Reconciliation should shape how Council engages and makes decisions through early, ongoing relationships with the Lekwungen peoples and a clear reconciliation lens.
Chamber ACM question
Reconciliation should be built into how Council makes decisions, not treated as a separate conversation.
That starts with curiosity and meaningful engagement. Council should be asking questions, listening carefully, and building an ongoing relationship with the Lekwungen peoples rather than deciding what reconciliation should look like before the conversation begins.
The upcoming OCP is a significant opportunity to do this properly. I want the Nations involved early enough to help shape discussions around land use, heritage, transportation, environmental protection, and future growth, not simply asked to respond once decisions are already taking shape.
I also want a clear reconciliation lens built into Council’s decision-making rubric. We should routinely ask: Does this decision affect the Nations? Have we engaged early enough? Is there an opportunity to work together or create mutual benefit?
For me, reconciliation becomes meaningful when it changes how we engage, how we make decisions, and where we choose to work together.
SOURCES