K’omoks Nation on Vancouver Island has reached the agreement-in-principle...

K’omoks Nation on Vancouver Island has reached the agreement-in-principle phase of treaty negotiations, signing the document on March 24. The deal could see $17.5 million in cash and more than 2,000 hectares of land transferred to the nation if the final hurdles in the treaty process are jumped. While an important milestone, the agreement in principle is still a long way from a treaty being a done deal. The final details in the agreement are still open for negotiation, and a community ratification process must be navigated which puts the treaty benefits still years out of reach of the K’omoks people. “This is the first step toward a prosperous future for my people. It is a historic day for the K’omoks Nation. I am proud to have been a part of this,” said Chief Ernie Hardy in a statement. Federal Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development John Duncan and B.C. Minister of Aboriginal Relations Mary Polak also signed the agreement.