Snuneymuxw First Nation and Canada announce new addition to reserve lands to the Nation following a recent land claims settlement in British Columbia
October 16, 2025 — Snuneymuxw [Nanaimo, British Columbia] — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Snuneymuxw First Nation
Today, Chief Mike Wyse of Snuneymuxw First Nation and Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty announced the increase of Snuneymuxw First Nation’s land base through the addition to reserve (ATR) process.
Three federal parcels of land in the City of Nanaimo, often formerly referred to as the Department of National Defence lands, totalling 194.7 acres (78.8 hectares), were added to Snuneymuxw First Nation reserve lands. These additional lands are part of Snuneymuxw’s te’tuxwtun (Mount Benson) site. Snuneymuxw’s community vision for these lands includes a mixed-use development with housing, commercial spaces, enhanced infrastructure, and other economic development opportunities.
Snuneymuxw First Nation’s reserve land base is the lowest per capita reserve land base in BC. Expanding Snuneymuxw reserve lands strengthens Snuneymuxw’s role within the region and is a step toward honouring the Nation’s inherent responsibilities within the territory.
Adding land to reserves contributes to First Nations’ development of healthier, more sustainable and prosperous communities for the benefit of everyone in Canada.
Earlier this year, Canada and Snuneymuxw also finalized Snuneymuxw First Nation’s Teytexen Village Specific Claim settlement agreement. Under this agreement, Canada provided $42 million in compensation to Snuneymuxw for the Crown’s failure to set aside village lands promised under the 1854 Snuneymuxw Sarelquun (Douglas) Treaty. This failure deprived the Nation of the use and benefit of those lands for generations. The resolution of this claim is another example of Snuneymuxw’s leadership in advancing reconciliation and justice.