B.C. may transfer Crown land to Vancouver Island First Nations

The British Columbia government is considering transferring more than 300,000 acres of Crown land to five Vancouver Island First Nations as part of treaty finalization processes. Documents reveal approximately 30 parcels of land, stretching from Parksville to Victoria, could be handed over.

Notable locations potentially included in the transfer are Hatley Castle, Royal Roads University, waterfront property in Victoria, land adjacent to the legislature, Discovery Island Provincial Park, and Sooke Mountain Provincial Park. This move has drawn sharp criticism from the BC Conservatives, who are calling for an immediate halt to all land transfers.

Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay stated, "This is a betrayal of our core democracy here in British Columbia." She argued that British Columbians collectively own the province and should have a say in such decisions. The party also raised concerns that the transferred lands could become private property, potentially losing public access or adherence to existing zoning regulations.

Lawyer Geoffrey Moyse, who has advised the province on Aboriginal law, suggested the decision to transfer land may be political rather than legally mandated. He noted that the Douglas Treaties, some of the province's historic treaties, are not being renegotiated but are having modern treaty elements added. Moyse believes there is no legal requirement to address Aboriginal title in this context as it has already been dealt with.

Global News sought an interview with B.C.'s Indigenous Relations Minister, but he was unavailable. The provincial government's website states that the Douglas Treaties and Treaty 8 are the only historic treaties in British Columbia.

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This is a betrayal of our core democracy here in British Columbia. British Columbians as a whole own this province; we should have a say.