Two B.C. Parks Being Considered For Inclusion In Treaties Being Negotiated With Two First Nations

The B.C. government says two provincial parks are being considered for inclusion in treaties being negotiated with two First Nations.

Sooke Mountain Park on southern Vancouver Island is being considered as part of the T'Sou-ke Treaty and Discovery Island Park is being considered as part of the Songhees Treaty.

The two have been in negotiations with Canada and British Columbia since 1995 under the B.C. treaty negotiations process. The parties are now another step closer to completing treaty negotiations.

The treaties are intended to encourage investment, create jobs, expand economic development, and support social well-being for members.

The Nations say they are committed to maintaining public access and continued recreational opportunities in the parks, and are also committed to protecting their cultural, ecological and conservation values.

Modern treaties are part of Canada's and British Columbia's work to advance reconciliation, guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action.

Treaties provide a framework for the three parties - Canada, B.C., and First Nations - to work toward the common goal of reconciliation and build a new relationship through constitutionally protected government-to-government-to-government agreements.