The Province of BC is hosting a series of open houses regarding treaty negotiations with local Nations, including Songhees Nation, on whose traditional territory Colwood sits.

The Te’mexw Treaty Association (TTA) is negotiating modern treaties on behalf of its five member Nations:

• Malahat
• Beecher Bay (SC’IA⁄NEW)
• Songhees
• Snaw-Naw-As (Nanoose)
• T’Sou-ke

Get the details at Te’mexw Treaty Negotiations | govTogetherBC

Background related to lands in Colwood

The Royal Roads Lands are part of the traditional territory of the Lekwungen speaking people, and lie within Colwood’s municipal boundary, but are owned by the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND). In 2017, DND advised that they no longer had an operational need for the property and entered into discussions with Songhees and other First Nations about the future of the land.

This Colwood news release from March 2017 explains that a Memorandum of Understanding exists between Colwood and Songhees Nation with respect to the Royal Roads lands: Songhees Nation and City of Colwood sign MOU regarding Royal Roads Lands | The City of Colwood

The Royal Roads University website shares this information with respect to the disposition land: RRU Land disposition | Royal Roads University

Attend an Open House

Negotiations between TTA, B.C. and Canada are coming to a close. Join TTA, B.C. and Canada at an open house to find out more and share input on the five proposed treaties.

In-person Open Houses (drop-in, no formal presentation)

• Saturday, Feb. 25, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Songhees Wellness Centre, 1100 Admirals Rd., Victoria
• Thursday, Mar. 2, 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., Edward Milne Community School, 6218 Sooke Rd., Sooke
• Saturday, Mar. 4, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., the Quarterdeck, Royal Roads University, 2005 Sooke Rd., Colwood
• Monday, Mar. 6, 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., Nanoose Bay Community Centre, 2925 NW Bay Rd., Nanoose Bay
• Tuesday, Mar. 7, 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., George Jay Elementary School, 1118 Princess Ave., Victoria
• Saturday, Mar. 11, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Shawnigan Lake Community Hall, 2804 Shawnigan Lake Rd., Shawnigan Lake
• Wednesday, Mar. 15, 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., Metchosin Community Hall, 4401 William Head Rd., Victoria

Virtual Open Houses Presentations (pre-registration required)

• Wednesday, Apr. 5, 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• Thursday, Apr. 13, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Register for the virtual events by emailing Temexw.Treaty@gov.bc.ca.