Snuneymuxw First Nation. Image credit: X/@Snuneymuxw
CMEDIA: A historic Interim Land Reconciliation Agreement, that set aside allocation of 80.09 hectares of land (the “Camp Nanaimo Lands on Te’tuxwtun”) as a reserve for the Snuneymuxw First Nation today was reportedly celebrated and signed today by Chief Michael Wyse of the Snuneymuxw First Nation and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations.
With over 1,900 members and six reserves covering 266 hectares, Snuneymuxw’s land base is a small fraction of their traditional territories and marine areas.
As part of Snuneymuxw First Nation’s traditional territories, The “Camp Nanaimo Lands on Te’tuxwtun”, was used by Western Forest Products, the Department of National Defence, and as the location of the Nanaimo Indian Hospital.
Following this agreement, remediation of these lands will be done and returned rightfully to the Snuneymuxw People through the additions to the reserve process.
Snuneymuxw Chief and Council’s progressive development plans for these lands will be greatly beneficial for Snuneymyxw, the city of Nanaimo, and Vancouver Island University including on-reserve housing, economic development, infrastructure upgrades and sustainable forestry projects, which are interconnected Snuneymuxw territory and would operate within the broader.
“In 2003, the government at the time identified the ‘Camp Nanaimo Lands on Te’tuxwtun’ for Snuneymuxw…Today, we celebrate reaching an agreement that honours our people and our pre-confederation treaty, the strongest agreement available to Canada…The path of reconciliation we are walking alongside Crown-Indigenous Relations has proven to be a positive way forward for our people and all connected to this sacred territory. Today is a profound step in a journey that will continue to see more milestones like this one. This is our legacy and our responsibility,” Wyse was reported saying.
Through this goal of advancing this enduring Snuneymuxw vision, Canada’s commitment to the ongoing collaborative process of reconciliation is deepened.
This interim land reconciliation agreement is owing to the ongoing negotiations and an example of how Canada is working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to deliver results.
“We’re here today because of the tireless advocacy of generations of Snuneymuxw people. I am committed to being a partner in supporting Snuneymuxw’s vision of building a better future for the community and beyond,” Anandasangaree reported saying.
