Agreement-In-Principle Celebrated at Songhees

The Spirit of Wilson Bob Once Again Filled the Room

When the five Te’mexw treaty nations signed an agreement-in-principle (AIP) with Canada and BC on April 9, many speakers talked about the Snaw-naw-as chief and negotiator who passed away on July 1, 2011.

T’Sou-ke, Scia’new, Songhees, Malahat and Snaw-naw-as together make up the Te’mexw Treaty Association. The AIP signing marked the fourth of six stages toward the final implementation of treaty.

Chief David Bob

Chief David Bob of Snaw-naw-as (Nanoose) said: “Snaw-naw-as is pleased that we have reached this milestone. Our late chief and chief negotiator Wilson Bob laboured long and hard and we stand here today in large part because of his work and the work of the others who have come before us.”
The AIP includes provisions for about 1,565 hectares of Crown land and transfers of about $142 million including a land fund once final treaty agreements are reached.

Chief Gordan Planes

Chief Gordon Planes of T’Sou-ke said: “Our ancestors committed themselves to protecting our way of life and building an even better future for our people when they made the first treaties with the Crown in the 1850s. We are honouring their accomplishments as we build on the foundation tat they laid by signing this agreement today and continuing our work toward a modern treaty with Canada and British Columbia.”

Chief Michael Harry with young leader

Chief Michael Harry of Malahat nation said: “Malahat has long waited for the Crown to truly fulfill its duties to our people and celebrate this step forward in achieving the respect and recognition that our people have long demanded. We see this as another building block in a true new relationship between Malahat and the people of British Columbia and Canada.”

More info: www.temexw.org