The City of Nanaimo is launching an alternative approval process on Wednesday, March 11, asking for voter approval to allow on-reserve members of Snuneymuxw First Nation to vote in local, municipal elections. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

AAP

Approval process for Snuneymuxw to vote in Nanaimo elections starts soon

Mar 9, 2026 | 4:28 PM

NANAIMO — Approval is being sought from local voters to allow on-reserve members of Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN) to participate and vote in City elections.

The joint application from the City and SFN was announced last month, with an alternative approval process (AAP) starting on Wednesday, March 11, running until April 13, with elector permission required to extend the municipal boundary.

Those opposed can fill out a response form with a 10 per cent threshold, or 7,957 people, of those against required to potentially consider the issue as a referendum before the boundary extension could proceed.

If less than 10 per cent submit an elector response form opposing the decision, the boundary extension request will move forward, pending approval from the Province.

SFN lands to be included in the proposed municipal boundary expansion into the City. (Image Credit: City of Nanaimo)

AAP

Approval process for Snuneymuxw to vote in Nanaimo elections starts soon

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In a news release, the City said no additional services would be required as part of this proposal.

Approximately 800 eligible voters currently reside on SFN’s four reserves, located just south of the city’s downtown as well as between Cedar and Duke Point.

SFN Chief Michael Wyse said last month it’s a meaningful step to furthering the relationship between SFN and the City, helping to correct an injustice against SFN.

“The City boundary amendment allows Snuneymuxw to finally participate in local municipal elections since the incorporation of Nanaimo in 1874 — that is 152 years of Snuneymuxw forced exclusion.”

Wyse also spoke on the need for clarity and fairness, referencing the recently formally transferred Department of National Defence Land across from VIU, now in SFN control.

Currently, a limited number of on-reserve SFN members can participate in the Regional District of Nanaimo elections in Cedar, while all eligible on-reserve SFN members can participate in school board elections.

AAP forms are available online, with physical copies available at the Legislative Services counter at City Hall during regular business hours, with a maximum of 10 printed copies provided per individual.

Forms can be submitted in person, online, or via mail.

The AAP runs from March 11, 8:30 a.m., until April 13, 4:30 p.m., with more information available on the City’s website.

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