By Erin Knutson

The City of Fernie unanimously approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it First Nation during a special council meeting held at the Seniors’ Centre on August 18, underscoring the significance of Indigenous rights while fostering positive regional relations.

Following Corporate Officer Lavinia McElwee’s report and suggestion that the city proceed with the government-to-government MOU, Fernie supported the agreement, which both parties will formalize this fall.

“It’s a milestone in a relationship that’s been building for several years; it is the next step in that ongoing relationship,” she said.

According to McElwee, the agreement is not legally binding but will set parameters for communication between the governments, emphasizing the community’s commitment to respectful dialogue and shared goals.

The agreement will be recognized as part of Aboriginal rights and title under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, honouring the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and B.C.’s Declaration Act.

It will acknowledge Fernie’s location in Qukin ʔamakʔis, the unceded traditional territory of Yaq̓it ʔa· knuqⱡi’it, a Ktunaxa Nation community historically referred to as the Tobacco Plains.

“It’s a working, living document. This is the first part to see how it goes and is open to amendments – as the relationship works together, the idea of an MOU is viable for both governance structures and continually improved on an annual or biannual basis. This is purely the first step in creating a formality,” said McElwee.

The agreement will be built on a mutual style of leadership, emphasizing collaboration, mutual respect, reconciliation, and shared stewardship to inspire confidence in a united effort.

“Guiding principles listed in the text are fluid and invite respect, collaboration, transparency, reciprocity, stewardship, and reconciliation. Areas of work include Land-use planning; Environmental Stewardship; Economic Development; Emergency Management and Cultural Recognition,” she said.

As the MOU develops, McElwee and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Michael Boronowski highlighted the potential creation of a Joint Leadership Team, which would bring together elected councils and staff to meet quarterly to advance collaboration and ensure ongoing progress.

McElwee’s report also emphasized that the MOU is a relationship document, designed to foster respectful governance and shared understanding, not a land-claim settlement or transfer of municipal authority.

“For Fernie, the practical test will come in the next OCP and development-referral cycles, and in whether quarterly meetings produce follow-through rather than another unsigned framework. For Yaq̓it ʔa· knuqⱡi’it, the test is whether a municipal government operating on its territory treats the Nation as a government – not a stakeholder to be consulted afterward.”

Both communities plan to hold signing ceremonies to move forward with the MOU, which Fernie councillors received well as a government-to-government relationship, reinforcing mutual respect and trust in the partnership.

The MOU will also consider both signers’ languages as it is brought forward.

“Language is an important part of reconciliation,” said Coun. Tracey Audia Kelly, who emphasized the significance of learning Ktunaxa as an isolate language.

Acting Mayor Coun. Harsh Ramadass agreed that the MOU was a positive and progressive motion.

“It’s important to modernize this relationship and have something non-binding, but still a document that will give us good direction over the next few years. I will also support this.”

e-KNOW file photo

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