Riding on the successful partnership formed during the Olympics, the City of Vancouver and Squamish Nation signed a memorandum of understanding yesterday to bring the two communities closer.
The memo was signed by Mayor Gregor Robertson and Squamish Nation Chief Gibby Jacob, to collaborate on areas of mutual interest such as economic development, tourism and environmental protection.
“We share many of the same aspirations,” said Robertson. “By working together to combine our unique perspectives, our energy and our enthusiasm, we will achieve great things.”
Jacob called the event “historic.”
“The things in the past should never be forgotten, but we must go forward and create a prosperous reality,” he said.
“The city is part of our history, villages, mythology, culture, language and resources that have sustained our peoples since time immemorial.”
Vancouver and the Squamish Nation will form a steering committee to meet regularly and will bring their councils together at least once a year.
