Lands on Vancouver Island, including ones that once housed the Nanaimo Indian Hospital, have been returned to Snuneymuxw First Nation.

In a press release, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada said a historic interim land reconciliation agreement will see over 80 hectares of the Camp Nanaimo Lands on Te含羞草研究社檛uxwtun given back to Snuneymuxw 含羞草研究社渢hrough additions to the reserve process.含羞草研究社�

含羞草研究社淪nuneymuxw Chief (Michael Wyse) and council have progressive development plans for these lands, which will have great benefits for Snuneymuxw, the City of Nanaimo, and Vancouver Island University,含羞草研究社� noted the press release. 含羞草研究社淭his includes on-reserve housing, economic development, infrastructure upgrades and sustainable forestry projects, which all operate within the broader, interconnected Snuneymuxw territory.含羞草研究社�

In the press release, Wyse said negotiations for the land have taken place since 2003. He said his mother, late-chief Viola Wyse, was among those at the negotiating table in 2009 and at that time, it was thought the lands would never become additions to reserve land, but things have changed.

含羞草研究社淪nuneymuxw council is honoured to finalize these additions to reserve land as a tribute to our ancestors and as a commitment to serving our future generations,含羞草研究社� Wyse said in the press release. 含羞草研究社淭he path of Reconciliation we are walking alongside Crown-Indigenous Relations has proven to be a positive way forward for our people 含羞草研究社� This is our legacy and our responsibility.含羞草研究社�

Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Gary Anandasangaree echoed Wyse含羞草研究社檚 sentiments.

含羞草研究社淭he return of the 含羞草研究社楥amp Nanaimo Lands on Te含羞草研究社檛uxwtun含羞草研究社� has been a long and frustrating process, and we含羞草研究社檙e here today because of the tireless advocacy of generations of Snuneymuxw people,含羞草研究社� Anandasangaree said in the press release. 含羞草研究社淚 am committed to being a partner in supporting Snuneymuxw含羞草研究社檚 vision of building a better future for the community and beyond.含羞草研究社�

RELATED:

READ ALSO:

karl.yu@nanaimobulletin.com
Follow Karl on and subscribe to our for the latest news.