The B.C. government tabled implementation legislation on Tuesday in another step toward a fully ratified treaty for the K’ómoks First Nation.
The province introduced the K’ómoks Treaty Act, 2026, after negotiations began in 1994 with the federal government and the province.
“Together with K’ómoks, this treaty will create opportunity, jobs, prosperity and certainty for our beautiful province,” said Premier David Eby in a statement.
“This is a historic day for the K’ómoks people, for those who have worked long and hard to reach this moment. People are experiencing real benefits from treaties, based in mutual trust and shared goals, like healthy communities, new investments and prosperity, services that make life easier, and sustainable land, water and resource stewardship.”
The K’ómoks Treaty Act establishes the legal status of the K’ómoks Treaty, in which the First Nation will receive ownership of about 3,442 hectares of land scattered around Vancouver Island, with an additional 1,592 hectares available for purchase from the province over time.
K’ómoks territory spans north to Quadra Island up to the southern reaches of the Johnstone Strait, with the heart being in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island.
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K’ómoks Reserves, including their administration and territory, primarily surround the city of Courtenay.
K’ómoks has 351 registered members, of whom 102 reside on reserve, according to the province.
All of the land covered in the treaty is already owned by either the First Nation or the B.C. government.
“Introducing this legislation alongside K’ómoks First Nation marks a major milestone in our government-to-government relationship, and in the B.C. treaty negotiations process,” said Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, in a statement.
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“If fully ratified, the K’ómoks Treaty will bring stability and certainty through positive changes, a path to self-governance, recognition of rights, social and economic opportunities, all leading toward a prosperous and bright future for the K’ómoks people, and for everyone in the surrounding communities.”
Once the legislation is debated and passed in the legislature, more steps must be taken by the B.C. and Canadian governments.
The bill is one of two steps, with the second being the signing of the treaty by the K’ómoks First Nation, and both levels of government.
The federal parliament will then review the treaty and if fully ratified, the K’ómoks Treaty will be one of the first comprehensive treaties to come into effect since the Tla’amin Treaty in 2016, according to the B.C. government.
“This is an important milestone for K’ómoks First Nation,” said K’ómoks First Nation Elected Chief Councillor Nicole Rempel. “Our members have already shown strong support for this treaty, and we are confident in both the agreement and the process that has brought us here.
“The introduction of this legislation moves us closer to implementation — strengthening our governance, recognizing our rights, and creating long-term opportunities for our Nation and the region. We remain committed to moving forward with respect, collaboration and continued engagement.”
Following the introduction of provincial treaty implementation legislation, Canada and B.C. will be continuing consultations with neighbouring First Nations on overlapping land claims, a news release from the B.C. government states.
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wow so how much land has been given away do far its happening so fast i can’t keep track. as always goooo carney
I really do not understand how land this was developed by all Canadians present and past be given away, it should remain for use by all Canadians !
Oh here is a surprise!
“ A nation neighbouring the Kitselas has called on the provincial government to immediately pause the ratification.The Nine Allied Tribes and Lax Kw’alaams Band said in a statement they were “blindsided by the 11th-hour notice” of the plan, saying over 90 per cent of their territory would be impacted.”
Just more agreements begin negotiates and executed behind the scenes and without public input!
It needs to end .
First Nation should only be 100% native. No more blond hair blue eyed Kids getting status
I am crying laughing 🤣 about your stupidity JV.
But I wouldn’t have expected you to notice.
Bob B – What are you crying about now?
Janine – I guess we’ll let the courts decide hey Karen. Oh wait they already did. The Natives won
Lest ye not forget that natives believe that they and no native tribe “owns” the land. So why now do they “own” the land? Multiple tribes lived on the land so no one tribe owns any land.
Yeah, better sign those treaties quickly, admit defeat and bow to the crown before the will of the people changes.
It’s coming max
JV you are so localised. Racism has existed everywhere for ever.
Even the northern Coastal FN vs southern coastal FNs. You are such a moron.
You can go almost anywhere in the world and find racism against people of the same colour but different regions or religions. How about the English on Irish or Scottish or the Huron and Iroquois? What a DF you are.
Who says they were “first” and who was here before them?
Please stop it with this, most British Columbians have had enough of being constantly threatened with everything the first nations people want and are holding over our heads.. I would rather talk one on one with our first nations people then having a politician re interpreting and screwing it up!
Anonymous – White people invented racism
So 350 people get a huge swath of land? Why? This is bull sh-t. Stop this. JV your really are a disgusting racist
Another big win for First Nations in BC. Another big loss for the racist Conservatives 😊