I had lunch at Two Eagles Golf Course today and witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Westbank First Nations and the RDCO. That MOU and an update on the lake levels are today’s Post. The picture is Chief Roxanne Lindley & RDCO Board Chair Given signing the agreement.

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W.F.N. and RDCO

 Sign Cultural Sites Protection MOU

The Regional District and Westbank First Nation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection and Conservation of Cultural Heritage Sites within Regional Parks.

The MOU is the result of an initiative last fall that brought the Regional Board and Westbank First Nation Council and staff from both organizations together for a Community to Community Forum.  It involved a facilitated field and site visit followed by presentations from experts in the field of cultural site conservation and protection.

The Memorandum recognizes that the land throughout the Central Okanagan has been used by the syilx Okanagan People since time immemorial, creating a history that’s synonymous with the land.  The Memorandum highlights the means to allow future development projects within regional parks, while safeguarding the shared goals of protection, conservation and education of First Nation cultural sites within the parks.

A number of historical First Nation archeological sites have been identified within Central Okanagan regional parks. This MOU has even more significance because the Regional District and Westbank First Nation are co-managing Black Mountain / sntsk‘il’ntən Regional Park and have been collaborating on several cultural initiatives:  a bi-lingual trail naming program and cultural interpretive signage in many regional parks.

“The cooperative efforts of the RDCO to preserve and educate about these culturally sensitive areas is important and valued,” says Chief Roxanne Lindley. “The history and culture of the syilx Okanagan people is strongly connected to the land, as it represents a link to our past.”

Regional District Chair Gail Given adds “It’s fitting that during a week that celebrated National Aboriginal Day, we come together, committing all our efforts and resources to protect culturally significant sites in our regional parks.  These historical sites, some known and those yet to be discovered have deep meaning for the Westbank First Nation and syilx Okanagan people.  This agreement sets out the process and practice that will identify and protect them for all future generations in the Central Okanagan.”

The Regional District received almost $5,000 from the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, UBCM and First Nations Summit Community to Community Forum program to host the Board-Council event last October.

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FLOODING UPDATE

Okanagan Lake dropped .4 centimetres to 343.140 metres above sea level overnight, compared to 343.144 metres yesterday morning. While local lakes have declined slowly over the last week, Okanagan Lake remains 66 centimetres above full pool so waves are still a concern.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to enjoy local lakes with wake-free options. Those choosing to use motorized watercraft are urged to be respectful – slow down and keep away from shore so wakes do not cause further erosion or flooding of lakeshore properties. Boaters also need to be cautious about wood debris floating under the surface of the lake and submerged infrastructure.

Property owners along the lakeshore should keep flood protection measures in place and routinely assess and bolster flood protection as needed. Residents can visit www.cordemergency.ca/map to find locations of pre-filled sandbags, sandbags and sand.