WHISTLER, B.C. — On its 45th anniversary, the Resort Municipality of Whistler has announced a historic agreement with the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Líl̓wat Nations to help shape future development of the region.
“Whistler’s 45th anniversary as a resort municipality is an exciting milestone to celebrate their past, along with a new vision for the future, with the recent signing of their historic agreement with First Nations,” said Selina Robinson, minister of municipal affairs and housing, in a statement. “I look forward to seeing Whistler and the Squamish and Líl̓wat Nations work together to shape their community and explore new economic opportunities for this world-class resort destination.”
The agreement, signed earlier this summer, between the Squamish and Líl̓wat Nations, B.C, the Resort Municipality of Whistler and Whistler Blackcomb, establishes a framework to create better government-to-government relations and a co-operative partnership.
“The Líl̓wat Nation would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Resort Municipality of Whistler on their 45th anniversary,” said Political Chief Dean Nelson of the Líl̓wat Nation – Ku̓kwpi7 Skalúlmecw. “The Nation looks forward to being an active partner in the resort’s future through the recently completed umbrella and framework agreements which recognize the significant Indigenous history and presence on the land.”
Officials said the agreement is meant to show B.C.’s commitment to reconciliation and enable the municipality to complete official community plans without ministerial approval. This gives the Resort Municipality of Whistler more autonomy over future planning and land use and will allow all parties to participate and have their interests’ reflected.
“The framework agreement is a significant and meaningful step in continuing to build a government-to-government relationship with the Lil’wat Nation and Squamish Nation,” said Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton. “The framework agreement aims to establish a co-operative relationship in the spirit of reconciliation for the purpose of addressing topics of mutual interest and to raise awareness and understanding. The Resort Municipality of Whistler looks forward to continuing to work with the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation on building this relationship.”
Officials explained the agreement is the result of many years of discussions and it will establish a foundation for future planning, land use and economic development. The framework agreement includes economic development opportunities for the Nations and a land exchange.
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