SNUNEYMUXW [NANAIMO, B.C.] | September 22, 2025 – Snuneymuxw First Nation and the Nanaimo Airport Commission sign a historic working agreement that strengthens economic development in the region while advancing reconciliation.

The Memorandum of Understanding recognizes Snuneymuxw’s inherent rights and deep connection to the lands, air, and waters that have facilitated the movement of people and trade through the territory for thousands of years. It also affirms a long-term commitment to collaboration, with both parties pledging to explore opportunities that generate economic benefits and support Nation priorities.

“Snuneymuxw continues to exercise governance across our territory, unlocking prosperity for current and future generations,” says Chief Mike Wyse, Snuneymuxw First Nation. “For far too long,
Snuneymuxw was excluded from participating in the economic opportunities built from and upon our lands. Today, we announce an agreement that is economically beneficial, recognizes our rights, and ensures that Snuneymuxw is an active partner in shaping the future of our shared home.”

“The Nanaimo Airport Commission is pleased to announce a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Snuneymuxw First Nation,” says Garth Busch, Chair, NAC Board of
Directors. “This agreement, celebrated with a special signing ceremony, reflects a shared commitment to collaboration, respect, and building a strong, mutually beneficial relationship for
the future.”

The MOU includes:
• Recognition of Snuneymuxw’s rights and role in regional development
• Opportunities for economic benefits and community investment
• Collaboration on long-term growth and development plans

About Snuneymuxw First Nation

The Snuneymuxw are a vibrant First Nation of the Coast Salish People, located in the center of Coast Salish territory on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, the Fraser
River, Burrard Inlet, and the Howe Sound. The Snuneymuxw territory encompasses one of the most productive and resource rich areas at the heart of the Salish Sea. On December 23, 1854, the Crown entered the Snuneymuxw Treaty of 1854 constituting solemn promises and obligations to forever and always protect Snuneymuxw villages, enclosed fields, and the right to hunt and fisheries as formerly. For more information, please visit www.snuneymuxw.ca.

About Nanaimo Airport

Nanaimo Airport (YCD) is a not-for-profit authority owned and operated by the Nanaimo Airport Commission. YCD is committed to meeting the air transportation needs of the mid island and
committed to providing a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible airport experience to its passengers.

Media Contacts:
Snuneymuxw First Nation
communications@snuneymuxw.ca

Nanaimo Airport Commission
Naomi Thomas, Naomi.Thomas@ycd.ca

BACKGROUNDER: SNUNEYMUXW FIRST NATION AGREEMENTS
This Agreement is part of a series of agreements Snuneymuxw First Nation has reached since 2020, including:
2020 – B.C. Land Transfer Agreement, establishing a multi-site land return framework which includes the te’tuxwtun (Mount Benson) land returns.
2020 – Inter-tribal protocols & collaborations (Vancouver Island and Fraser River). Ongoing Nation-to-Nation collaboration through forums and structures such as the Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council, to advance shared priorities and responsibilities across Island and Lower Fraser communities.

2020 – Nanaimo Port Authority Relationship Agreement, establishing a partnership framework grounded in Snuneymuxw treaty rights and sustainable development.
2021 – Vancouver Island Ferry Company partnership agreement, in recognition of Snuneymuxw treaty rights and regarding Hullo Ferries.
2021 – Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding, recognizing and advancing implementation of the Sarlequun Snuneymuxw Treaty of 1854.
2021 – Global Remediation Technologies (GRT) Impact Benefit Agreement supporting GRT’s resource-regeneration facility at spe’ulhxun (Duke Point) and ongoing collaboration.
2021 – BC Housing MOU, advancing housing for Snuneymuxw First Nation members on and off- reserve.
2022 – Seacliff partnership agreement advancing the development of the Sandstone lands on kwa’luxw Village, including phased land transfers to the Nation.
2022 – Seaspan Ferries Relationship Protocol Agreement and Impact Benefit Agreement to guide ongoing collaboration at spe’ulhxun (Duke Point).
2022 – Transportation Investment Corporation Participating Nation agreement, in recognition of Snuneymuxw treaty rights and regarding of Highway 99 Fraser River Tunnel Project.
2023 – FortisBC partnership agreement, in recognition of Snuneymuxw treaty rights and regarding Storage Expansion & Marine Jetty.
2023 – Vancouver Fraser Port Authority Participating Nation agreement, in recognition of Snuneymuxw treaty rights and regarding Tilbury Marine Jetty.
2024 – Canada Interim Land Reconciliation Agreement, ~80 hectares of land returned to Snuneymuxw as Addition to Reserve land.
2024 – B.C. Joint Acquisition Agreement in support of the return of treaty-protected sxwayxum Village (1 Terminal Ave. and adjoining lands), currently under redevelopment by
Snuneymuxw’s Petroglyph Development Group.