Land Accord Grants 80 Hectares Back to Snuneymuxw First Nation on Vancouver Island
On Saturday, Chief Michael Wyse and Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Gary Anandasangaree marked a pivotal moment for the Snuneymuxw First Nation with a significant agreement. The signing ceremony, held at the Quam Qwum Stuwixwulh Community School, witnessed the return of 80.09 hectares of federal land, known as the “Camp Nanaimo Lands on Te’tuxwtun,” to the Snuneymuxw people.
Addressing approximately 60 attendees, Chief Wyse emphasized the historical importance of reclaiming the land, which had been identified by the band council in the 1990s. Situated on both sides of the Nanaimo Parkway at 5th Street and College Street, the territory was originally taken from the Snuneymuxw people in the mid-1800s by the federal government.
Over the years, the land had been utilized by Western Forest Products and the Department of National Defence, yet its darkest chapter harks back to the presence of the Nanaimo Indian Hospital. Many regard the site’s history as even more somber than that of Indian Residential Schools.
“Snuneymuxw, we did it,”
Portions of the land have already been earmarked for various purposes, including residential zones, commercial projects, green spaces, and the construction of a new health facility.
“It’s an emotional day for Snuneymuxw knowing the history of that piece of property, but also the opportunity moving forward, it gives us excitement,” Wyse added.
“This is a first step in what I believe to be many more steps that rightfully restores the land back to the community. This is not federal land, this is your land,” said Anandasangaree.
“Yeah. for Snuneymuxw, you know, our landbase is very small so to get any piece of land that was developable for our people, for future generations, we’re very excited for that to come back to Snuneymuxw,” Wyse said.
Back in 2003, the Liberal government made an offer, contingent upon the Snunaymuxw relinquishing their rights and title as per the treaty of 1854. Then, in 2009, the Conservative government definitively stated that the land would not be returned as reserve territory.
During negotiations in 2009, my late mother, Chief Viola Wyse, sat at the negotiating table with Counsellor William Yoachim and the late Dave Mannix. The government’s stance was resolute: the former DND lands would never be considered additions to reserve territory.
Today, Snuneymuxw Council is honoured to finalize these additions to reserve land as a tribute to our ancestors and as a commitment to serving our future generations. The path of reconciliation we are walking alongside Crown-Indigenous Relations has proven to be a positive way forward for our people and all connected to this sacred territory. Today is a profound step in a journey that will continue to see more milestones like this one. This is our legacy and our responsibility,” said Wyse.
“You know, part of me is also frustrated because it has taken so long to get here. I wish it hadn’t taken this long,” said Anandasangaree.
“We can not forget ever, but we can not be stuck,” said Snuneymuxw Councillor William Yoachim. “We have to go forward and be stronger so that’s what today is about, healing and celebration.”
