City of Fort St. John holds council-to-council meetings with local First Nations

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Fort St. John city council recently conducted meetings with chiefs of Doig River First Nation (DRFN) and Blueberry River First Nation (BRFN), for the first time since the pandemic.

These meetings aim to maintain an open discussion and encourage cooperation, and both councils recognize them as an important first step toward reconciliation.

Topics varied from economic and social development to operational needs and support.

DRFN and the city negotiate under an agreement called a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The  MOU outlines a broad acceptance to work together regarding future projects between the two entities.

The DFRN signed its first MOU with the city regarding an urban reserve in 2010, with additional concurrences happening in both 2020 and 2021.

DFRN’s urban reserve, located adjacent to an already existing urban centre, follows in the footsteps of similar concepts in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

The site, located just north of Ma Murray Elementary School on West Bypass Road and 105th Avenue, will begin construction this spring according to DRFN Chief Trevor Makadahay.

“We have a service agreement with the city. For water, sewer and policing — things like that,” said Makadahay. 

“We’re hoping for a seamless transition — where you drive and don’t know you’re coming onto the reserve. There are residential developments already there, we’re trying to get commercial and industrial buildings going up. We want to be mindful of Ma Murray School. It’s all about fitting into the overall community plan.”

Makadahay believes “communication is key” when dealing with the city.

“Only through discussion is how you learn what works best for both sides,” said Makadahay.

Blueberry River First Nation Chief Judy Desjarlais focused the bulk of her meeting with council on addressing the ongoing healthcare system issues and the opioid crisis.

“There have been a few members within surrounding Nations that lost their battles to addiction. That has taken a toll on some of our elders in our community,” said Desjarlais. 

“Elders in our community and other Nations are worried about future generations that could be battling mental health issues. As governance, we have to ask what we are going to do?”

Although BRFN does not have an MOU in place, Desjarlais is optimistic about a potential agreement with the city in the future.

Desjarlais believes working in tandem with city council is the best solution for a better future for BRFN and Fort St. John.

“Only through one common goal and vision can all governance battle the healthcare crisis within the north,” said Desjarlais.

Mayor Lilia Hansen says the council-to-council meetings are “fostering collaboration and building positive relationships.”

“Meetings with Indigenous communities in our region are vital as they provide a platform for open dialogue and understanding,” said Hansen. 

The city says they plan to hold meetings with other local First Nations in the near future.

Prior to the pandemic, Makadahay says the councils met up to three times annually.