Snuneymuxw First Nation and Canada advance reconciliation through signing interim land agreement

Press Release

January 27, 2024

VANCOUVER – The BC Treaty Commission congratulates the Snuneymuxw First Nation and the Government of Canada on the signing of a historic Interim Land Reconciliation Agreement (ILRA).

This weekend, Chief Michael Wyse and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, joined Snuneymuxw community members and local leaders to celebrate this signing and milestone. The ILRA returns approximately 80.09 hectares of land to Snuneymuxw First Nation. It was announced that Snuneymuxw First Nation development plans include key priorities related to housing, infrastructure, and economic development, which will benefit the region.

Snuneymuxw First Nation, Canada, and British Columbia continue to negotiate incremental agreements that respect Snuneymuxw First Nation Section 35 Rights and their 1854 Douglas Treaty Rights. “Recognition of Indigenous rights and reconciliation with the Crown includes interim and comprehensive approaches to treaties, agreements, and other constructive arrangements,” says Chief Commissioner Celeste Haldane. “This is one step towards addressing the past harms of colonization and treaty breaches to a new pathway of reconciliation and shared prosperity.”

Quick Facts:

In August 2021, Snuneymuxw First Nation, Canada and British Columbia signed the Snuneymuxw Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding to advance meaningful reconciliation and formalize a new negotiations table.
The Parties at the Snuneymuxw negotiation table are engaging in tripartite reconciliation negotiations.
In 1854, Snuneymuxw First Nation entered into a treaty (often referred to as Saarlequun Snuneymuxw Treaty of 1854) with Sir James Douglas, who represented the Crown. The Parties are committed to renewing and strengthening the treaty relationship between the Snuneymuxw First Nation and the Crown.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

Sashia Leung | Director of International Relations and Communications | sleung@bctreaty.ca

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