Te’mexw Treaty negotiations approach final stages in British Columbia
The Te’mexw Treaty Association is entering the final stages of modern treaty negotiations with the British Columbia provincial government and the Canadian federal government. The association represents five Coast Salish Nations: Beecher Bay (SC’IA⁄NEW), Malahat, Snaw-Naw-As, Songhees, and T’Sou-ke.
Negotiations have been ongoing since 1995, with an Agreement-in-Principle signed in 2015. The proposed treaties aim to provide land certainty and create opportunities for economic development, housing, healthcare, and employment. High-profile Crown properties included in the proposed treaty lands are Hatley Castle, land associated with Royal Roads University, properties in Victoria, Discovery Island, and Sooke Mountain Provincial Park.
Public engagement has focused on land-use planning, governance, and environmental stewardship. A significant point of discussion is public access to treaty lands. While access to certain parks is expected to continue, a 2024 report indicates that most treaty lands will be private, meaning public access will depend on permission from the Te’mexw Member Nations.
Entities
British Columbia · Coast Salish Nations · Hatley Castle · Spencer Chandra Herbert · Te’mexw Treaty Association
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Proposed treaty lands include Hatley Castle, Royal Roads University, Victoria, Discovery Island, and Sooke Mountain Provincial Park. vancouverislandfreedaily.com · oakbaynews.com · saanichnews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] A 2024 report indicates most treaty lands will be private, with public access subject to permission from the Te’mexw Member Nations. vancouverislandfreedaily.com · oakbaynews.com · saanichnews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] An Agreement-in-Principle was signed in 2015, establishing an initial land package. vancouverislandfreedaily.com · oakbaynews.com · saanichnews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Te’mexw Treaty Association represents five Coast Salish Nations: Beecher Bay (SC’IA⁄NEW), Malahat, Snaw-Naw-As, Songhees and T’Sou-ke. vancouverislandfreedaily.com · oakbaynews.com · saanichnews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Modern treaty negotiations between the nations and the government have been ongoing since 1995. vancouverislandfreedaily.com · oakbaynews.com · saanichnews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The province is reviewing public feedback regarding the proposed treaties. vancouverislandfreedaily.com · oakbaynews.com · saanichnews.com