PRRD submits $10,000 grant application to be used for forum with Saulteau First Nations

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) board authorized staff to submit a grant application for $10,000 to the Union of BC Municipalities‘ Regional Community to Community (C2C) Forum program during their March 21st meeting to be used to co-host a forum with Saulteau First Nations. 

The C2C program helps provide funding for forums to increase understanding and improve overall relations between First Nations and local governments. 

According to a report to the board, the program expanded, starting in 2023, to support the advancement of First Nation and local government reconciliation and relationship building through agreements, joint plans and strategies. The funding for the program also increased so that applicants can receive up to $10,000.

To qualify for program funding, C2C forums must have direct dialogue between First Nations and local government officials or senior staff. The two parties must also work towards one or more goals during the forum, such as strengthening relationships, supporting local reconciliation efforts or developing coordinated approaches to emergency preparation. 

“Forum events are intended to provide a time and place for dialogue to listen and learn, build on opportunities, support reconciliation efforts, resolve issues of common responsibility, interest, or concern, and advance tangible outcomes,” said the report.

The PRRD and Saulteau have tentatively planned a C2C meeting for April 30th, 2024, to unite in the spirit of relationship building, listening, and learning. The meeting also hopes to realize positive outcomes for all communities in the region by collaborating in areas of mutual overlap and considering the implications of the new Emergency and Disaster Management Act.

The Emergency and Disaster Management Act replaced the Emergency Program Act to reflect the changing nature of emergencies and disasters. The legislation includes a process of consultation and cooperation with Indigenous partners on four phases of emergency management — mitigation, preparedness response, and recovery.

In March 2023, the PRRD sent C2C Forum invitations to First Nations communities such as Saulteau, West Moberly, Doig River, Halfway River, Blueberry River, Kwadacha, and Tsay Keh Dene Nation.

Since 1999, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Indigenous Services Canada have provided funding for the C2C program, according to the UBCM. At this time, more than 700 C2C Forums have been held in communities across the province.

The full report can be viewed below: