The spotlight is shining on JFK Clients in two distinct good news stories from the last few weeks! Please join us in congratulating our clients on their fantastic achievements!
SC’IA⁄NEW and its project supporters and friends signed a Standstill Agreement for a proposed Indigenous Protected Area at Mary Hill
Photo credit Amy Lobb
SC’IA⁄NEW First Nation, alongside project supporters District of Metchosin, Habitat Acquisition Trust, and Pearson College UWC, signed a Standstill Agreement that represents a commitment to “stand still” and exclusively explore the potential to create an Indigenous Protected Area on proposed Treaty Settlement Lands. SC’IA⁄NEW has the potential to acquire Mary Hill, an undeveloped federal property in Metchosin, as part of its treaty package. The other alternative is to develop the 136 hectares (338 acres) to generate revenue for the Nation. These lands include some of the last remaining old growth Coastal Douglas-fir forests, SC’IA⁄NEW archaeological and cultural sites, and historic national defense structures from World War II.
Photo credit to Amy Lobb.
SC’IA⁄NEW is now developing a comprehensive community consultation process for feedback from members and the project supporters will focus on fundraising to compensate SC’IA⁄NEW for the lost development value if the Indigenous Protected Area is chosen as the best land use option. To learn more, please check out the information package here, or some media coverage:
The Discourse, Historic land agreement ‘will bring out people home,’ says SC’IA⁄NEW Chief
Times Colonist, Indigenous Protected Area plan demonstrates reconciliation in action
Songhees Nation and the City of Victoria advance reconciliation with the City’s support for Songhees Treaty Settlement Lands within the City’s boundaries
The traditional territory of the Songhees Nation falls almost entirely within the Greater Victoria region – an area that has witnessed tremendous development in the past two centuries. Songhees, currently in the advanced stages of negotiating a Treaty through the BC Treaty Process, has identified potential Treaty Settlement Lands within the City of Victoria. Treaty lands are essential to the Treaty process. Under Treaty, not only will title and the right to benefit from the lands be transferred to Songhees, but also law-making and taxation authority over those lands.
In a significant demonstration of good faith and commitment to a renewed relationship and reconciliation with Songhees, the City of Victoria provided Songhees a formal letter of support for Songhees to acquire Treaty Settlement Lands within City boundaries.
To learn more, please check out the media package here, or enjoy some great media coverage:
CHEK News, Victoria shows unprecedented support of Songhees Nation’s ongoing land claim negotiations
CBC News, City of Victoria offers support to Songhees Nation in treaty negotiations
Photo credit to CBC