{"id":58092,"date":"2025-05-05T10:25:58","date_gmt":"2025-05-05T17:25:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/?post_type=engagement&#038;p=58092"},"modified":"2026-04-15T16:02:41","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T23:02:41","slug":"komoks-treaty","status":"publish","type":"engagement","link":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/komoks-treaty\/","title":{"rendered":"K\u2019\u00f3moks Treaty Negotiations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group engage-banner has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fbda80\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Engagement is ongoing<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-horizontal is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-1 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover is-light\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-0 has-background-dim\"><\/span><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2682\" height=\"1599\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-64581\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2023\/03\/Komoks-Banner-Image.png\" style=\"object-position:54% 83%\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"54% 83%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2023\/03\/Komoks-Banner-Image.png 2682w, https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2023\/03\/Komoks-Banner-Image-300x179.png 300w, https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2023\/03\/Komoks-Banner-Image-1024x611.png 1024w, https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2023\/03\/Komoks-Banner-Image-768x458.png 768w, https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2023\/03\/Komoks-Banner-Image-1536x916.png 1536w, https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2023\/03\/Komoks-Banner-Image-2048x1221.png 2048w, https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2023\/03\/Komoks-Banner-Image-1200x715.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2682px) 100vw, 2682px\" \/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-engagement-container\"><div class=\"engagement-page\"><div class=\"engagement-content-wrapper\"><h1 class=\"engagement-title-banner \" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/themes\/bcgov-engagement\/dist\/images\/blue-curve-bg.svg)\">K\u2019\u00f3moks Treaty Negotiations<\/h1>\n<div class=\"wp-block-engagement-content\"><bcgov-breadcrumb>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\">Home<\/a>\n                      <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/\">Engagement Opportunities<\/a> \n                  <span>\n        K\u2019\u00f3moks Treaty Negotiations\n  <\/span>\n  <div style=\"display: flex\" slot=\"breadcrumb-extra\">\n      <\/div>\n  <\/bcgov-breadcrumb>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-govtogether-engagement-header\"><div class=\"text-column\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">On this page&#8230;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#overview\" title=\"\">Treaty progress overview<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#K\u2019\u00f3moks\" title=\"\">The K\u2019\u00f3moks First Nation<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#summary\" title=\"\">Summary of treaty negotiations<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#overview\" title=\"\">Overview of the K\u2019\u00f3moks Treaty<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#estuary\" title=\"\">K\u2019\u00f3moks Estuary Consent Agreement<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#recent\" title=\"\">Recent engagement<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#next\" title=\"\">What&#8217;s next<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#about\" title=\"\">About modern treaties<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#resources\" title=\"\">Resources<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#news\" title=\"\">News releases<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Who: <\/strong>K\u2019\u00f3moks First Nation (K\u2019\u00f3moks), the Government of Canada (Canada) and the Province of British Columbia (B.C.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What: <\/strong>Treaty negotiations<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Where:<\/strong> Vancouver Island<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why:<\/strong> Constitutionally protected agreements that set out the relationship between the parties to work toward common goals of reconciliation and recognition of First Nations&#8217; rights and title, to partner on shared priorities and to create jurisdictional and operational certainty in the region<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How: <\/strong>In-person, online<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"taxonomy-engagement_category wp-block-post-terms\"><span class=\"wp-block-post-terms__prefix\"><strong>Category: <\/strong><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement_category\/reconciliation-initiatives\/\" rel=\"tag\">Reconciliation Initiatives<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"image-column\"><span role=\"img\" aria-label=\"\" class=\"engagement-image\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2022\/09\/komoks.jpg);background-position:57.99999999999999% 100%\"><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"overview\">Treaty progress overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since 1994, K\u2019\u00f3moks has been involved in treaty negotiations with Canada and the B.C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On July 22, 2024, the chief negotiators from all three parties \u2014 K\u2019\u00f3moks, Canada and B.C.\u2014initialled the K\u2019\u00f3moks Treaty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Initialling marked an important milestone in the treaty journey, as it signalled the conclusion of substantive negotiations. Initialling was subject to important caveats, including Canada and B.C. fulfilling their duty to consult other First Nations and the completion of a final legal and technical review of the treaty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The legal and technical review of the treaty concluded in November 2024, resulting in the ratification version of the K\u2019\u00f3moks Treaty. Since then, minor change negotiations have been ongoing as outlined in the General Provisions Chapter of the K\u2019\u00f3moks Treaty. At the same time, Crown consultation with neighbouring First Nations has remained ongoing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As negotiations have concluded, the parties are ratifying the treaty through their respective processes and preparing to move to stage 6 \u2013 Implementation of the Treaty \u2013 of the B.C. Treaty Process.\u202f<br><a href=\"https:\/\/bctreaty.ca\/negotiations\/negotiation-process\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Read more about the process<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On March 8, 2025, K&#8217;\u00f3moks First Nation held its community ratification vote for eligible voters, who voted in favour of ratifying the K\u2019\u00f3moks Treaty and <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2025\/05\/250122-KFN-Constitution-Ratification-Draft-1.pdf\" title=\"\">self-government constitution (PDF, 250KB)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The next party to ratify the treaty is B.C. On April 14, 2026, B.C. introduced provincial treaty implementation legislation \u2014 the K\u2019\u00f3moks Treaty Act, 2026 \u2014 in the B.C. Legislature as the first step in the provincial government&#8217;s ratification of the K\u2019\u00f3moks Treaty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read the version of the <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2026\/04\/Komoks-Treaty_MCA1-Version_2026.pdf\" title=\"\">K\u2019\u00f3moks Treaty (PDF, 10MB)<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2026\/04\/Komoks-Treaty_Appendices_MCA1-Version_2026.pdf\" title=\"\">K\u2019\u00f3moks Treaty Appendices (PDF, 31MB)<\/a> introduced in the B.C. Legislature on April 14, 2026. Please note this version of the K\u2019\u00f3moks Treaty and Appendices incorporates minor changes agreed to by the parties and replaces the &#8220;ratification version.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are still several steps for all parties to take before ratification of the treaty is complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"K\u2019\u00f3moks\">The K\u2019\u00f3moks First Nation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>tuwa ak\u02b7s \u03c7o\u03c7o\u026c \u0294a x\u02b7 yi\u03c7m\u025bt\u025bt (\u0294a) k\u02b7\u028ams h\u025bhaw t\u028ams g\u0269\u01f0\u025b&nbsp;<br>\u201cCare takers of the \u2018land of plenty\u2019 since time immemorial\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>K&#8217;\u00f3moks traditional territory\u202fspans the Comox Valley in the central eastern part of Vancouver Island, extending into Johnstone Strait. The K\u2019\u00f3moks Nation has approximately 350 members, primarily located in the Comox Valley. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oral histories and archaeology describe a rich and bountiful relationship between the K\u2019\u00f3moks people and their territory. Salmon, herring, shellfish, herring, deer, elk, seal, cod, rockfish, geese, duck, and a plethora of berries and plant foods filled the bellies of young and old alike. The harvest, preparation and cultivation of local resources were appropriate to the environment, resource, and spiritual beliefs. Fish weirs, clam gardens, duck nets, berry picking techniques and clothing design met the needs of the K\u2019\u00f3moks people, and for generations provided variety, utility, and sense of cultural uniqueness. Mask dances and rhythmic songs filled the winter nights and throughout the seasons. Property was distributed to guests in potlatches and elaborate naming ceremonies honoured the youth, leaders, and Elders of the communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, K\u2019\u00f3moks is active in the local economy and has strong relationships with local governments, which are supportive of the treaty. Local governments in the region have worked together with K\u2019\u00f3moks for years to prepare for the treaty, including co-investing in water treatment and management and sewage infrastructure for the region.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"summary\">Summary of treaty negotiations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>K\u2019\u00f3moks entered treaty negotiations in 1994. The treaty table includes K\u2019\u00f3moks, Canada, B.C., the British Columbia Treaty Commission, and a local government representative from the Comox Valley Regional District.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2012, negotiators for K\u2019\u00f3moks, Canada, and B.C. reached an Agreement-in-Principle (AIP), establishing agreement on the substantive elements to be detailed in the completed treaty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the years since, K\u2019\u00f3moks, B.C. and Canada have engaged with all levels of government, industry, interest holders, and people in the region on various elements of the treaty. K\u2019\u00f3moks has worked closely with its local government partners to invest in shared services and regional economic development. During this time, B.C. and Canada have also continued to consult with neighbouring First Nations as the negotiations progressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Initialling the K\u2019\u00f3moks Treaty in July 2024 signalled the conclusion of substantive negotiations, subject to certain caveats such as ongoing legal and technical review and consultation with neighbouring First Nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The legal and technical review of the treaty concluded in November 2024, resulting in the ratification version of the treaty. Since then, minor change negotiations have been ongoing as outlined in the General Provisions Chapter of the treaty. At the same time, Crown consultation with neighbouring First Nations has remained ongoing.<br>These steps sets the stage for each party\u2019s ratification process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On March 8, 2025, K\u2019\u00f3moks held their ratification vote for eligible voters, who voted in favour of ratifying the treaty and self-government constitution. For community ratification, the treaty and constitution require a double majority vote outcome by K\u2019\u00f3moks eligible voters. This means more than 50% of eligible voters on the voters list cast a ballot, and more than 50% of those voters cast a ballot in favour of the treaty and constitution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of the 91% of eligible voters who voted on the treaty and constitution, 81% voted \u201cyes\u201d on the treaty and 83% voted \u201cyes\u201d on the constitution. Based on these results, the ratification vote thresholds were met.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ratification for both B.C. and Canada is a multistep process following the ratification process of the Nation. For B.C. the first step in ratification involves the passing of treaty implementation legislation. This would be followed by the signing of the treaty by all the parties and the passing of federal implementation legislation. However, full ratification requires the coming into effect of the treaty. The period between the signing and the Effective Date of the treaty is used by all parties to prepare for the coming into effect of the treaty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"overview\">Overview of the K\u2019\u00f3moks Treaty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>K\u2019\u00f3moks, B.C. and Canada have been negotiating the agreement in stages as part of the BC Treaty Process. <br><a href=\"https:\/\/bctreaty.ca\/negotiations\/negotiation-process\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Read more about the process<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each stage has included engagement with the public and interest holders. Local government representatives have also sat at the negotiation table as part of the provincial negotiating team. This approach provides opportunities for people and key interest holders to share their interests and help shape treaty provisions that work for all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Crown consultations with neighbouring Nations have also been ongoing throughout each stage of the negotiations. This process aims to ensure that potential adverse impacts on the rights of neighbouring Nations are avoided, mitigated or otherwise accommodated, where appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result, the treaty reflects work done together on shared regional priorities established in the 2012 AIP. Read the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www2.gov.bc.ca\/assets\/gov\/environment\/natural-resource-stewardship\/consulting-with-first-nations\/agreements\/aip_komoks.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Agreement-in-Principle (PDF, 14MB)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If ratified by all parties, the K\u2019\u00f3moks Treaty will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ensure Aboriginal rights are recognized and not extinguished or modified, and describe how K\u2019\u00f3moks rights will be exercised<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clarify that the treaty does not affect or recognize the rights of neighbouring First Nations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lay out negotiated approaches to self governance, and confirm land parcels totalling approximately 34.42 km<sup>2&nbsp;<\/sup>(3,442 hectares or 8,505 acres) to be owned and governed by K\u2019\u00f3moks, with an ability for K\u2019\u00f3moks to purchase and add up to 15.92 km<sup>2<\/sup>&nbsp;(1,592 hectares or 3,934 acres) of pre-approved additional land over time<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Address existing interests and tenures on proposed treaty lands (interest-holders have been engaged on the proposed approach to their tenure or interest)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Commit K\u2019\u00f3moks and B.C., in light of shared concern for sustainable watersheds, to develop a water scarcity management agreement for collaborative groundwater management under provincial legislation, with engagement from the region\u2019s water users, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consultation and opportunities for co-management of resources for K\u2019\u00f3moks within the K\u2019\u00f3moks territory.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The treaty will provide the basis for a revitalized relationship between K\u2019\u00f3moks and all levels of government by fostering shared understanding about K\u2019\u00f3moks rights and delivering economic predictability in the region. The Treaty is intended to create jobs, promote investment and economic development, build housing, support tourism, encourage investments in infrastructure and support social well-being for the K\u2019\u00f3moks community, all of which will benefit the entire Comox Valley and surrounding area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The B.C. treaty negotiations process has always been guided by the principle that private property (fee simple land) is only on the negotiation table on a willing-buyer, willing-seller basis. Private fee simple property rights are protected through this process. The proposed treaty lands for the K&#8217;\u00f3moks Treaty do not include private property, except land already owned by K&#8217;\u00f3moks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More information about the K\u2019\u00f3moks Treaty can be found in the following fact sheets:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2026\/04\/Fact-Sheet_Komoks-Treaty-Overview_14-April-2026.pdf\" title=\"\">Treaty overview (PDF, 400KB)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2026\/04\/Fact-Sheet_Komoks-Treaty_Governance_14-April-2026.pdf\" title=\"\">Governance (PDF, 100KB)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2026\/04\/Fact-Sheet_Komoks-Treaty_Lands-and-Access_14-April-2026.pdf\" title=\"\">Lands and access (PDF, 1MB)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"estuary\">K\u2019\u00f3moks Estuary Consent Agreement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The K\u2019\u00f3moks Estuary has been a place of significance for the K\u2019\u00f3moks peoples, who lived in villages on both sides of the estuary since time immemorial. It is also a vital, ecologically significant habitat that supports hundreds of bird and plant species and all five Pacific salmon species. In recognition of the rights held by K\u2019\u00f3moks in the K\u2019\u00f3moks Estuary as well as the cultural significance of the area, B.C. and K\u2019\u00f3moks, through the treaty, will enter into a process of consent-based decision making in relation to the K\u2019\u00f3moks Estuary on the effective date of the K\u2019\u00f3moks Treaty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2026\/03\/Komoks-Estuary-Consent-Agreement_Initialled.pdf\" title=\"\">K&#8217;\u00f3moks Estuary Consent Agreement (PDF, 960KB)<\/a> is an agreement that will establish a consent-based decision-making process between B.C. and K\u2019\u00f3moks in the K\u2019\u00f3moks Estuary related to certain Land Act tenures, specifically leases, licences of occupation, rights of way or easements. Through this process, the parties would seek consensus in accordance with shared principles. Existing infrastructure tenures and public access to the estuary are not impacted by the agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Negotiated as a side agreement to the K\u2019\u00f3moks Treaty, the K&#8217;\u00f3moks Estuary Consent Agreement will come into effect on the effective date of the treaty (should the treaty be approved and ratified). Side agreements sit outside the treaty, are not constitutionally protected, and support the implementation of specific treaty commitments. They are publicly available and may be updated over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"recent\">Recent engagement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Local government, interest holder and public engagement is important. Engagement provides an opportunity for local governments, interest holders and the public to learn more about the treaty and discuss hopes and issues for the treaty and its implementation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From May to October 2022, K\u2019\u00f3moks, Canada and B.C. engaged with local communities in the region via local government presentations, open houses, community events, and mailed materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A What We Heard Report was developed from discussions with the public on the closing of treaty negotiations. This report describes the engagement activities and participation rates, including feedback and questions collected during the engagement process, along with responses given by the negotiating partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read the <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2023\/05\/Komoks-What-We-Heard-Report_29May2023_Final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">What We Heard Report (PDF, 2MB)<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In recent years, correspondence has been sent to, and meetings have been held with, interest and tenure holders to discuss forms of replacement tenures and the arrangements for continuation of interests such as water licences and woodlots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the lead up to provincial ratification of the K\u2019\u00f3moks Treaty, the parties have also engaged with various provincial and local organizations, local governments, interested parties and interest holders to update them on the status of the ratification process.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"next\">What&#8217;s next<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several steps in the treaty process that need to be completed before the treaty could come into effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ratification process, which follows the initialling of the treaty, takes a number of years.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With K\u2019\u00f3moks voting in favour of ratifying the K\u2019\u00f3moks Treaty and self-government constitution in March 2025, the next step in the process is for B.C. to ratify the treaty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On April 14, 2026, B.C. introduced provincial treaty implementation legislation \u2014 the K\u2019\u00f3moks Treaty Act, 2026 \u2014 in the B.C. Legislature as the first step in the provincial government\u2019s ratification of the K\u2019\u00f3moks Treaty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The provincial treaty implementation legislation and the treaty itself are debated in the legislature by elected members of the Legislature.&nbsp;If this legislation passes and is enacted, the elements of the implementation legislation that bring the treaty into effect will not be brought into force on Royal Assent, but rather by regulation at a later date in coordination with Canada and K\u2019\u00f3moks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the passage of provincial enabling legislation, the next step would be for all parties to sign the treaty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Canada then would then continue its ratification process through the introduction and passage of federal treaty implementation legislation in Parliament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ratification is fully complete once the treaty is signed and both the provincial and federal implementation legislation is brought into force.&nbsp;This happens on the treaty\u2019s Effective Date. Once agreed to by all parties, the Effective Date is set by coordinated federal and provincial orders and typically occurs following a transition period after Royal Assent has been granted. This transition period allows all parties to be prepared for the treaty\u2019s implementation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The parties will conduct ongoing public engagement during this period, so everyone who is potentially impacted by the treaty is kept informed. For the treaty to be fully ratified and come into effect, Canada and B.C. will also need to have met their duty to consult with neighbouring First Nations. This process currently remains ongoing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure to sign-up for email updates to find out about future engagement opportunities and key milestones in treaty negotiations: <a href=\"mailto:komoks.treaty@gov.bc.ca\">komoks.treaty@gov.bc.ca<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"about\">About modern treaties<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Treaties signed today are known as modern treaties. Modern treaties in B.C., other than the Nisg\u0331a&#8217;a Treaty, are negotiated under the B.C. treaty process, facilitated by the British Columbia Treaty Commission. Negotiations for the Nisg\u0331a&#8217;a Treaty, which became the first modern treaty in B.C. in 2000, began before the establishment of and were outside of the B.C. treaty negotiations process.<br>Treaties are comprehensive, living agreements protected under the Canadian constitution. A result of long-standing and comprehensive discussions, treaties address a wide range of interests and are an important part of advancing reconciliation and recognizing First Nations\u2019 inherent rights, including self-determination.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Treaties are an important part of Canada and B.C.\u2019s work to advance reconciliation and are guided by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/development\/desa\/indigenouspeoples\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2018\/11\/UNDRIP_E_web.pdf\" title=\"\">United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www2.gov.bc.ca\/assets\/download\/0B1AA681371E41878908E32D1C8CEF0A\" title=\"\">Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada\u2019s Calls to Action<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Modern treaties outline the First Nation\u2019s responsibilities and jurisdictions over treaty lands, such as ownership, access, governance, taxation and environmental management. Treaties empower First Nations to step out of the\u202fIndian Act\u2019s legislative control. As living agreements, these treaties do not freeze rights in time. Rather, they are stable and positive foundations from which First Nations can build partnerships, expand economic development and support their community\u2019s social well-being.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Modern treaties are one pathway for reconciliation that promotes collaboration and increases certainty. Treaties recognize that all forms of government are stronger working together and help build a brighter future for everyone. Treaties provide certainty, ending the application of laws and policies that deny equal opportunity and reconcile First Nations rights with other rights, rather than replacing or extinguishing those rights.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By bringing together First Nations, Canada and B.C. for formal negotiations with public engagement, modern treaties are also an opportunity for local communities to share their needs and challenges to shape treaty provisions. As a result, modern treaties provide significant benefits for all people in their regions, enable stronger community bonds, and support plans to work together on shared priorities.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Examples of benefits that have come from modern treaties include:\u202f\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Local Investment<\/strong>: Treaties include funding from the federal and provincial government which are invested by First Nations directly in B.C.\u2019s local communities, including funding education, cultural vitality, land and water-management, homes for people and economic development to build strong, safe and healthy communities. A well-known Deloitte<sup>1<\/sup>\u202fstudy shows every dollar invested in agreements like treaties generates more than double in return in terms of economic activity.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Social Well-Being and Empowerment<\/strong>: Treaties include protection and revitalization of First Nations culture, language and heritage. Canada\u2019s Community Well-Being Index (CWB) shows overall higher well-being in modern treaty regions following the conclusion of a treaty.\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Economic Opportunity and Prosperity<\/strong>: Modern Treaty Nations are diversifying local economies in culturally relevant ways, helping build B.C.\u2019s strong, sustainable, clean economy.&nbsp;Modern treaty settlements continue to be a meaningful driver of economic benefits for First Nations, and for communities around the province.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Services People Rely On<\/strong>: Treaties enable First Nations to develop revenue streams and build capacity in critical services such as housing, health care and education.\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Protecting our Land, Water and Resources<\/strong>: Treaties contain provisions that enable local communities and First Nations to work together to ensure local land, water and resources are managed sustainably.\u202f\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><sup>1<\/sup><a href=\"https:\/\/bctreaty.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Deloitte-Report-2025.pdf\" title=\"\">Deloitte (2025) \u201cFinancial Benefits of Modern Treaties in British Columbia\u201d (PDF, 16.4MB)<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/bctreaty.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Deloitte-BCTC-FinalReport.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Deloitte (Oct 2016) \u201cSocio-economic Benefits of Modern Treaties in BC\u201d (PDF, 600KB)<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"resources\">Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bctreaty.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">British Columbia Treaty Commission (Treaty Commission)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/komoks.ca\/\">K\u2019\u00f3moks First Nations website<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/komoks.ca\/treaty\/\">K\u2019\u00f3moks First Nations Treaty webpage<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www2.gov.bc.ca\/assets\/gov\/environment\/natural-resource-stewardship\/consulting-with-first-nations\/agreements\/aip_komoks.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">K\u2019\u00f3moks Agreement in Principle, signed March 24, 2012 (PDF, 14MB)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www2.gov.bc.ca\/gov\/content\/environment\/natural-resource-stewardship\/consulting-with-first-nations\/first-nations-negotiations\/first-nations-a-z-listing\/k-moks-first-nation-comox-indian-band\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">About K\u2019\u00f3moks First Nation (B.C. webpage)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/development\/desa\/indigenouspeoples\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2018\/11\/UNDRIP_E_web.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (PDF, 151KB)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/declaration.gov.bc.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">B.C. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"news\">News releases<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>K\u2019\u00f3moks Treaty Act introduced in B.C. legislature (April 14, 2026): <a href=\"https:\/\/news.gov.bc.ca\/33622\">https:\/\/news.gov.bc.ca\/33622<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Minister\u2019s statement on K\u2019\u00f3moks Treaty and Constitution vote outcome (March 9, 2025): <a href=\"https:\/\/news.gov.bc.ca\/32074\">https:\/\/news.gov.bc.ca\/32074<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Info bulletin on upcoming ratification vote for K\u2019\u00f3moks Treaty, Constitution (March 5, 2025): <a href=\"https:\/\/news.gov.bc.ca\/32058\">https:\/\/news.gov.bc.ca\/32058<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Initialling draft K\u00f3moks Treaty news release (&nbsp;July 22, 2024): <a href=\"https:\/\/news.gov.bc.ca\/31334\" title=\"\">https:\/\/news.gov.bc.ca\/31334<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Public update information bulletin (July 12, 2024): <a href=\"https:\/\/news.gov.bc.ca\/31273\">https:\/\/news.gov.bc.ca\/31273<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Public invitation information bulletin (August 29, 2022):&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/news.gov.bc.ca\/releases\/2022IRR0052-001296\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/news.gov.bc.ca\/27368\">https:\/\/news.gov.bc.ca\/27368<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Public results information bulletin (June 1, 2023): <a href=\"https:\/\/news.gov.bc.ca\/28911\">https:\/\/news.gov.bc.ca\/28911<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related engagements<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"related-engagements\">\n                                    <div class=\"govtogether-engagement-card\" aria-label=\"Engagement title: Municipal Incorporation Process for Okanagan Falls. Categories: Families and Residents, Reconciliation Initiatives. Status: Open.\">\n            <div class=\"card-header\">\n\n                <div class=\"engagement-status status-open\">\n                                            Open                                     <\/div>\n\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/okanaganfalls\/\" class=\"engagement-title\">\n                        Municipal Incorporation Process for Okanagan Falls                <\/a>\n\n                <div class=\"engagement-categories\">\n                                                                        <span class=\"category-pill\">Families and Residents<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Reconciliation Initiatives<\/span>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                \n            <\/div>\n\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/okanaganfalls\/\" class=\"card-image-container\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"engagement-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2026\/02\/OK-Falls-Incorporation-1.jpg\" \/>\n            <\/a>\n\n        <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"govtogether-engagement-card\" aria-label=\"Engagement title: Xwulqw&#039;selu (Koksilah) Watershed and Water Sustainability Plan. Categories: Environmental Protection, Land and Water, Reconciliation Initiatives, Wildlife and Habitat Protection. Status: Closed.\">\n            <div class=\"card-header\">\n\n                <div class=\"engagement-status status-closed\">\n                                            Closed                                     <\/div>\n\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/xwulqwselu-koksilah-watershed-plan\/\" class=\"engagement-title\">\n                        Xwulqw&#039;selu (Koksilah) Watershed and Water Sustainability Plan                <\/a>\n\n                <div class=\"engagement-categories\">\n                                                                        <span class=\"category-pill\">Environmental Protection<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Land and Water<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Reconciliation Initiatives<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Wildlife and Habitat Protection<\/span>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                \n            <\/div>\n\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/xwulqwselu-koksilah-watershed-plan\/\" class=\"card-image-container\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"engagement-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2026\/03\/Koksilahbanner.png\" \/>\n            <\/a>\n\n        <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"govtogether-engagement-card\" aria-label=\"Engagement title: Land Transfers in Northeast British Columbia. Categories: Reconciliation Initiatives. Status: Ongoing.\">\n            <div class=\"card-header\">\n\n                <div class=\"engagement-status status-ongoing\">\n                                            Ongoing                                     <\/div>\n\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/land-transfers-in-northeast-bc\/\" class=\"engagement-title\">\n                        Land Transfers in Northeast British Columbia                <\/a>\n\n                <div class=\"engagement-categories\">\n                                                                        <span class=\"category-pill\">Reconciliation Initiatives<\/span>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                \n            <\/div>\n\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/land-transfers-in-northeast-bc\/\" class=\"card-image-container\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"engagement-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2023\/01\/51268561543_65dfd23ae6_o-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n            <\/a>\n\n        <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"govtogether-engagement-card\" aria-label=\"Engagement title: West Central Vancouver Island Forest Landscape Plan. Categories: Land and Water, Natural Resource Sector, Natural Resources, Reconciliation Initiatives, Wildlife and Habitat Protection. Status: Closed.\">\n            <div class=\"card-header\">\n\n                <div class=\"engagement-status status-closed\">\n                                            Closed                                     <\/div>\n\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/west-central-vancouver-island-forest-landscape-plan\/\" class=\"engagement-title\">\n                        West Central Vancouver Island Forest Landscape Plan                <\/a>\n\n                <div class=\"engagement-categories\">\n                                                                        <span class=\"category-pill\">Land and Water<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Natural Resource Sector<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Natural Resources<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Reconciliation Initiatives<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Wildlife and Habitat Protection<\/span>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                \n            <\/div>\n\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/west-central-vancouver-island-forest-landscape-plan\/\" class=\"card-image-container\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"engagement-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2025\/10\/Kendrick-Inlet-1736193-Medium.jpg\" \/>\n            <\/a>\n\n        <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"govtogether-engagement-card\" aria-label=\"Engagement title: &#039;Namgis-B.C. Section 7 Agreement. Categories: Land and Water, Natural Resource Sector, Natural Resources, Reconciliation Initiatives. Status: Closed with results.\">\n            <div class=\"card-header\">\n\n                <div class=\"engagement-status status-closed with results\">\n                                            Closed with results                                     <\/div>\n\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/namgis-b-c-section-7-agreement\/\" class=\"engagement-title\">\n                        &#039;Namgis-B.C. Section 7 Agreement                <\/a>\n\n                <div class=\"engagement-categories\">\n                                                                        <span class=\"category-pill\">Land and Water<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Natural Resource Sector<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Natural Resources<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Reconciliation Initiatives<\/span>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                \n            <\/div>\n\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/namgis-b-c-section-7-agreement\/\" class=\"card-image-container\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"engagement-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2025\/10\/Clayoquot-Aerial-Forest-Stream.jpg\" \/>\n            <\/a>\n\n        <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"govtogether-engagement-card\" aria-label=\"Engagement title: Heritage Conservation Act. Categories: Families and Residents, Land and Water, Natural Resource Sector, Natural Resources, Reconciliation Initiatives. Status: Closed.\">\n            <div class=\"card-header\">\n\n                <div class=\"engagement-status status-closed\">\n                                            Closed                                     <\/div>\n\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/heritage-conservation-act\/\" class=\"engagement-title\">\n                        Heritage Conservation Act                <\/a>\n\n                <div class=\"engagement-categories\">\n                                                                        <span class=\"category-pill\">Families and Residents<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Land and Water<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Natural Resource Sector<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Natural Resources<\/span>\n                                                    <span class=\"category-pill\">Reconciliation Initiatives<\/span>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                \n            <\/div>\n\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/engagement\/heritage-conservation-act\/\" class=\"card-image-container\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"engagement-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/app\/uploads\/sites\/121\/2025\/07\/Heritage-Act-banner.jpg\" \/>\n            <\/a>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-govtogether-engagement-header\"><div class=\"text-column\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"image-column\"><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":64581,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","engagement_category":[292],"engagement_region":[327],"engagement_status":[337],"engagement_pin_group":[],"class_list":["post-58092","engagement","type-engagement","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","engagement_category-reconciliation-initiatives","engagement_region-vancouver-island","engagement_status-ongoing"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"pinned_engagement_toggle":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/engagement\/58092","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/engagement"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/engagement"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/engagement\/58092\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":84437,"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/engagement\/58092\/revisions\/84437"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/64581"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=58092"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"engagement_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/engagement_category?post=58092"},{"taxonomy":"engagement_region","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/engagement_region?post=58092"},{"taxonomy":"engagement_status","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/engagement_status?post=58092"},{"taxonomy":"engagement_pin_group","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/govtogetherbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/engagement_pin_group?post=58092"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}