’. The word Nanaimo is an anglicization of the word Snuneymuxw.

Absolutely, this is long overdue and an important turning point for all of us.

I can see moving forward, that an effort be made to utilize First Nations naming, but I believe that we have to respect that the predominant spoken language is English, and those names should follow for local and visitors are challenged with the ability to pronunciation them.

Yes

Yes and no, depends on various factors. Can be done if found necessary by Indigenous population.

This is already being done, and I support exploring opportunities as requested by SFN. If renaming is to be done, I prefer to option of dual names and related explanations to avoid confusion. Otherwise people are simply confused and the First Nation term might have no meaning and even cause resentment due to lack of understanding.

The cost to rebrand part of Nanaimo to First Nations terms is a burden that the tax payers can not afford at this time.

I would welcome an “Expert Debate : Should Contemporary Names of City Structures and their Historical Significance Be Eliminated to Make Room for New Names that Reflect the Culture of People’s Who Were Present Before?”

I believe it is essential to learn History, to learn from History, and strive to avoid the mistakes that were made historically, but I do not believe that Modern people should accept guilt or responsibility for actions that were done by their ancestors. Nanaimo has Historical names for its streets, buildings, landmarks. Renaming them is denying the history that encompasses their name. Someone should not be forced to change their name because it is considered the “Progressive”, “Conciliatory” thing to do.

I believe in Individual Liberty and Personal Freedom and Private Property and Respect for History. Now, if a new structure in Nanaimo is available to be named, and the owner or relevant party CHOOSES to bequeath the structure a traditional, First Nations name, I am 100% in favor of that. For me, it is always about Freedom of Choice, and the absence of the use of Force.

What happened to First Nations peoples was wrong, but we move forward, not dwelling on the past.

We need to respect the Snuneymuxw First Nation as Nanaimo is situated on their traditional territory. We all benefit when we work together.

i agree

Yes it is. We can’t progress as a city without the partnerships and equal partners going forward. Our success as a city is tied to Snuneymuxw’s success as a nation.

This is essential for community resiliency.

Continued reconciliation and partnership with Snuneymuwx First Nation is essential for the City of Nanaimo because the well-being of our communities are interconnected through people and land.

Representation and partnership with all groups within the community is important.

The long abuse of the Snuneymuxw people is a blight on our history. As neighbours we can, and must, respect each community far better than before. Together we will progress to the benefit of all citizens.

It’s the right and honourable thing to do.

This is fundamental to our path forward in Truth and Reconciliation.

It is essential to continue to work towards reconciliation and partnership with Snuneymuxw. The success of our communities is dependent on a good working relationship. There are many things that we can achieve in partnership including economic development and protecting local biodiversity and sensitive ecosystems such as the Nanaimo River.

Absolutely, again this is long overdue and it creates exciting opportunities for this region.

While continued reconciliation resides primarily at other higher levels of government, we should continue to support the Snuneyymuxw First Nations in their reconciliation efforts. On what level is within the city, that too might improve with the adoption of an advisory committee made up of members of the Snuneyymuxw First Nations.

Yes,

Absolutely. We must continue to examine opportunities to partner with SFN for the benefit of all concerned.

Snunymuxw First Nations are Full Canadian Citizens. Equal before the Law with every other Canadian Citizen. I do not believe in Special Treatment for any group, and feel strongly that doing so only creates division and alienation between people.

Once more I will bring up the “My Tax Money Nanaimo” Smartphone App / Website. Any proposed initiative to supposedly increase “Reconciliation” with First Nation people would need to appear on the App / Website and its cost and projected increase on Taxes would need to be clearly represented.

Already First Nations people have free University Tuition, Hunting and Fishing Rights, numerous Grants, and payments from the Government, including $1.2 Billion the Federal Government is using Canadian Tax Payers money for to compensate victims of Residential Schools. A Controversial decision, and just let me point out that 99.9% of Citizens had nothing do with Residential Schools and I question the fairness of placing additional Tax Burden on people who have no responsibility for what was, undeniably, for most, a truly horrific experience.

How do you connect with people though? You spend time with them. You treat them with respect, as equals. No favoritism. No special treatment. All human beings. Flawed and Hopeful.

I believe we have this at our Protocol Working Group. Any issues of mutual concern or new ideas or projects are brought to the working group for discussion. The Province is presently looking at this and there are First Nations who have seats on Regional Districts.

Nanaimo City Council is an elected body voted in by the people living in Nanaimo, which includes the people of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. In the not so distant past a member of the Snuneymuxw First Nation (Bill Yoachim) ran for and was an elected to a seat on Nanaimo City Council. The process works. That being said, I welcome the active participation from the Snuneymuxw First Nations’ people in City Council but unsure how the appointment process would unfold.

I agree and it’s something we should be looking at. Both at the local level and the regional level.

This a conversation to be had with Snuneymuxw when welcomed and appropriate.

I agree that this should be explored with the City and Snuneymuxw and implemented if consensus is found.

The relationship between the Snuneymuwx First Nation and the City of Nanaimo is government to government. The protocol working group established between the city of Nanaimo and Snuneymuxw First Nation facilitates this relationship. Any additional arrangements are not currently necessary.

Representation for the whole community can and should be achieved through elected membership on Council. I encourage Snuneymuxw First Nation to field candidates for elected office.

This is guided by legislation; I’m curious to explore how this would work.

My Council had regular meetings and working sessions with Snuneymuxw elected officials. Staff of both organizations worked together to achieve such things as water to reserves, joint operation of Newcastle Island Park, community policing, etc.

The question of how the intergovernmental relationship should develop is not mine to decide, but it is one that needs consideration in the near future.

Their participation is essential as part of our path forward. These are their traditional lands.

We have the Protocol Working Group that meets monthly but I am open to additional opportunities that are permitted. I would like to see First Nations at the RDN as well.

The current relationship between Snuneymuxw and the City of Nanaimo is government to government. The protocol agreement should be honoured and the working group should be strengthened to ensure that we continue to build positive relationships based on mutual respect.

Yes, from my past work as a Mayor, meeting with our First Nations community was essential in building a strong friendship. I believe we need to consider all possibilities to working together. So if it is via an appointed representative, great, whatever works best. I’m open to the idea.

See previous response

A continued relationship with the Snuneymuxw First Nations is essential for our city. We need to work collaboratively and find more pathways towards reconciliation together. When it comes to incorporating traditional names and having a more direct representative involved with Council business, these are ideas that will need to be discussed with the Nation itself.

Yes, I like to learn more on this topic

This would be a provincial directive. City does have an active and valuable Protocal Working Group with SFN of which I am a member, and we also have a staff liaison committee to discuss issues and projects.

Snuneymuxw First Nations are full Canadian Citizens and have the same rights and privileges as all Canadian Citizens. I categorically do not agree with Special Treatment for any group. All people should be treated equally before the law. I would welcome a First Nations Candidate to run for City Council, and if they secure the most votes, they will be on Council, and can represent the positions of whomever they wish.

Additionally, how much would an Appointed Representative cost Nanaimo Tax Payers? This is where the “My Tax Money Nanaimo” Smartphone App / Website once again would prove invaluable to help inform Residents about a possible City expense. I also believe that having Special Appointed Representatives opens the floodgates to other groups feeling they too deserve an Appointed Representative.

I am DEEPLY opposed to the idea of Appointed Leaders. Leaders MUST be chosen by Election from the people. There is FAR too much opportunity for Nepotism, Cronyism, Favoritism inherent in the act of Appointing leaders. This is precisely WHY Nanaimo Residents should oppose the Official Community Plan (OCP) as it is a vision endorsed and promoted by “Unelected” people who want to represent (push) their views on the world.