Barriere, Clearwater sign MOUs with Simpcw First Nation
By Spencer Hall
The District of Clearwater and the Municipality of Barriere both signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and protocol agreements with Simpcw First Nation at a meeting on April 11th.
The documents were signed at the 2025 Community to Community Forum in Chu Chua which was attended by Simpcw Chief George Lampreau, Simpcw counsellors, Barriere Mayor Rob Kerslake and council, and Clearwater Mayor Merlin Blackwell and council. Also in attendance was Valemount Mayor Owen Torgerson, members of Valemount council, McBride Mayor Eugene Runtz, and members of McBride council.
“It’s reconciliation in action. While an MOU may not have all the legal and financial teeth that state legislation would have, it really holds each local government and First Nations governments accountable for what they say they will do.”
– Owen Torgerson. Valemount Mayor
According to the Simpcw First Nation, the agreements aim to strengthen the relationships between the two local governments and the First Nation and are “grounded in respect, understanding, trust and openness.”
Clearwater is the second municipality to sign an MOU with the Simpcw First Nation after Valemount signed the first one back in March 2024, which was a historic first in B.C. history.
“It’s reconciliation in action,” Torgerson told The Goat at the time. “While an MOU may not have all the legal and financial teeth that state legislation would have, it really holds each local government and First Nations governments accountable for what they say they will do.”
Blackwell said the MOU solidifies the relationship his municipality has with the Simpcw First Nation and gives Clearwater staff a framework to work from when partnering with the Simpcw.
“This is a good day for Clearwater,” Blackwell said. “The North Thompson and Robson Valley elected leaders have already seen much success collaborating and negotiating in partnership with Simpcw leadership, especially in talks with provincial government ministers and their ministry staff. I look forward to many successful years of working together for the greater good of all residents.”
Barriere Mayor Rob Kerslake said the signing of the MOU between the Simpcw and Barriere signifies a formalization of the commitment to work alongside the First Nation in the “spirit of respect, collaboration, and reconciliation.”
“Today marks an important milestone in the history of Barriere,” Kerslake said. “This agreement is more than words on paper – it represents our shared values, our shared history, and our shared future. Simpcw First Nation are the original stewards of this land, and we acknowledge their deep connection to this territory. By working together as governments, we can better support our communities through partnerships in economic development, infrastructure, environmental protection, cultural understanding and more.”
Chief Lampreau said the signings marked a significant milestone for Simpcw.
“We believe that such partnerships are essential for fostering positive collaboration that benefits the municipalities in Simpcw Territory, proponents, and our community alike. [These MOUs are] a step toward building strong, respectful relationships, reflecting our shared commitment to working together in a spirit of cooperation and reconciliation. It is a key moment for strengthening bonds and advancing mutual success,” Lampreau said.
Simpcw First Nation says it is focusing on building relationships through agreements like these with municipalities and the Thompson Nicola Regional District. The First Nation signed an MOU with the Regional District last July and is reportedly working to develop a similar agreement with the Village of McBride.
