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K’ómoks Treaty Act introduced in B.C. legislature

Press Release

April 14, 2026

VICTORIA –

Summary

  • The Province has introduced provincial treaty implementation legislation — the K’ómoks Treaty Act, 2026 — in the B.C. legislature as the first step in the provincial government’s ratification of the K’ómoks Treaty
  • A result of long-standing and comprehensive negotiations, treaties address a wide range of interests and are an important part of advancing reconciliation and recognizing First Nations’ inherent rights, including self-determination
  • The K’ómoks First Nation entered treaty negotiations in 1994 with the Government of Canada (Canada) and the Province of British Columbia
  • Throughout the next steps of the ratification process, there will be further opportunities for regional and public engagement, as well as ongoing consultation with neighbouring First Nations

The Province has introduced provincial treaty implementation legislation — the K’ómoks Treaty Act, 2026 — in the B.C. legislature as the first step in the provincial government’s ratification of the K’ómoks Treaty.

“Together with K’ómoks, this treaty will create opportunity, jobs, prosperity and certainty for our beautiful province,” said Premier David Eby. “This is a historic day for the K’ómoks people, for those who have worked long and hard to reach this moment. People are experiencing real benefits from treaties, based in mutual trust and shared goals, like healthy communities, new investments and prosperity, services that make life easier, and sustainable land, water and resource stewardship.”

The K’ómoks Treaty Act provides for the first step in provincial ratification of the K’ómoks Treaty. The act establishes the legal status of the K’ómoks Treaty, including statutory provisions necessary to implement the treaty and consequential amendments to other statutes. The bill will be debated and put to a vote by members of the B.C. legislature.

“Introducing this legislation alongside K’ómoks First Nation marks a major milestone in our government-to-government relationship, and in the B.C. treaty negotiations process,” said Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “If fully ratified, the K’ómoks Treaty will bring stability and certainty through positive changes, a path to self-governance, recognition of rights, social and economic opportunities, all leading toward a prosperous and bright future for the K’ómoks people, and for everyone in the surrounding communities.”

Once introduced, debated and passed in the legislature, several provincial and federal steps must be undertaken to ratify and bring the treaty into force. The bill completes one of the two steps required for provincial ratification of the K’ómoks Treaty. The other step in provincial ratification is signing of the treaty, which must be done by K’ómoks, B.C. and Canada before the treaty is reviewed by the federal Parliament. If fully ratified by all parties, the K’ómoks Treaty will be one of the first comprehensive treaties to come into effect since the Tla’amin Treaty in 2016.

“This is an important milestone for K’ómoks First Nation,” said K’ómoks First Nation Elected Chief Councillor Nicole Rempel. “Our members have already shown strong support for this treaty, and we are confident in both the agreement and the process that has brought us here. The introduction of this legislation moves us closer to implementation — strengthening our governance, recognizing our rights, and creating long-term opportunities for our Nation and the region. We remain committed to moving forward with respect, collaboration and continued engagement.”

This treaty represents the significant shifts in the treaty negotiations process in B.C., including the finalization of the Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for Treaty Negotiations in 2019. These positive shifts reflect new collaborative approaches to negotiation that expedite and better address the needs and priorities of communities.

“This milestone marks meaningful progress for K’ómoks, built on years of collaboration and dialogue,” said Rebecca Alty, federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations. “The treaty defines rights, supports stable governance, and provides a clear framework for advancing reconciliation and strengthening intergovernmental partnerships.”

Milestones in negotiating the K’ómoks Treaty

The K’ómoks First Nation entered treaty negotiations under the BC Treaty Commission process in 1994 with the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia. In 2012, negotiators reached an agreement-in-principle (AIP), establishing agreement on the substantive elements to be detailed in the completed treaty.

In the years since, K’ómoks, B.C. and Canada have engaged and informed K’ómoks members, people throughout the region, all levels of government and industry partners on the treaty. Engagement is an important aspect of treaty and reconciliation negotiations, and the ratification process.

On July 22, 2024, chief negotiators initialled the K’ómoks Treaty. Initialling marked an important milestone in the treaty journey as it signalled the conclusion of substantive negotiations. Initialling was subject to important caveats, including Canada and B.C. fulfilling their duty to consult other First Nations and the completion of a final legal and technical review of the treaty.

The legal and technical review of the treaty concluded in November 2024, resulting in the ratification version of the K’ómoks Treaty. Since then, minor change negotiations have been ongoing as outlined in the General Provisions Chapter of the K’ómoks Treaty. At the same time, Crown consultation with neighbouring First Nations has remained ongoing.

In the first step of ratification, eligible voters of the K’ómoks First Nation voted on whether to approve the treaty and a self-government constitution. On March 8, 2025, eligible voters voted 81% in favour of ratifying the K’ómoks Treaty, and 83% in favour of ratifying the self-government constitution.

Next steps in the treaty ratification process

There are several steps that need to be completed before the K’ómoks Treaty could come into effect:

  • Current step: B.C. introduces legislation (the K’ómoks Treaty Act, 2026) to implement the treaty.
  • The implementation legislation and the treaty itself are debated in the legislature by elected members of the legislature.
  • The implementation legislation passes and is enacted
    • If the legislation passes and is enacted, the elements of the legislation that bring the treaty into effect will not be brought into force on royal assent, but rather by regulation at a later date.
  • Once the legislation is enacted, the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation will seek authority to sign the treaty.
  • Canada will also seek authority to sign the treaty.
  • All parties sign the treaty.
  • Introduction and passage of federal implementation legislation.
  • The Lieutenant Governor in Council passes a regulation to bring the remaining elements of the implementation legislation into force, which brings the treaty into effect (on the agreed-upon effective date).
  • Ratification is fully complete once treaties are signed and both the provincial and federal implementation legislation is brought into force. This happens on the treaty’s effective date.
    • Once agreed to by all parties, the effective date is set by co-ordinated federal and provincial orders and typically occurs following a transition period after royal assent has been granted. This transition period allows all parties to be prepared for the treaty’s implementation.

The parties will conduct ongoing public engagement during this period, so everyone who is potentially affected by the treaty is kept informed.

For the treaty to be fully ratified and come into effect, Canada and B.C. will also need to have met their duty to consult with neighbouring First Nations. This process remains ongoing.

Quick Facts:

  • K’ómoks territory spans north to Quadra Island up to the southern reaches of the Johnstone Strait, with the heart of K’ómoks territory located in the Comox Valley on central Vancouver Island’s east coast.
  • K’ómoks Reserves, including their administration, and territory primarily surround the city of Courtenay.
  • K’ómoks has 351 registered members, of whom 102 reside on reserve.
  • K’ómoks has been working closely for many years with its partners in local government, neighbouring communities, and industry to develop regional economic opportunities and services, including working with the Comox Valley Regional District to secure $30 million for modern wastewater treatment in Royston and Union Bay, and joining a $35.9-million partnership with Western Forest Products.
  • Following the introduction of provincial treaty implementation legislation, Canada and B.C. will be continuing consultations with neighbouring First Nations on overlapping land claims.

Learn More:

Two backgrounders follow.

Contacts:

Office of the Premier
Media Relations
Premier.Media@gov.bc.ca

Melissa Quocksister
K’ómoks Treaty Communications & Engagement
treaty@komoks.ca

Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
Media Relations
Art.Aronson@gov.bc.ca
250-893-2028

BACKGROUNDER 1

What people are saying about the K’ómoks Treaty

Will Cole-Hamilton, board chair, Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) —

“As a local government, we stand with K’ómoks as a partner and ally as we embark together with the Nation, as a community, down this exciting new path. The treaty will provide certainty over land ownership and title in the Comox, allowing our communities to move forward without the uncertainty that exists in many parts of British Columbia. This will allow us to live together with clarity and confidence, so that we can focus our efforts on the positive benefits for our entire community including job creation, investment, economic development, housing, tourism and new infrastructure.”

Doug Hillian, director, Comox Valley Regional District; councillor, Courtney —

“It has taken the dedication and leadership of the K’ómoks treaty team, K’ómoks Council, Hereditary Chiefs, Elders, past Chief Councillors, provincial and federal negotiators and many others who have contributed to this enormous effort. I have been fortunate to witness this historic process as an invited guest at the table, and I am grateful for the experience and learnings. I am very moved by what has been accomplished and encourage all Comox Valley residents to embrace the bright future of prosperity and possibility that this process will bring.”

Nicole Minions, mayor of Comox —

“On this milestone, we reflect on K’ómoks First Nation being our neighbours and partners, with whom we live and work together to build a healthy and resilient community. Whether we are protecting our shared environment, advancing affordable housing, or supporting economic development, our work is strongest when we do it together. Our relationship — rooted in collaboration and trust — has been built over many years, and we recognize this as ongoing work that requires respect, listening, ongoing education and a shared commitment to both current and future generations.”

Vickey Brown, mayor of Cumberland —

“This treaty is vital not only for K’ómoks Nation but for the Comox Valley as a whole. The right of self-government and law-making authority along with the ability to fully participate in regional government bodies as voting members would significantly advance reconciliation. Treaties are the highest form of reconciliation and bring direct public benefit, as well as economic opportunity. Council extends its support for the full ratification of the K’ómoks treaty for which K’ómoks members voted in favour of ratification in March 2025.”

Bob Wells, mayor of Courtenay —

“Treaties play an important role in bringing greater certainty and long-term stability for First Nations and local governments. The City of Courtenay supports the K’ómoks First Nation treaty process and is committed to continuing collaboration founded on respect and shared understanding.”

George Abbott, commissioner, BC Treaty Commission —

“The treaty commission congratulates K’ómoks, British Columbia and Canada for advancing vital steps on the road to reconciliation. The K’ómoks Treaty is a testament of years of negotiations and collective engagement to find common ground on way forward that will benefit K’ómoks and all British Columbians and Canadians. In the last 26 years since the first modern treaty in B.C., we have seen eight modern treaties unlocking tremendous socio-economic benefits, and we look forward to realizing this in the K’ómoks region.”

Contacts:

Office of the Premier
Media Relations
Premier.Media@gov.bc.ca

Melissa Quocksister
K’ómoks Treaty Communications & Engagement
treaty@komoks.ca

Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
Media Relations
Art.Aronson@gov.bc.ca
250-893-2028

BACKGROUNDER 2

Treaty will provide certainty on the land base

K’ómoks Treaty implementation legislation

The K’ómoks Treaty Act consists of two distinct components – core provisions and consequential amendments:

  • The core provisions of the bill ratify and give the force of law to the treaty, and
  • Consequential amendments make necessary changes to other provincial statutes to give effect to provisions of the treaty which apply to all modern treaties

About the K’ómoks Treaty

If fully ratified, the K’ómoks Treaty will:

  • lay out negotiated approaches to self governance
  • describe how K’ómoks rights will be exercised, ensuring that Aboriginal rights are recognized and not extinguished
  • clarify that the treaty does not infringe or extinguish the rights of neighbouring First Nations
  • confirm land parcels totalling approximately 34.42 square kilometres (3,442 hectares or 8,505 acres) to be owned and governed by K’ómoks, with an ability for K’ómoks to purchase and add up to 15.92 square kilometres (1,592 hectares or 3,934 acres) of pre-approved additional land over time
  • address existing interests and tenures on treaty lands (interest holders have been engaged on the proposed approach to their tenure or interest)
  • provide two types of funding associated with treaties, a one-time transfer and ongoing funding
    • one-time capital transfer of approximately $56.5 million from Canada
    • one-time funding for fisheries reconciliation approximately $5.1 million (not to be adjusted for inflation) from Canada
    • one time fisheries implementation funding of approximately $600,000 from Canada
    • one-time funding of approximately $20 million from B.C. to advance forestry interests, extension of sewer services, economic development and advance K’omoks community priorities.
    • one-time implementation and self-government start-up funding of approximately $7.6 million from Canada
    • approximately $6.2 million per year in ongoing funding from Canada to support the functions of self-government
    • Canada to provide approximately $600,000 in ongoing funding to support fisheries implementation activities
    • B.C. to provide annual interim funding of $400,000 to K’ómoks for lands and resource management functions and activities
    • on effective date, B.C. to provide a one-time, lump sum funding amount of $725,000 to K’omoks for park management (Sandy Island, Seal Islets and Wood Mountain) over four years. Thereafter, B.C. will provide $56,000 annually for 16 years for ongoing park operational funding
  • commit K’ómoks and B.C., in light of shared concern for sustainable watersheds, to develop a water scarcity management agreement for collaborative groundwater management under provincial legislation, with engagement from the region’s water users.
  • consultation and opportunities for co-management of resources for K’ómoks within the K’ómoks territory.

The treaty clearly defines K’ómoks First Nation’s ownership and management of mineral, forestry and other resources on treaty settlement lands. The treaty also defines K’ómoks’ rights related to fishing, gathering and harvesting.

Modern treaties in B.C.

Treaties are constitutionally protected, a major reconciliation achievement and embody the dynamic, living relationship between a First Nation, provincial and federal governments. They create predictability, foster partnerships and provide a framework for all people in B.C. to live together and to help build a better future for everyone.

The modern treaties refer to the four treaties (with eight First Nations) in B.C. that came into effect in the 21st century.

A result of long-standing and comprehensive negotiations, modern treaties address a wide range of interests and are an important part of advancing reconciliation and recognizing First Nations’ inherent rights, including self-determination. Treaties empower First Nations to step out of the Indian Act’s legislative control.

Treaties address a wide range of matters and subjects, which benefits everyone with increased certainty for all British Columbians on things like:

  • ownership of lands under treaty and governance authorities over those lands
  • reconciliation of Crown and First Nations’ titles, jurisdictions, laws and legal systems
  • shared decision-making
  • economic benefits
  • resource revenue sharing

Alongside Kitselas and Kitsumkalum First Nations, who are also currently in the treaty ratification process, K’ómoks will join eight other Modern Treaty Nations in B.C. once the K’ómoks Treaty is fully ratified.

Modern treaties in B.C. include the following:

  • Nisg̱a’a Treaty: Effective May 11, 2000
  • Tsawwassen Treaty: Effective April 3, 2009
  • Maa-nulth Treaty: Effective April 1, 2011
    • Includes five independent First Nation governments: Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Toquaht Nation, Uchucklesaht Tribe Government, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations and Yuułuʔiłʔath Government (Ucluelet First Nation), all from the west coast of Vancouver Island
  • Tla’amin Treaty – “ʔaʔǰɩnxʷegəs (“A good relationship with someone”): Effective April 5, 2016

Contacts:

Office of the Premier
Media Relations
Premier.Media@gov.bc.ca

Melissa Quocksister
K’ómoks Treaty Communications & Engagement
treaty@komoks.ca

Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
Media Relations
Art.Aronson@gov.bc.ca
250-893-2028

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