The British Columbia government has introduced new legislation aimed at advancing a long-negotiated treaty with the K’ómoks First Nation, marking a significant milestone in a process that has spanned more than three decades.
The proposed law, known as the K’ómoks Treaty Act, 2026, represents a key step toward formal ratification of the agreement, which has been under negotiation since 1994 between the First Nation, the province, and the federal government.
If approved, the legislation would give legal effect to the treaty, outlining land ownership, governance, and economic provisions. The agreement would see the K’ómoks Nation gain ownership of more than 3,400 hectares of land across Vancouver Island, along with the option to acquire additional parcels over time.
Provincial officials say the treaty is intended to provide long-term certainty for land use and resource management, while also supporting economic development and self-governance for the K’ómoks people.
The territory covered by the agreement includes areas surrounding the Comox Valley, extending north toward Quadra Island and the Johnstone Strait.
Before the treaty can take effect, several steps remain. The legislation must pass in the B.C. legislature, and the treaty must be formally signed by all parties, including the First Nation, the provincial government, and Ottawa. Federal approval will also be required.
While the province describes the move as a historic step forward in reconciliation and economic partnership, discussions are ongoing with neighbouring First Nations regarding overlapping land claims, highlighting the complexity of treaty negotiations in British Columbia.
If finalized, the agreement would become one of the few modern treaties enacted in the province in recent decades, reflecting the lengthy and often challenging nature of treaty-making in B.C.
