There was a spirit of cooperation and good will in the room at yesterday's signing. Photo Credit: The Vancouver Observer

Yesterday’s Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Vancouver and the Squamish Nation aims to, according to Stephen Hui of the Georgia Straight:

“establish a cooperative government-to-government relationship for the purpose of sharing information, improving communications, addressing specific concerns, setting a solid foundation for future planning and raising awareness and understanding of Squamish Nation title, rights and responsibilities and the rights of the City under the Vancouver Charter”.

Both parties agreed to collaboration – let me repeat that word – collaboration – on governance, intergovernmental relations, economic development, cultural and heritage protection, tourism, environmental protection, land use planning and management, zoning processes, capacity building, shared/reciprocal service delivery, transportation initiatives, and sustainable healthy communities.

These areas of mutual interest go far beyond symbolism, as establishing a cooperative “government-to-government” relationship is a foundation upon which to grow together, which is particularly important for a nation that has 60 per cent of its population under the age of 25.

Contrast this with the approach that was taken by former NPA Park Board commissioner Marty Zlotnik towards the Musqueam band and supported by former Mayor Sam Sullivan, and you will see just one of the differences in priorities at City Hall between then and now.

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