The Town of Gibsons and the Squamish Nation signed a co-operation protocol last Thursday (Oct. 16) that lays the foundations for good relations between the two governments in the future.
"You can see this hand three ways - closed, open or like this," said Squamish Chief Gibby Jacob as he and Mayor Barry Janyk shook hands. "We choose to be here today, the seed is planted, and we'll be back to put water on it - you guys can put fertilizer on it," he added with a smile.
"I've always liked to believe that when we win as a Nation, the community around us wins," said the chief, who's spent 27 years as an elected leader. Janyk described the signing as "the most momentous occasion ever between the Town of Gibsons and the Squamish Nation."
"It is about time this community woke up to the fact we're here by privilege, not by right," he said. The Squamish Nation was formed in July 1923, when 16 Coast Salish tribes united to preserve their culture. The nation's traditional territory extends as far up the Coast as Roberts Creek, and they hold about 14.2 hectares (35 acres) adjacent to Grantham's Landing, in their Chekwelp reserve lands, IR26 and IR26A.
The nation has been seeking to put the co-operation protocol into effect before proceeding with development on the Chekwelp lands, where they hope to demolish existing homes on the 48 lots and build single-family homes or low-rise town homes.
Over the past four years, the Squamish Nation has been talking with the 38 tenants who have rented on the land over the past 15 years. The last leasehold expired nearly 20 years ago.
Aside from development, it's hoped the protocol enables the Town and the Squamish Nation to explore intergovernmental co-ordination, land use planning, culture and heritage protection, economic development and environmental protection, said a Town of Gibsons press release. The Squamish Nation has working agreements already in place with the City of Vancouver, District of Squamish and several other municipalities.
