K’omoks First Nation on Vancouver Island votes to ratify treaty, constitution

Premier David Eby looks on as Minister for Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Christine Boyle during the swearing-in ceremony at Government House in Victoria, Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

The K’omoks First Nation on Vancouver Island says members have voted in favour of both a treaty and constitution, paving the way for a “transition to self-government.”

The nation’s elected Chief Councillor Nicole Rempel says the vote “marks a momentous day” for the K’omoks First Nation.

The nation says 83 per cent of the votes went in favour of ratifying the K’omoks constitution, and 81 per cent voted in favour of the treaty, but a date for it to come into effect is yet to be determined by the First Nation and the provincial and federal governments.

It says work over the next three years will involve a restructuring of the Nation’s governing bodies and developing laws, while “carefully considering the tremendous economic opportunities that lay ahead.”

The K’omoks says the province and the federal government must pass legislation to ratify the treaty, which it says will be signed next year.

Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Christine Boyle says the treaty “is a path to self-governance,” and congratulated the First Nation’s leadership for the successful vote on a treaty that’s been in negotiations since 1994.

This report by Darryl Greer, The Canadian Press, was first published March 9, 2025.