By Patrick Penner, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter For the Kwikwetlem First Nation, upgrading the dikes along the lower Coquitlam River means much more than protecting its slakəyánc community from flooding. Band Coun. George Chaffee said its partnership with the City of Coquitlam will help the Nation move past historical colonial grievances, and towards understanding and reconciliation. Chaffee noted it was the first time in the Nation’s history where they were approached first by another government regarding the flooding issue. “You have to understand how big that is,” he said. “We can’t fix … what’s happened in the past, but we can make it better going into the future.” On Aug. 15, the federal and provincial governments, City of Coquitlam, and the Nation announced a joint investment of $19.9 million to…
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