Progress made on Te’mexw treaties negotiations

Sooke Mountain and Discovery Island Marine provincial parks could be included in treaties with the T’Sou-ke Nation and with the Songhees Nation, the province announced Monday.
 
“Treaties help everyone in BC by providing better clarity for First Nations and surrounding communities and will result in better social and economic opportunities for all communities in southern Vancouver Island,” BC’s Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Murray Rankin said.
 
The move is part of ongoing negotiations with the Te’mexw Treaty Association, consisting of the T’Sou-ke and Songhees, as well as the Malahat Nation, and the Beecher Bay (SC’IA⁄NEW) and Snaw-Naw-As nations.
 
Sooke Mountain Park is being considered as part of the T’Sou-ke Treaty, while Discovery Island Park is being considered as part of the Songhees Treaty.
 
To learn more about how the Te’mexw treaties will create jobs, promote investment and economic development, build housing, support tourism and encourage investments in infrastructure, in-person open houses are planned for:

• Feb. 25, 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., Songhees Wellness Centre
• March 2, 4:30-7 p.m., Edward Milne Community school
• March 4, 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., the Quarterdeck, Royal Roads University
• March 7, 4:30-7 p.m., George Jay Elementary School
• March 15, 4:30-7 p.m., Metchosin Community Hall