September 13, 2007

At a meeting held on September 11, 2007 between the Katzie First Nation and the District of Maple Ridge, a historic document was signed pertaining to the Blue Mountain Provincial Forest.

The Memorandum of Understanding [PDF, 2.1MB], signed by Chief Diane Bailey of the Katzie Nation and Mayor Gordy Robson on behalf of the District of Maple Ridge, has been designed to maintain or enhance the cultural, environmental, economic, and social opportunities on Blue Mountain, a traditional territory of the Katzie and Kwantlen First Nations. Further, the Memorandum will lead to the formation of a coalition which will provide stewardship through sustainable management.

This new partnership addresses a concern long held by both parties that Blue Mountain is a significant resource that in the past has not been effectively managed. This Memorandum of Understanding is essentially a promise on behalf of both parties to build a sustainability plan for Blue Mountain.