Memorandum of understanding and official community plan included in gathering in Sun Peaks

Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality hosted a gathering July 20 with leadership from local First Nations, the provincial government and local stakeholders to discuss a variety of topics, including a memorandum of understanding, cultural acknowledgements and the Sun Peaks 2026 Official Community Plan. 

The memorandum of understanding was signed by Adams Lake Indian Band, Neskonlith Indian Band and Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw as well as the provincial Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport and the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. Neither Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality or Sun Peaks Resort LLP were signatories on the memorandum. 

“The renewed [memorandum of understanding] will continue to guide discussions on a collaborative, coordinated and sustainable approach to stewardship of land and natural resources in the territory and help identify and develop new economic and revenue sharing opportunities to support the Nations’ socio-economic objectives,” according to a press release. “Under the [memorandum of understanding], the province and Adams Lake, Neskonlith and Skwlax bands will find ways for the communities to share in the economic benefits that Sun Peaks offers.” 

Memorandums of understandings serve as a guiding intention for governance and do not alter or limit Indigenous rights, statutory powers or legal positions of either government, or reduce the province’s duty to consult. Additionally, each party retains full authority to make lawful decisions or respond to emergencies.

Sun Peaks Independent News requested a copy of the memorandum from each signatory, but it was not provided by the time of publication.

“A memorandum of understanding is a private government agreement that requires permission from both parties to release,” Rachel Nesbitt, on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, explained via email. 

This article will be updated if more information becomes available. 

Noting the signing as a moment “not about looking backward with resentment,” in the press release, Kukpi7 Irvin Wai of Neskonlith Indian Band recognized Sun Peaks as a vital cultural hub. 

“Our ancestors travelled these lands, gathering food and medicine, finding shelter and caring for their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. The alpine meadows, lakes and valleys are part of our history and our identity. They are the pathways our ancestors used to travel and trade throughout Secwépemcúl̓ecw.”

He also acknowledged the “difficult” history of development, reiterating the importance of relationship building.

Sun Peaks, or Skwelkwek’welt meaning high alpine, is unceded Secwépemc territory.  In 2001, members of the the Neskonlith and Adams Lake Indian bands opposed the $70-million expansion of Sun Peaks Resort that brought the hotel and conference centre, residential homes, golf course and chairlifts, constructing a roadblock to the area. Opposition to further development continued, and in 2004, the Skwelkwek’welt Protection Centre, set up at the golf course to oppose continued development, was removed by RCMP. Fifty-four Skewelkwek’welt defenders were arrested. 

“For many years, decisions were made without the meaningful involvement of our people,” Wai shared in the press release. “That history cannot be forgotten, and it reminds us why respect, recognition and meaningful partnership are so important today.” 

Kukpi7 Dianne Francois of Skwlāx te Secwepemcúĺecw also recognized the cultural significance of the area, focusing on relationship building as a path forward.

“As Secwépemc, we have an inherent responsibility to care for the Tmicw (land) and ensure it remains healthy for future generations,” she stated in the press release. “By working together through respectful collaboration and shared stewardship, we are honouring that responsibility while building lasting partnerships and transparency for a stronger future for our communities.”

Official Community Plan update

The groups also discussed the 2026 Official Community Plan, which is currently in the draft process. 

Plans are required to be updated every five years, and while the municipality attempted an update in 2022, it was rejected by the province because it required additional First Nations engagement.

Due to this opposition, the province held off on reviewing the draft.

“We had an [Official Community Plan] that had some language in it that talked about inferred engagement, but that engagement actually hadn’t happened,” Mayor Rob O’Toole explained, adding pushback came as a result of that language indicating engagement that hadn’t been done. “We’ve definitely pivoted [and] took responsibility for that misuse of language in that document.” 

Going forward the engagement process will be much more iterative, he said.

“The municipality has no direct control or involvement or authority when it comes to land use, land access within [the Controlled Recreation Area]…we’re here as a partner to support in whatever way is appropriate within the dynamic between the resort and Mountain Resorts Branch,” chief administrative officer Deanna Campbell explained during a May 27 council meeting.

Uniquely, the municipality’s Official Community Plan cannot supersede Sun Peaks Resort LLP’s Master Development Plan. Sun Peaks is also unique in that the plan requires provincial approval, Campbell added.

The municipality will host an open house Thursday, July 23 for community feedback regarding the Official Community Plan from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sun Peaks Centre. Residents can review a copy of the draft on the municipality’s website. 

Following consultation with neighbouring First Nations and a second reading in council, the municipality will hold a public hearing. The draft will go to the province before council approves the updated Official Community Plan, slated for September.