The Canadian Government and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation shared an optimism for future partnerships during a ribbon-cutting event near Tofino on Monday.
Canada’s Environment Minister Catherine McKenna joined Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation members and Parks Canada staff in the First Nations community of Ty-Histanis to celebrate the completion of a new water system that will be shared by the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and the Tla-o-qui-aht communities of Ty-Histanis and Esowista.
The new water system includes two new wells, a chlorination system, and new waterlines.
Parks Canada, Indigenous Services and the Tla-o-qui-aht have been working together since 1998 to put the approximately $12 million system together, with Parks Canada contributing $5 million to the project, according to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve Superintendent Karen Haugen.
“I am extremely happy about announcing this water system today. It shows how collectively and collaboratively we can create something that will provide safe, clean, water for so many to help communities to grow and to help visitors come and feel safe in the area,” Haugen told the Westerly News at the event. “It is an extremely awesome opportunity for everybody…This opens the door for further economic opportunities.”
It was McKenna’s first visit to the West Coast and she told the Westerly that she enjoyed meeting with the First Nation and the two governments shared a mutual desire to pursue future projects together.
“I learned a lot…These relationships are very personal. You need to meet people in person and look them in the eye and have real conversations,” McKenna said. “The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation is very practical. They are looking at tangible measures that enhance the connection between Parks Canada, but also the opportunities for the community to benefit in an economic way and that is something that is really important.”
Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation councillor Corinne Ortiz-Castro said Monday’s event was an important step in building a positive relationship between the First Nation and federal government.
“This event is very special to us. It’s very valuable to us to have clean water for our people, for a healthier future and for our tourists as well that come here every year,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to going in a positive way after this positive step for our people.”
Tla-o-qui-aht councillor Joe Martin said he was happy with the announcement, but expressed concern over current logging activity and said more monitoring is needed to ensure the local water supply is protected.
“Clean water has been one of the most important aspects of all life,” he said. “What’s happening in our watershed is going to affect us…When we look at the children that are in our communities, we are the ones making decisions for them. It’s important to monitor what’s going on in the watershed.”