The three parties have almost finalized the details of an agreement in principle (AIP), which was signed in 2012 and included a land package. The next step will be an additional land and cash offering, which is expected later this fall. The final treaty — considered a living document — will establish self-government and give the nation control over issues such as education, services for children and families, and environmental stewardship. Meanwhile, residents of the Comox Valley, in central eastern Vancouver Island, can attend in-person or virtual open houses to learn about some of the Crown land that BC and Canada have agreed to transfer to the K’ómoks . as well as agreements on harvesting rights and resource management. The nation’s traditional territories extend from just north of Nanaimo, to Sayward, north of the Campbell River. The AIP contains a number of parcels of Crown land throughout the Comox and Sayward Valleys and on Denman and Hornby Islands. (Treaty of K’ómoks) Celeste Haldane, chief commissioner of the BC Treaty Commission, says public engagement is vital to reconciliation. He says it’s an opportunity for community members to learn about the treaty process. “I think it’s such an important space to build bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities as we walk the path of reconciliation together.” While not everyone will agree to the treaty, Haldane says it’s important to at least help them understand. Celeste Haldane is the chief commissioner of the BC Treaty Commission, the independent body that oversees negotiations between First Nations, BC, and Canada. (Submitted by Celeste Haldane) Melissa Quocksister is a member of the K’ómoks First Nation and its treaty group. Her grandfather, Ernie Hardy Senior, started the process in 1994. He spent time at information booths at community events this summer, talking to people about the treaty. He says most are excited and supportive. Melissa Quocksister is a member of the K’ómoks First Nation and its treaty group. (Submitted by Melissa Quocksister) “When I show them the lands on the maps… most people think it’s not enough!” It says the land totals 0.02 percent of the nation’s traditional territory. The maps are embedded in the agreement in principle, which is available online. Open houses will be held in Courtenay (September 10), Union Bay (September 12), Sayward (September 17) and online (September 29).
