SFN Chief Mike Wyse addressing a contingent representing Nanaimo Airport during a Monday, Sept 22 signing ceremony. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

new agreement

‘A tremendous opportunity:’ Snuneymuxw First Nation & Nanaimo Airport sign agreement

Sep 23, 2025 | 5:25 AM

NANAIMO — A formal working relationship between Nanaimo Airport Commission (NAC) and Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN) includes revenue-sharing and employment possibilities for the Nation.

Revealed during a formal Monday, Sept. 22 signing event at SFN’s administrative building, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) also features SFN being included in long-term growth and development plans at Nanaimo Airport.

Dave Devana, Nanaimo Airport president, said they committed to advancing a formal reconciliation framework with SFN in 2022.

“In the agreement we have a percentage of our gross revenues that we will share with the Snuneymuxw people as recognition that, really, we are operating within their traditional territory,” Devana said.

SFN Chief Mike Wyse (L) and Nanaimo Airport Commission chair Garth Busch (R) officially sign a new Memorandum of Understanding agreement during a Monday news conference. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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Training opportunities for SFN members to work at the airport or in contracting capacities are included in the MOU for SFN, Devana said.

He noted NAC struck a relationship committee to help form the agreement, which also offers a scholarship program for SFN.

“The future is going to be decided together — not us making our plans and them making their plans,” Devana said.

SFN Chief Mike Wyse said for too long SFN was excluded from economic opportunities built from its lands.

He called the new agreement “a tremendous opportunity” for SFN.

“Local industry is a big step for our community to get the recognition and acknowledgement that this business is operating on Snuneymuxw territory,” Wyse said.

Wyse said the new relationship is part of a larger plan to drive prosperity.

“There is no doubt that much work remains in front of us, however this agreement brings trust and confidence that Snuneymuxw and the Nanaimo Airport Commission will get that work done.”

Mike Wyse presents Garth Busch with an Indigenous drum during Monday’s signing ceremony (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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