Some of our nations have little or no formal relationships with their neighbouring municipalities or regional districts. And sometimes relations can get downright ornery when it comes to service agreements and other matters. Not so with Stz’uminus First Nation and the Town of Ladysmith.

That’s why all eight members of the nation’s chief and council were on hand to celebrate the water and sewer agreements that will see Ladysmith extending services to the Stz’uminus #12 Reserve that borders the Island Highway 2 kms north of the town.

But the celebrations were really about the decade of working together by the two governments. And one of the key people—former mayor Rob Hutchins—was recognized, along with his wife Sue, in a blanketing ceremony.

Back in 2005, Mayor Hutchins heard about the accord between Sliammon and its Powell River neighbours. He and his council met with then chief Terry Sampson and the Stz’uminus council. Those regular meetings led to a 2007 accord that was updated in 2012.

Stz’uminus singers sang and councillor Tim Harris drummed as the blanketing took place.

Meanwhile, Chief John Elliot raised his hands to Hutchins’ relationship-building skills and said the new services coming to IR#12 will be a big improvement for residents as well as the core area for future economic development at the nation.