Public access and recreational opportunities would be maintained in the two parks, say the Te’mexw Treaty Association and provinceSooke Mountain and Discovery Island Marine provincial parks could be part of treaties currently being negotiated with the T’Sou-ke and Songhees Nations. The T’Sou-ke, Songhees, Malahat, Beecher Bay (SC’IA⁄NEW) and Snaw-Naw-As Nations have come together as the Te’mexw Treaty Association for negotiations with the federal and provincial governments that began in 1995. Negotiations are expected to lead to five separate treaties aimed at encouraging investment, job creation, economic development, housing and social well-being for both the treaty nations and their neighbours. Sooke Mountain Park, located in the Sooke Hills, would be part of the T’Sou-ke Nation’s treaty, while Discovery Island Marine Park, off Willows Beach, would be part of the Songhees treaty. Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto said the city wrote a formal letter of support last March recognizing Songhees treaty settlement lands within city boundaries as part of an “unwavering” commitment to working with the Songhees Nation.

Source: Daily Nation January 31, 2023 02:11 UTC