Tla’amin Nation and the BC SPCA Powell River have taken the next step in their partnership of trust and mutual interest for animal welfare with a recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The Tla’amin community is located outside of the city of Powell River and their traditional territory consisted of numerous permanent and temporary settlements, and spanned along the northern part of B.C.’s Sunshine Coast, extending down both sides of the Straight of Georgia.

“Our relationship has been growing for the last several years,” says BC SPCA Powell River manager Tara Daniels. “We’ve been partnered with the Nation on providing a spay/neuter program for the past two years and have found other opportunities to work together.”

During the COVID lock-down of the community, the shelter helped to support the pets in the community by providing dog and cat food to be distributed internally during those challenging weeks.

This new MOU expresses mutual respect and commitment to the shared goal of culturally appropriate animal welfare services grounded in Tla’amin knowledge.

“The Tla’amin Nation is very pleased with the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the SPCA,” says Community Services House Post, Losa Luaifoa. “This MOU formalizes and strengthens the great partnership we have established with the local SPCA. We look forward to continuing this work together.”

Adds Daniels: “A partnership like this helps position us as a resource and support for community members, which creates a positive environment to help both people and animals thrive.”