The government of British Columbia has transferred 700 hectares of land to the Snuneymuxw First Nation, marking another major step in fulfilling a 2020 land return agreement. The land, located near Nanaimo in the Mount Benson North area, is known to the Snuneymuxw people as te’tuxwtun.
This transfer is the third under the Snuneymuxw Land Transfer Agreement, which aims to return more than 3,000 hectares of ancestral land. The agreement was signed to acknowledge the Nation’s deep cultural and historical connection to these lands.
Snuneymuxw First Nation Chief Mike Wyse welcomed the move, calling it an important milestone. He said each land return strengthens the Nation’s independence and rebuilds ties with important heritage sites. Wyse also stressed that more than 2,000 hectares of the Nation’s village lands are still pending transfer.
Earlier transfers under the agreement included 212 hectares in the Mount Benson East area in January 2024 and 34 hectares at Mount Benson South in October 2024. These efforts reflect a growing commitment to return traditional territories to Indigenous communities.
In July 2024, the province also bought the former Howard Johnson Hotel site in Nanaimo to return to the Snuneymuxw First Nation. The property, located at the corner of Millstone River and Terminal Avenue, once formed part of a Snuneymuxw village.
The most recent 700-hectare parcel will be managed by the Nation’s Petroglyph Development Group. This step supports both community development and environmental protection.
The B.C. Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Randene Neill, noted that the transfer will boost local opportunities. She said the move supports sustainable forestry, protects wildlife, and benefits both Snuneymuxw members and the surrounding region.
Neill also emphasized that this action reflects the province’s respect for the Nation’s long-standing ties to the land. The area has been home to the Snuneymuxw people for generations, and the return helps ensure it remains under their care.
The agreement still includes another 2,091 hectares located in the Mount McKay region, southwest of Nanaimo. Discussions are ongoing to complete the transfer of these lands.
By returning this land, the province aims to support economic growth led by the Nation and protect lands of cultural and environmental value. This return is part of a broader reconciliation effort that supports the rights and responsibilities of Indigenous communities in B.C.
The Snuneymuxw First Nation has stated it will continue to push for the full return of all agreed lands. The leadership has committed to seeing the full agreement through, ensuring future generations can access and benefit from their traditional lands.
This 2020 agreement stands as one of the larger land return efforts in the province’s history. It reflects a shift toward acknowledging past wrongs and working in partnership with First Nations to build a stronger and more just future.
As the Snuneymuxw First Nation regains stewardship over its traditional territory, both the community and the broader region are expected to benefit. The return of te’tuxwtun North is a step forward in honoring Indigenous knowledge, economic strength, and cultural heritage.
