K’ómoks First Nation is set to initial a proposed modern treaty for the Nation at an event this morning.

It had been working on the deal with the federal and provincial governments since 1994 and reached an agreement-in-principle on a proposed treaty in 2012.

Initialing signals that negotiations are “substantially complete,” with the K’ómoks membership then voting on the draft treaty.

If ratified, legislation will be introduced to ratify the treaty provincially, then federally. The effective date for the treaty is anticipated for 2028.

Among other things, the proposed treaty would ensure Aboriginal rights are recognized and not extinguished and describe the parties’ agreement on the exercise of rights.

It also lays out negotiated approaches to self-governance and confirms land parcels to be owned and governed by K’ómoks.

To learn more, visit K’ómoks Treaty Negotiations.