Governance

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is the foundation for the government-to-government (G2G) partnership between the Nicola 5 First Nations and the Province of B.C. The MOU is signed by Nicola 5 First Nations Chiefs and the BC Ministers. It establishes the Nicola Watershed Governance Partnership (NWGP), the co-governance entity for G2G collaboration and decision-making at multiple levels. Two important processes are the Nicola G2G Forum, made up of Chiefs and senior Provincial staff and the Core Council, which is made up of appointed staff and Chief and Council members from the 5 Nicola Bands and Provincial government staff. NWGP partnerships are jointly led by a representative from the Nicola Bands and Provincial government.

With this G2G structure, decision-making and accountability are shared at all levels. There is no “head honcho,” and there are numerous overlaps and shared accountabilities between groups and roles. This collaborative structure depends on a strong spirit of respect, patience, and cooperation.

Read more About the Partners and About the People.

The Core Council is supported by a structure of advisory and technical tables. This is complemented by the Elders Circle, Youth, and Indigenous Knowledge Holders who hold an overarching advisory role, helping to ensure that every aspect of our work is built on a foundation of Indigenous Laws, Knowledge, and Teachings.

"On Trust, we knew at the beginning that we weren't all going to agree on a vision—we had to start with two separate statements on what the vision was if we know it's a governance process and still take the next step."

—Former Chief of Lower Nicola Indian Band and partnership Co-chair Aaron Sumexheltza

"We sit in a circle and we talk until we understand each other and can agree on a solution. And if we don't agree, we keep talking until we do."

—Former Chief Harvey McLeod

"Agreeing to disagree—looking forward to what we the Nicola 5 had to do. Look at the two rivers and the differences, one has a lake and the other has a watershed behind it, look at all the different factors in between where the risks and impacts to those rivers are, working with fellow Chiefs is an honor."

—Chief Lee Spahan