Five First Nations on Vancouver Island are nearing the conclusion of nearly three decades of treaty negotiations, and the public is invited to learn more about the proposed accords at a series of open houses beginning Saturday.
The nations – Beecher Bay (SC’IA⁄NEW), Malahat, Snaw-Naw-As (Nanoose), Songhees and T’Sou-ke – negotiate together as the Te’mexw Treaty Association, but each have separate treaties.
After 28 years of talks, they could have treaty packages signed by the nations, federal and state governments by the end of this year. Members of each nation would then vote on whether to ratify the accords.
The treaties give nations the right to govern themselves, enact specific laws, and have ongoing funding arrangements. This includes the transfer of some provincial and federal properties, as well as one-time cash transfers to the nations.
Rebecca Penz, Director of Advice and Engagement for BC’s Department of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, recently told Victoria City Council that the contracts are complex, thousands-of-page documents and the open houses are a first step in ensuring that the People “understand what that looks like and what it means.”
The open houses, held in communities in each nation’s traditional territory, will share details of the proposed treaties and the history of the nation. The public can ask questions and share their thoughts.
“It’s an Education”
Jackie Albany, a co-negotiator on behalf of Greater Victoria’s Songhees First Nation, recalls how community leaders started the contracting process in the 1990s and said it’s exciting to be close to the finish line.
“This will take us out of the Indian Act,” she said in an interview with CBC News, explaining that the treaty will set the stage “for our self-government, self-determination, making our own laws, making our own decisions, moving forward.” go.”
She said the open houses are an opportunity to learn and she looks forward to comments and questions from the public.
“It’s an education,” she added, “because not everyone knows the true history of Greater Victoria, the Douglas Treaties and the Songhees.”
The Douglas Treaties were signed with 14 First Nations, including Songhees, on Vancouver Island in the 1850s. The new treaties will coexist with the Douglas treaties that maintained fishing and hunting rights.
The first open day will take place on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Songhees Wellness Center. Others are held in Sooke, Colwood, Nanoose Bay, Victoria, Shawnigan Lake and Metchosin, as well as online.
