Providing information, opportunities for dialogue about Te’mexw treaties

The District of Sooke is sharing the following from the Province of British Columbia:

Public invited to learn more about five proposed modern treaties on southern Vancouver Island

Summary

• The public is invited to a series of open houses to learn more and ask questions about five proposed treaties being negotiated on southern Vancouver Island, building on previous engagement
• A future step in the treaty process is for chief negotiators from all parties to initial the five treaties, subject to required approvals, which would signal the conclusion of substantive negotiations before ratification by each First Nation, B.C. and Canada
• 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’ inherent rights
• The proposed treaty lands for the Te’mexw Treaty Association (TTA) Member Nations do not include privately owned fee-simple lands, except lands already owned by the respective TTA Member Nations

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In June 2026, the public is invited to a series of open houses by the Province of British Columbia (B.C.), the Government of Canada (Canada) and the Te’mexw Treaty Association (TTA) to learn more and ask questions about the five distinct treaties, building on previous engagement.

The drop-in open houses follow years of engagement with local governments, interest groups, tenure and permit holders, and adjacent landowners.

Ongoing public engagement about the treaties remains a part of building awareness, supporting informed dialogue, strengthening relationships in the region and advancing reconciliation.

The treaty partners (B.C., Canada and TTA) will provide information, respond to questions and continue dialogue with the public about the treaties and the status of treaty negotiations at these in-person open houses.

Location and times

Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location:
Edward Milne Community School
6218 Sooke Rd.
Sooke

Date: Monday, June 8, 2026
Time: 4:30-7 p.m.
Location:
Burnside Gorge Community Centre
471 Cecelia Rd.
Victoria

Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Time: 4:30-7 p.m.
Location:
Shawnigan Lake Community Centre lounge
2804 Shawnigan Lake Rd.
Shawnigan Lake

Date: Friday, June 12,2026
Time: 4:30-7 p.m.
Location:
East Sooke Community Hall
1397 Copper Mine Rd.
Sooke

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location:
Costin Hall
7232 Lantzville Rd.
Lantzville

Virtual open houses are also being planned and will allow those who cannot attend in person to learn about the treaties. In the coming weeks, dates and more information about these virtual sessions will be listed on the webpage.

For more information or to ask questions directly if unable to attend the open houses,email: Temexw.Treaty@gov.bc.ca.

Please related news release from the Province for additional information.