212 hectares of land located just west of Whisky Lake near Extension has been transferred to SFN (B.C. government)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

land returned

Forested land south of Nanaimo returned to Snuneymuxw First Nation

Jan 11, 2024 | 4:43 PM

NANAIMO — A large section of land south of Nanaimo city limits has been returned to Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN) by the province as part of continuing reconciliation efforts.

The 212 hectares of land is referred to as Mount Benson East, located just west of Whisky Lake near Extension.

This is the first step in the implementation of the B.C. Land Transfer Agreement signed in 2020 with SFN, which will see additional lands handed to SFN.

The transfer of land is seen as an important support tool in the implementation of the Saarlequun Snuneymuxw Treaty of 1854, which ensured the rights of SFN members to forever preserve and protect their lands.

SFN Chief Mike Wyse said in a news release, their mission is to continue to support additional economic growth for their Nation and secure a prosperous future.

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“We infuse our Snawaylth into all our economic projects, embracing it as a guiding force toward restoring balance within our territory. In doing so, we deepen our profound connection to the land and culture, while responsibly governing precious resources. There remains over 2,882 hectares of our village to come back to us as part of the agreement and we will continue to work with the minister to enable this transfer for the benefit of our people.”

The remaining 2,882 hectares will be eventually returned to SFN in the near future, said the province in a news release.

The heavily forested lands will become part of SFN’s Petroglyph Development Corporation land holdings for its forest management program.

Minister of Indigenous relations and reconciliation Murray Rankin, said this land holds a lot of opportunity for SFN to create new economic activity in forestry while also protecting the natural habitat.

“This land transfer represents another step in our relationship. It will foster transformative change toward self-government and bring stability and prosperity to everyone in the mid-Island region.”

The is the first transfer of land under the 2020 Land Transfer Agreement, which will eventually see 3,094 hectares of Crown land around Nanaimo returned to SFN.

SFN and the province are already preparing the remaining parcels of land attached to this agreement, with 742 hectares located in Mount Benson North (between Nanaimo Lakes Rd. and Chase River) and an additional 2,097 hectares in the Mount McKay area, west of Ladysmith.

Nearly 2,100 hectares of land in the Mt. McKay area west of Ladysmith destined to be transferred to SFN (B.C. government)

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