Westbank First Nation (WFN) could soon be a full voting member on the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) Board.

At its regular meeting Thursday, Jan. 25 the board was presented with a discussion paper on the RDCO-WFN Inclusive Regional Governance Initiative.

It outlines five potential models, including the prospect of WFN becoming a full-voting participant on the board.

鈥淎s we embark on this groundbreaking journey, we are committed to working together to formalize WFN鈥檚 role at the regional board table if that is deemed best,鈥� said WFN Chief Robert Louie.

The discussion paper was created by JWR Business Group along with RDCO and WFN staff.

WFN is unable to vote at the regional board because of current provincial legislation which requires nations to have a treaty with the province to fully participate in regional governments.

鈥淭he RDCO has an opportunity to advance reconciliation by reshaping local government systems that exist due to colonial practices,鈥� said Loyal Wooldridge, RDCO chair. 鈥淲e recognize the importance of forging strong government-to-government relations, grounded in trust and truth, that enable this groundbreaking work.鈥�

The RDCO and WFN will meet with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, senior leaders, and elected officials within its respective governments to explore the initiative further.

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