102 acres of land transferred to Vancouver Island First Nation in 'historic' signing ceremony
![sfn cropped 1 (Snuneymuxw First Nation/Seacliff Properties)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2023/5/18/sfn-cropped-1-1-6404819-1684440137255.jpg)
The Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN) is celebrating what it calls a "historic" land transfer from private developer Seacliff Properties, which includes the nation's ancient village site, kwula’xw, on Vancouver Island.
A signing ceremony for the 102-acre land transfer occurred on Thursday in the Nanaimo area.
The land transfer is part of Seacliff and the SFN's "Sandstone" project, which was recently adopted in the City of Nanaimo's official community plan.
The 720-acre project will include housing, retail space, community amenities and infrastructure improvements in southern Nanaimo, according to a joint statement from the SFN and Seacliff Properties on Thursday.
The land transfer is also part of the city's "Reimagine" policy, which puts a focus on First Nation reconciliation and creating a more livable Nanaimo south end.
"Today, we celebrate the rebuilding of our land base to our territory, strengthening our people's spiritual, cultural, social, and economic connection to the Snuneymuxw village sites that are being returned to us," said Snuneymuxw Chief Mike Wyse.
"Rebuilding the SFN land base preserved and protected under the Snuneymuxw Treaty of 1854 honours the solemn confirmations and promises that were made over 165 years ago on these great lands," he said.
"The partnership we have formed with Seacliff Properties is another step forward on the road to reconciliation with the private sector and will help our Nation fulfill our economic potential."
Wyse says the nation will also continue to pursue treaty implementation with the Cinnabar Valley Neighborhood Association and other groups "to bring overdue attention, resources, economic opportunities and amenities to Nanaimo and the entire Mid-Island region."
Seacliff Properties director of development, Georgia Desjardins, says the company has been working with the SFN for the past four years to make the transfer happen.
"And this is only the first step in honouring our agreement, which will see an additional 25 acres transferred to the Snuneymuxw First Nation upon the successful rezoning of the property, along with an option to purchase an additional 150 acres," she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6972910.1721665918!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Harris praises Biden's 'unmatched' legacy, claims many of the delegates she needs for the nomination
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris moved swiftly Monday to lock up Democratic delegates behind her campaign for the White House after President Joe Biden stepped aside amid concerns from within their party that he would be unable to defeat Republican Donald Trump.
Who's number two? Four leading Democrats emerge as a possible running mate for Kamala Harris
No one knows the importance of selecting the right running mate better than Vice President Kamala Harris.
WATCH LIVE 'We failed,' says Secret Service director grilled on Trump assassination attempt
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle said Monday that her agency failed in its mission to protect former U.S. President Donald Trump during a highly contentious congressional hearing with lawmakers of both major political parties demanding she resign over security failures that allowed a gunman to scale a roof and open fire at a campaign rally.
Do you want to be happier? Here are 5 habits to adopt
If you look around at your friends and family — and even at yourself — it is apparent that some people perceive the glass to be half full, while others view it as half empty. Which habits can you adopt to increase your level of happiness? A social psychologist has these five tips.
Four suicides in New Zealand linked to Ontario's Kenneth Law
New Zealand's coroner has ruled that four of its citizens died after ordering products from an Ontario man who is facing murder charges for selling poisonous substances.
Caught in 4K: Sask. men charged after poaching revealed in YouTube video
Two men in northern Saskatchewan were recently found guilty of multiple hunting violations after authorities discovered a YouTube video showing the crimes.
Prince George is 11 -- see his birthday photo
Prince George has turned 11, and as per tradition his proud parents have released an official portrait to mark the occasion.
Two-thirds of Canadians polled say they 'desperately' need interest rates to go down
A new survey says the Bank of Canada's recent interest rate cut did little to change Canadians' negative perceptions about their personal finances.
Hollywood reacts to Joe Biden exiting the U.S. presidential race
Hollywood was quick to react to the news that U.S. President Joe Biden was ending his bid for re-election and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.