Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, has released the following statement in response to the ‘yes’ vote by eligible voters on the ratification of the K’ómoks Treaty and Constitution:

“On behalf of all British Columbians, I would like to offer congratulations to the members and leadership of K’ómoks First Nation on the successful ratification of their treaty and constitution. In particular, I wish to congratulate Hegus Nicole Rempel of K'ómoks First Nation, K’ómoks Council, Hereditary Chiefs, Elders, past Chief Councillors, the K’ómoks Treaty Team, the Eligibility and Enrollment team, and the Tripartite Ratification Committee for all of their hard work and dedication that has brought us to this momentous day.

“K’ómoks First Nation, the Government of Canada, and the Government of British Columbia have been in treaty negotiations since 1994.

“With negotiations on the K’ómoks Treaty complete, and a successful K’ómoks ratification vote, the K’ómoks people have now chosen their path forward. This decision is one that generations of K’ómoks people have worked toward.

“The next step is for British Columbia to ratify the treaty, then all parties sign, and, finally, Canada ratifies. Provincial and federal ratification involves the B.C. Legislative Assembly and Canadian Parliament each passing treaty implementation legislation. As the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, I remain firmly committed to taking this path alongside the K’ómoks people.

“Throughout the next steps of this process, there will be further opportunities for regional and public engagement, as well as ongoing consultation with neighbouring First Nations.

“The K’ómoks Treaty is a path to self-governance, recognition of rights, collaborative resource management and new economic opportunity. It provides the basis for a revitalized relationship between K’ómoks, their neighbours and all levels of government by fostering shared understanding, providing certainty and supporting further work together in the region.”

Learn More:

“For more information on the vote results, visit: https://komoks.ca/press-release-official-results-komoks-constitution-treaty-ratification-vote/

For more information on K’ómoks Treaty negotiations in B.C., visit: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/govtogetherbc/engagement/komoks-treaty/