The government of British Columbia has returned over 700 hectares of forest land to the Snuneymuxw First Nation. The area, known as Mount Benson North or te’tuxwtun North, lies near Nanaimo and is a part of a broader agreement to return more than 3,000 hectares to the Nation over time.
This land return follows an earlier transfer in January 2024, when 212 hectares in the Mount Benson East region were handed over. The total transferred so far now exceeds 900 hectares. These steps mark significant progress in a multi-year effort to restore lands once used and cared for by the Snuneymuxw people.
The newly transferred area will be managed by the Petroglyph Development Group. This group is the economic arm of the Snuneymuxw First Nation and will use the land for forestry operations. The forested area will support economic development, job creation, and sustainable resource use for the community.
Chief Mike Wyse welcomed the land return, calling it a powerful step toward rebuilding the Nation’s role as land stewards. He emphasized that returning land is not just symbolic—it is about restoring the Nation’s responsibility to protect and care for the territory.
“Each parcel returned strengthens our Nation’s economic independence and renews our deep connection to te’tuxwtun North,” said Chief Wyse. He also noted that more than 2,000 hectares remain to be transferred and that the Nation is committed to completing the full agreement.
Ian Simpson, CEO of Petroglyph Development Group, said the transfer allows the Snuneymuxw to reclaim a key role in their territory. He explained that the forestry operations will be handled through a Mount Benson Forestry Limited Partnership, which aims to use the land in a sustainable way that respects both tradition and future growth.
“This land will power a long-term economic engine that brings opportunity and supports our community’s goals,” Simpson said.
The transfer is part of the provincial government’s broader commitment to reconciliation and Indigenous land rights. Officials say it also supports environmental and wildlife protections.
Randene Neill, B.C.’s Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, said the move respects Indigenous leadership while supporting local economies and environmental goals. She called it a step forward in building trust and partnership between governments and First Nations.
“This is a meaningful step forward on the path of reconciliation,” Neill said. “It supports Indigenous rights, helps local economies, and honours the land.”
The 700 hectares now under Snuneymuxw management include important forest zones, wildlife habitat, and cultural sites. The area also offers opportunities for education, conservation, and long-term growth aligned with the Nation’s values.
Snuneymuxw First Nation has lived in the Nanaimo region for thousands of years. The land being returned was part of the Nation’s traditional territory before colonization. Restoring this land helps address past harms while giving the community tools for a stronger future.
The agreement to return more than 3,000 hectares is expected to continue over the coming years. Both the Nation and the province have expressed their commitment to seeing the process through. As more land is returned, Snuneymuxw will gain further opportunities to grow its economy, preserve the environment, and reconnect with traditional lands.
The land transfer to Snuneymuxw is seen as a model for future agreements between the government and other Indigenous nations. By combining cultural respect with practical development, such partnerships can lead to shared progress for communities and ecosystems alike.
