# British Columbia Indigenous land transfers

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/british-columbia-indigenous-land-transfers
> Updated: 2026-08-11T21:55:03.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

The British Columbia government is proceeding with land transfers to Indigenous groups as part of efforts to settle outstanding treaty claims. Initially, the provincial NDP government moved to finalize a treaty with the Te'Mexw Treaty Association to convey two properties in downtown Victoria, valued at approximately $47 million, to the Songhees First Nation. Premier David Eby characterized the transfer as a means of “correcting historic injustices,” though critics raised concerns regarding public access and democratic oversight.

Subsequent government documents, specifically the 2025/2026 Public Accounts, indicate a broader scale of land commitments. More than 334,600 acres of Crown land are committed to approximately 20 First Nations through modern and incremental treaty agreements. The Kitsumkalum and Kitselas First Nations are slated to receive nearly 60 percent of this total area. In the Victoria region, proposed transfers include landmarks such as Hatley Castle and Royal Roads University. Documentation notes that because these areas would become treaty lands, they may be exempt from local municipal zoning, bylaws, and building codes, potentially limiting public access.

## Claims

- The B.C. government has committed more than 334,600 acres of Crown land to First Nations through modern and incremental treaty agreements. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The planned land transfers are listed in the province's Public Accounts as contingent liabilities and contractual obligations. (single source)
- Lands designated as treaty lands are not subject to local government zoning controls, bylaws, or building codes. (single source)
- Transferred lands may result in limited or no public access to previously public lands. (single source)
- The Kitsumkalum and Kitselas First Nations are earmarked for the two largest individual land commitments. (single source)
- BC Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay characterized the land transfers as a betrayal of democracy. (single source)
- Legal expert Geoffrey Moyse suggested the land transfer decisions are political rather than a legal requirement to renegotiate historic treaties. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-11: British Columbia commits over 334,000 acres of Crown land to First Nations

B.C. government documents reveal commitments to transfer over 334,600 acres of Crown land to various First Nations through modern treaty negotiations, including prominent sites near Victoria.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/british-columbia-commits-over-334000-acres-of-crown-land-to-first-nations

### 2026-08-01: British Columbia government to transfer downtown Victoria land to Indigenous groups

BC's NDP government plans to hand over two downtown Victoria properties, worth $47 million, to the Songhees First Nation under a treaty with the Te'Mexw Treaty Association, sparking debate over public access.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/british-columbia-government-to-transfer-downtown-victoria-land-to-indigenous-groups

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Cite as: British Columbia Indigenous land transfers. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/british-columbia-indigenous-land-transfers