In the previous two summers, SERA families were unable to access their homes and cottages by land. To try to remedy this situation, we contacted WBFN to discuss a new road agreement that not only opens up road access, but respects the WBFN community, prioritizes its people’s safety, and contributes to its community in a meaningful way.
OUR GOAL
Our goal is to cultivate a long-term agreement that provides stability for everyone. To do this, we’ve proposed forming a committee with WBFN band and SERA board members to meet on a regular basis to discuss conditions, issues and opportunities, including:
- A collaborative road-maintenance plan.
- Mutually agreed upon traffic-calming measures to ensure the WBFN’s safety and security.
- A 10-year plan to develop and build a new access road that bypasses the WBFN town.
- A plan developed with WBFN to address community housing and infrastructure needs.
- An exploratory group to examine fire-protection options.
- Potential WBFN education opportunities, including scholarships and internships.
- Participation in WBFN’s cultural institutions and events to share its traditional knowledge.
HOW DO WE ACHIEVE THIS GOAL?
SERA’s focus of achieving a new road agreement is based on these fundamental principles:
- Respect for Washagamis Bay First Nation, including the land and the people.
- Open and honest communication between the stakeholders of the road and the rights holders.