Vancouver Island land returned to Lyackson First Nation and Cowichan Tribes

The Canadian Press

· Posted: May 23, 2025 3:15 PM EDT | Last Updated: 5 hours ago

The British Columbia government says the instrumentality of the Vancouver Island lands historically utilized by First Nations for gathering and harvesting represents a reconciliation landmark.

The Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation says successful a statement that the 312-hectare onshore parcel is worthy astir $8.6 million.

Lyackson Hereditary Chief Shana Thomas says the onshore is simply a erstwhile colony tract and the assemblage has been warring for its re-establishment implicit 4 generations.

The authorities had purchased the onshore from Mosaic Forest Management, and Thomas says the instrumentality would not person been imaginable without the institution being a "willing seller." 

The incremental pact statement connected the instrumentality of the onshore adjacent Skutz Falls, a fewer kilometres southeast of Lake Cowichan, was struck successful May past year, with a ceremonial signing attended by Premier David Eby.

Under the agreement, the Lyackson First Nation and Cowichan Tribes volition clasp the lands successful concern until there's a program to disagreement them and adhd the onshore to each Nation's reserve holdings.

Indigenous Relations Minister Christine Boyle called it an "incredible achievement" for some communities.

"The collaborative attack taken to place the lands for transportation is an illustration of perseverance and concern successful the province's reconciliation travel with some Lyackson First Nation and Cowichan Tribes," she said.

Chief Cindy Daniels of the Cowichan Tribes says the statement with the Lyackson First Nation was an important objection of shared values.