Members of the Wei Wai Kum First Nation recently marched through the streets of Campbell River, B.C., warning that they are prepared to escalate their efforts if their concerns are not addressed.
Conflict Over the K’ómoks Treaty Act
The protest centers on Bill 20, the K’ómoks Treaty Act, which was introduced by the province last month. The act would grant more than 3,400 hectares of land to the K’ómoks Nation, with an option to purchase an additional 1,592 hectares from the B.C. Government over time.
The Wei Wai Kum First Nation is calling for a pause on the legislation, stating that the treaty covers roughly 80 percent of its own traditional territory.
“We really want to avoid any kind of social disruption, blockades, things of that nature, but they just felt like we’ve been continuously disrespected and ignored,” Chief Chris Roberts said.
Formal Notices of Civil Disobedience
On Monday, the First Nation issued formal notices of their intent to exercise civil disobedience to several government and commercial entities within Ligwiłda’xw Territory. These include entities related to BC Hydro Dams in the Campbell River watershed, users of the Island Highway, marine terminals, and Seymour Narrows.
Chief Roberts expressed a desire to resolve the matter civilly, noting that the group does not wish to disrupt traffic or the daily movement of cruise ships during the season.
Government and Tribal Responses
B.C.’s Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Spencer Chandra Herbert, stated that the province will continue to engage with the Wei Wai Kum First Nation. He noted that the K’ómoks Nation is currently working with the Wei Wai Kum Nation on a nation-to-nation basis.
However, Herbert also noted that while peaceful protest is one thing, he does not believe threatening blockades that could impact people’s livelihoods is supportable.
In a separate statement, the K’ómoks First Nation expressed a commitment to respectful dialogue, stating that disagreements between nations should be addressed through constructive discussions and established processes rather than public disruption.
Potential Implications
The situation remains fluid as the province continues its consultation process. If a negotiated resolution is not reached before the treaty passes the provincial ratification stage, it may become difficult to implement any changes to the proposal.
Without a resolution, the First Nation’s intent to engage in civil disobedience could lead to social disruptions or blockades involving the Island Highway, marine terminals, or the Campbell River watershed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is the Wei Wai Kum First Nation seeking a pause on Bill 20?
The nation claims the K’ómoks treaty covers approximately 80 percent of its own traditional territory. - Which areas could be affected by civil disobedience?
Potential disruptions include the Island Highway, marine terminals, Seymour Narrows, and BC Hydro Dams in the Campbell River watershed. - What is the K’ómoks First Nation’s position on the protests?
The K’ómoks First Nation stated it is committed to respectful dialogue and believes disagreements should be addressed through established processes rather than public disruption.
How should the province balance treaty progress with the concerns of overlapping traditional territories?