The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), Lil’wat Nation, Squamish Nation, Province of British Columbia and Vail Resorts have signed a Framework Agreement (Framework) that furthers reconciliation and shared goals between the parties as announced today by the Province of British Columbia.

The Framework Agreement builds on several other Agreements between the parties including a 2017 Memorandum of Understanding, and 2018 government to government Protocol Agreement between RMOW, Lil’wat Nation and the Squamish Nation.

The Framework furthers Whistler’s reconciliation path with the Lil’wat Nation and Squamish Nation through greater participation in economic and cultural opportunities in Whistler. It also paved the way for provincial approval of the RMOW’s Official Community Plan (OCP), which was adopted by Council on June 23, and enactment of recent legislative amendments to the RMOW Act, which were announced today by the Province of British Columbia. 

The Framework was achieved through an awareness and recognition of each party’s concerns and interests, and formulated through open government-to-government communications. Fulfilling this commitment requires ongoing work, open dialogue and collaboration in moving forward.

In support of enhanced economic development opportunities for the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation, the Framework Agreement provides for the RMOW-owned Kadenwood Lands to be exchanged for the Emerald Lands, owned jointly by the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation. The OCP includes language to reflect the development potential of the Kadenwood Lands.

To realize the economic development opportunities within Whistler for the Squamish Nation and the Lil’wat Nation, the Framework Agreement provides for the creation of an innovative Economic Development Committee comprised of RMOW and Nations’ representatives.

“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 Mayor Jack Crompton. “The Framework Agreement aims to establish a cooperative 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.”