A map of the approximate land area covered under the settlement, which the federal government has acknowledged was not properly protected. (Google Maps/Snuneymuxw First Nation)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

land settlement

Government pays $42M to Snuneymuxw for teytexen settlement

Apr 16, 2025 | 10:15 AM

NANAIMO — A historic land settlement has concluded between the federal government and Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN).

In a video posted online on Monday, April 15, Chief Michael Wyse confirmed the federal government had paid $42 million as part of a settlement connected to 58.3 acres of land taken from the First Nation along the Nanaimo River in Cedar.

Known as teytexen Village, Wyse said the government failed to protect the land, as outlined in an 1854 treaty, which led to the “wrongful taking of our villages and marine areas.”

“Canada has acknowledged this failure to protect and preserve teytexen Village for the Snuneymuxw people, as was promised in our Sarlequnn Snuneymuxw Treaty of 1854. This is more than financial compensation, it is recognition of our truth.”

The specific parcel of land sits immediately north of Harmac Rd. and east of Raines Rd.

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As part of the settlement, SFN agrees not to make another claim against Canada for failures to protect the land, but both treaty rights and Aboriginal title are unaffected.

Wyse added the ongoing federal election caused some “unforeseen delays” in payments being made, however he confirmed Monday the money had been received.

It closed negotiations which had been ongoing since the early 2000’s.

A vote among members occurred in early March on whether or not to accept the settlement, with a resounding 99.5 per cent approval from a voter turnout of 68 per cent.

“Our people have spoken,” Wyse said on the result.

Each SFN member on the membership list as of Jan. 23, 2025, will receive a $10,000 payment through the settlement, with the remaining funds being used for community and Nation prosperity.

Those under 18 will have their funds held in a trust until they are adults.

“While money is not the only answer, this distribution and settlement is an important step in the healing and rebuilding journey of our nation.”

Wyse said he hopes this result will be the first of many to right past wrongs.

“Building on this momentum, several other initiatives are underway to further advance recognition of Snuneymuxw rights and title. We have our tle’eltxw (False Narrows), stlilnup (Departure Bay), sxwayxum (Millstone River) and xwesolewal (Harbour Park) specific claims that we are actively negotiating.”

Two major projects in Nanaimo currently under development by SFN include the demolition and eventual construction of a multi-use project at the former Howard Johnson hotel in the downtown.

Draft concept plans also outline a mixed-use residential and commercial development for the former Department of National Defence lands at the corner of Wakesiah Ave. and Fifth St., which was also the former site of the Nanaimo Indian Hospital.

Early concepts call for mixed residential use, an entertainment district and retail opportunities.

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