BC Gov News
Summary
- The public is invited to a series of open houses to learn more and ask questions about five proposed treaties being negotiated on southern Vancouver Island, building on previous engagement
- A future step in the treaty process is for chief negotiators from all parties to initial the five treaties, subject to required approvals, which would signal the conclusion of substantive negotiations before ratification by each First Nation, B.C. and Canada
- A result of long-standing and comprehensive discussions, treaties address a wide range of interests and are an important part of advancing reconciliation and recognizing First Nations’ inherent rights
- The proposed treaty lands for the Te’mexw Treaty Association (TTA) Member Nations do not include privately owned fee-simple lands, except lands already owned by the respective TTA Member Nations
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In June 2026, the public is invited to a series of open houses by the Province of British Columbia (B.C.), the Government of Canada (Canada) and the Te’mexw Treaty Association (TTA) to learn more and ask questions about the five distinct treaties, building on previous engagement.
The drop-in open houses follow years of engagement with local governments, interest groups, tenure and permit holders, and adjacent landowners.
Ongoing public engagement about the treaties remains a part of building awareness, supporting informed dialogue, strengthening relationships in the region and advancing reconciliation.
The treaty partners (B.C., Canada and TTA) will provide information, respond to questions and continue dialogue with the public about the treaties and the status of treaty negotiations at these in-person open houses.
Location and times
Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location:
Edward Milne Community School
6218 Sooke Rd.
Sooke
Date: Monday, June 8, 2026
Time: 4:30-7 p.m.
Location:
Burnside Gorge Community Centre
471 Cecelia Rd.
Victoria
Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Time: 4:30-7 p.m.
Location:
Shawnigan Lake Community Centre lounge
2804 Shawnigan Lake Rd.
Shawnigan Lake
Date: Friday, June 12,2026
Time: 4:30-7 p.m.
Location:
East Sooke Community Hall
1397 Copper Mine Rd.
Sooke
Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location:
Costin Hall
7232 Lantzville Rd.
Lantzville
Virtual open houses are also being planned and will allow those who cannot attend in person to learn about the treaties. In the coming weeks, dates and more information about these virtual sessions will be listed on the webpage.
For more information or to ask questions directly if unable to attend the open houses, email: [email protected]
Te’mexw treaties
TTA is a non-profit society formed of five Coast Salish Nations: Beecher Bay (SC’IȺNEW̱), Malahat, Snaw-naw-as, Songhees and T’Sou-ke. The Te’mexw Member Nations joined to work together under one organization to negotiate five Nation-specific modern treaties with the federal and provincial governments through the B.C. treaty-negotiations process. Negotiations have been ongoing since 1995.
While addressing historic land claims of the Te’mexw Member Nations, the Te’mexw treaties are also intended to create a foundation for the Te’mexw Member Nations to build a thriving future through economic development, building housing, supporting tourism and encouraging investments in infrastructure, all of which will benefit the southern Vancouver Island region.
These are important treaties for everyone in these First Nation territories. They will help create opportunity and certainty for people who live and work on southern Vancouver Island and reflect significant progress in the journey of reconciliation. Modern treaties create predictable relationships, foster partnerships and provide a framework for all people in B.C. to live together and to help build a better future for everyone.
The B.C. treaty-negotiations process has always been guided by the principle that private property (fee-simple land) is only included if there are a willing-buyer and a willing-seller. Private fee-simple property rights are protected through this process. The proposed treaty lands for the TTA Member Nations do not include privately owned fee-simple lands, except lands already owned by the respective TTA Member Nations.
The next step in the treaty process is for chief negotiators from all parties to initial the five distinct treaties, subject to required approvals. Initialling will mark a milestone in the treaty journey, as it signals the conclusion of substantive negotiations. The agreements are subject to conclusion of the treaty negotiations, fulfilling consultation obligations with First Nations with overlapping territories and ratification by each First Nation, B.C. and Canada.
Previous engagement
From February until May 2023, B.C., Canada and TTA engaged with local communities in the Te’mexw Member Nation territories on southern Vancouver Island to raise awareness about treaty negotiations coming to a close.
In early May 2024, B.C., Canada and TTA released a What We Heard report, which describes the engagement activities and participation rates for the 2023 open houses. The report includes participant feedback and frequently asked questions collected during the engagement process, and responses provided by B.C., Canada and TTA.
Quick Facts:
- Treaties embody the living relationships between First Nations, B.C. and Canada.
- A result of long-standing and comprehensive discussions, treaties address a wide range of interests and are an important part of advancing reconciliation and recognizing First Nations’ inherent rights.
- The constitutionally protected agreements support strong, healthy, thriving communities, benefit First Nations and the surrounding regions, and set a clear path to reconciliation.
Learn More: