K'omoks First Nation signs draft treaty with B.C., federal governments
![Gary Anandasangaree Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree speaks in the foyer of the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on June 3, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2024/7/22/gary-anandasangaree-1-6973172-1721677520956.jpeg)
Officials with the K'omoks First Nation and the B.C. and federal governments have signed a draft treaty in a step toward the nation's self-governance.
K'omoks Chief Ken Price says it was an "exciting, memorable, and emotional day" for the community on Vancouver Island as it marked another step toward a treaty.
Price says in a statement that many K'omoks leaders have been part of negotiations over the last 30 years aiming to "build the best treaty possible."
He says treaties are "the highest form of reconciliation between nations."
The draft treaty must still be ratified by a vote among K'omoks members, and Price says the next step is to ensure questions are answered to ensure their community members feel they are making an informed decision.
A statement from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada says the initialling marks a milestone on the nation's path to self-governance.
If the 351 registered K'omoks members vote to ratify the treaty, the statement says the B.C. and federal governments would then adopt it through legislation.
The full ratification process is expected to take three years, with the treaty coming into effect in 2028, the statement says.
The minister of Crown-Indigenous relations, Gary Anandasangaree, says the initialling "marks a pivotal step away from centuries of colonial policies."
"After 30 years of negotiations involving K'omoks, Canada, and British Columbia, this treaty embodies transformative policy innovations crucial to advancing reconciliation," he says in the statement. "For Canada, achieving this milestone … represents a significant stride toward genuine nation-to-nation relationships built on mutual respect, partnership, and the full recognition of rights."
K'omoks is the latest First Nations to sign a draft treaty with the federal and provincial governments, following proposed deals with the Kitselas Nation and the Kitsumkalum Band, part of the Tsimshian First Nation in B.C.'s northwest.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 22, 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7028745.1725663146!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Pakistani citizen arrested in Canada, charged with plotting terrorist attack in New York
A Pakistani citizen who resided in Canada has been charged with plotting a terrorist attack at a Jewish centre in New York City.
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Cathy Merrick dies after collapsing outside Winnipeg courthouse
The Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has died after collapsing outside of the Manitoba courthouse Friday afternoon, according to multiple sources.
Woman who was denied a liver transplant, after review highlighted alcohol use, has died
Questions are being raised about the case of a 36-year-old Ontario woman who died of liver failure after she was rejected for a life-saving liver transplant after a medical review highlighted her prior alcohol use.
Montreal man given $664 fine for tying dog to parking meter while grabbing a croissant
A Montreal man who tied his dog to a parking meter while he entered a bakery is now facing a hefty fine for breaking a law he had no idea existed.
Canada-wide warrant issued for woman in fatal Toronto shooting
A 36-year-old woman is wanted for first-degree murder following a shooting near an after-hours club in Toronto earlier this month.
Molson Coors ends diversity, equity and inclusion policies, moves to 'broader view'
Brewing company Molson Coors says it is dropping its diversity, equity and inclusion policies and taking a 'broader view' in which all employees know they are welcome.
Selena Gomez is a billionaire
Selena Gomez can now add becoming a billionaire to her long list of achievements.
Teen girl charged with attempted murder after student set on fire at Saskatoon high school
A 14-year-old girl faces an attempted murder charge after a 15-year-old girl was doused in a flammable substance and set on fire at a Saskatoon high school Thursday.
Victim of Vancouver stranger attacks had surgery to reattach severed hand: police
The surviving victim of a pair of stranger attacks in downtown Vancouver on Wednesday has undergone surgery to reattach his hand after it was severed in the assault, according to police.