Title: B.C. First Nation Receives 80 Hectares of Land from Ottawa

NANAIMO — The Snuneymuxw First Nation in British Columbia is reclaiming approximately 80 hectares of land from the federal government. This transfer is part of a settlement agreement related to a land claim that has been pending for nearly 200 years.

Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty and Snuneymuxw First Nation Chief Mike Wyse announced the agreement, which includes three parcels of land in Nanaimo that were previously owned by the Department of National Defence.

This announcement follows a prior agreement aimed at resolving a claim regarding the federal government's failure to reserve village land promised in an 1854 treaty. In addition to the land transfer, the federal government will provide $42 million in compensation to the Snuneymuxw First Nation.

The First Nation plans to develop the land for mixed-use purposes, which will include housing, commercial spaces, community infrastructure, and economic opportunities. The federal government noted that the Snuneymuxw First Nation has the lowest reserve land base per capita among First Nations in British Columbia. This land transfer is expected to enhance the First Nation's presence and role in the Nanaimo region.

This agreement marks a significant step in addressing historical grievances and supporting the development of the Snuneymuxw community.