Abbotsford – Carrying out flood prevention protocol has been a testy subject in the Fraser Valley. A MOU- memorandum of understanding has now been signed between the Province of BC, The City of Abbotsford and Sumas First Nation.
In a media release from July 2: Semá:th chief Dalton Silver said “emergency measures in 2014 and 2016 took place without consultation. He was pleased that an agreement was put in place for proper protocol and consultation for future flooding concerns.
From Craig Sutherland, Assistant Deputy Manager for the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development: “This MOU formally recognizes reconciliation in action with the Sumas community. Our united efforts will mitigate the potential impacts to fish and fish habitat, to the food, social, ceremonial and economic fisheries; it will protect the cultural heritage features along the Fraser riparian areas, as well as assist us to better understand and avoid cumulative adverse impacts and enhance or create fishing sites.”
I was honoured to be called as witness to speak at a historic signing of a memorandum of agreement between the Province of BC, Sema:th First Nations and city of Abbotsford to move forward together to protect our dykes while still protecting the fisheries resource & environment. pic.twitter.com/7SWhSlNDsB
— Patricia Ross (@PatriciaDRoss) July 5, 2019

