Maa-nulth First Nations, B.C. celebrate 15th anniversary of treaty

Press Release

April 1, 2026

VICTORIA –

Summary

• The Maa-nulth Treaty came into effect on April 1, 2011
• It was negotiated between British Columbia, Canada and the five Maa-nulth First Nations: Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’ / Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations, Toquaht Nation, Uchucklesaht Tribe Government and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government (Ucluelet First Nation)
• With the treaty, the Maa-nulth First Nations regained jurisdiction over lands and resources, and self-governance

The Maa-nulth First Nations and B.C. government are commemorating the 15th anniversary of the Maa-nulth Treaty as a milestone on the path of reconciliation.

“On April 1, 2011, our five Nations stepped into a new era of self-government, out from under the Indian Act,” said Wilfred Cootes, president, Maa-nulth Treaty Society, on behalf of the Maa-nulth First Nations. “In 15 years of treaty implementation, our governments and culture have strengthened, we are building lasting economies empowered by our treaty, a living document that will continue to evolve alongside our peoples for generations to come. hišḥukʷiš c̕awaak — everything is connected. Our work continues.”

A landmark in the relationship between the parties, the Maa-nulth Treaty was a culmination of more than 15 years of negotiations between Canada, B.C. and five First Nations on the western coast of Vancouver Island. With the treaty, the Maa-nulth First Nations regained jurisdiction over lands and resources, and self-governance.

“Treaties are a powerful way to support thriving communities, prosperity and reconciliation that benefit all British Columbians today and into the future,” said Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “Working with the Maa-nulth First Nations in treaty builds stronger local economies and healthier local communities that respect our shared history and shared work together. We are stronger together.”

More about the treaty

The Maa-nulth Treaty recognizes each of the five Maa-nulth Nations, Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Toquaht Nation, Uchucklesaht Tribe, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations and Yuułuʔiłʔath First Nation, as a separate government with rights and jurisdiction throughout their territories, including ownership of 24,550 hectares of land. The treaty is being implemented individually by each of the Maa-nulth First Nations, who also continue to work collaboratively on shared goals.

Maa-nulth Treaty implementation includes each modern treaty nation:

• managing land use, issuing permits and participating in environmental planning and resource management in surrounding areas
• defining and running programs, and governing according to its priorities, reflecting a restoration of self-determination and community-led leadership
• participating in planning processes and collaborating on conservation goals

Treaty implementation is an ongoing and ever-evolving commitment to realize shared priorities, formed from a strong foundation that partners continue to build upon. Treaty relationships are a critically important pathway to meaningful reconciliation. They help support strong, healthy, thriving communities that benefit people. An outstanding example of modern treaty relationships, the Maa-nulth Treaty is a model of hope, trust and government-to-government co-operation.

Over the past 15 years, the Maa-nulth Nations have made progress in building their government and institutions, as well as facilitating economic development for both the Maa-nulth Nations and surrounding communities. Some achievements include:

• renewing the government-to-government agreement in 2025
• upgrading to Bamfield Main Road in partnership with Huu-ay-aht First Nations and Mosaic Forest Management, restoring safe, all-season access
• establishing the Oomiiqsu Mother’s Centre in Port Alberni, providing culturally grounded housing, child care and wellness services
• supporting Toquaht Nation and Uchucklesaht Tribe through grants to improve Maggie Lake Road and Canal Main Road, boosting safety and resilience
• delivering 30 affordable homes in hitac̓u through a partnership between the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government and BC Housing

Quick Facts:

• The Maa-nulth Treaty is the first modern-day treaty on Vancouver Island and the second under the B.C. treaty-negotiations process.
• The first was the Tsawwassen First Nation Treaty, which took effect in April 2009.
• The Maa-nulth Treaty removed the Maa-nulth First Nations from the Indian Act to become self-governing communities with the social and economic tools to better support their communities.
• The Maa-nulth Treaty Society is a service organization dedicated to facilitating the collective success of the five Maa-nulth Nations while respecting their individual autonomy.

Learn More:

• In 2025, the Maa-nulth Treaty Society produced a video highlighting how the partners are working together on treaty implementation and blending cultural traditions with modern solutions: https://declaration.gov.bc.ca/featured-stories/aligning-reconciliation-pathways/
• Maa-nulth First Nations: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/consulting-with-first-nations/first-nations-negotiations/first-nations-a-z-listing/maa-nulth-first-nations
• Maa-nulth Treaty Society: https://maanulth.ca/

Contacts:

Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
Media Relations
250-893-2028

Mark Stephens
Chief Administrative Officer
Maa-nulth Treaty Society
cao@maanulth.ca
250-724-1802

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