Proposed Te’mexw Treaty Marks Significant Progress for Vancouver Island First Nations

A landmark treaty process that has been under negotiation since 1995 is approaching its conclusion, promising the return of significant Crown land parcels to five First Nations on Vancouver Island. As reported by CBC News on 18 August 2026, the Te’mexw Treaty Association is working toward a deal that recognizes the lawful rights of the Songhees, Beecher Bay, Malahat, Snaw-naw-as, and T’Sou-ke First Nations. At the heart of the current discussions is the Hatley National Historic Site in Colwood. Robert Janes, a lawyer for the Te’mexw Treaty Association and the Songhees Nation, clarified that the Songhees recognize the site's importance to the public. Under the proposed terms, the federal Crown land—currently home to Royal Roads University—would be transferred to the Songhees Nation. The university would then have the opportunity to purchase the land from the Nation for an amount estimated in the low millions of dollars, ensuring the institution's future security. Songhees Chief Ron Sam, who serves as the chief negotiator for the First Nations, has emphasized that the treaty represents the resolution of long-standing historical debts rather than a modern gift. In a recent op-ed cited by CBC, Chief Sam noted that a treaty is the lawful resolution of a debt the province has carried for generations, describing the return of land as a recognition of what was originally theirs. Beyond Hatley Park, the treaty includes approximately 30 parcels of land, such as Discovery Island Marine Provincial Park and Sooke Mountain Provincial Park. While some concerns regarding public access have been raised, B.C. Minister of Indigenous Relations Spencer Chandra Herbert noted that future access would likely mirror current management practices, such as temporary closures for environmental or cultural reasons. The treaty represents a significant step forward in the ongoing process of reconciliation and land rights for Indigenous peoples in British Columbia.