B.C. to return 2K hectares of land to Vancouver Island First Nation
The B.C. government says it will transfer more than 2,000 hectares of land back to a Vancouver Island First Nation amid ongoing treaty negotiations.
A total of 2,276 hectares of land will be returned to the Wei Wai Kum First Nation in the Campbell River, B.C., area under an incremental treaty agreement (ITA).
The benefits to the First Nation are two-fold, according to the province. The land can be used for forestry and economic purposes, and for environmental and cultural activities.
"Crown lands were carefully selected to balance support for Wei Wai Kum’s interests and maintenance of public access to popular recreation sites such as Loveland Bay Provincial Park and areas required for BC Timber Sales operations," said the province in a release Thursday.
Wei Wai Kum has been negotiating its treaty with the province since 1997. Discussions about this particular land transfer begin in 2019.
"This agreement and transfer of land back to our Nation is a significant milestone in the treaty negotiations process and ongoing journey of reconciliation," said Wei Wai Kum Chief Chris Roberts in a statement.
Roberts noted, however, that it has taken 25 years of treaty negotiations to make the land transfer possible.
The chief says Wei Wai Kum will now manage the land and its natural resources with an eye towards economic, environmental and recreational benefits.
Wei Wai Kum currently has 850 members and reserve lands spread across mid-Vancouver Island and Discovery Island, according to the province.
"Treaties are one of the most important pathways to reconciliation," said Murray Rankin, B.C. Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.
"Wei Wai Kum and B.C. have made great strides and built trust while negotiating a final treaty, including ensuring the benefits of the treaty are able to flow to Wei Wai Kum more quickly through this ITA," he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.