Songhees First Nation and Esquimalt Nation reach agreement on proposed Victoria International Marina

Songhees First Nation and Esquimalt Nation reach agreement on proposed Victoria International Marina

Victoria, BC – The Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations have announced that they have reached an agreement with the proponents of the Victoria International Marina. The agreement will provide the Nations with economic benefits in the short term and over the life of the Project. In return, the Nations are prepared to fully support the project as it seeks to obtain the necessary federal and provincial approvals.

“We are very pleased with the outcome of these negotiations” said Chief Robert Sam of Songhees First Nation. “We are being acknowledged as nations and as governments with legitimate legal interests in our lands, and in this case, in the seabed around our lands,” said Chief Sam. “This is the proper way to approach a First Nation and to reach
accommodation and reconciliation.”

Chief Andy Thomas of the Esquimalt Nation added, “We believe this agreement establishes a template for all future development into the Victoria and Esquimalt harbours. Over the past decade, our First Nations have become integral players in the economy of the Victoria area. We see this as an opportunity and a responsibility. This responsibility extends not only to securing the well-being of our communities but in ensuring the protection of our natural environment.”

As a result of the agreement, the Nations have undertaken to withdraw from the litigation that they had previously commenced.

“I am pleased we are able to come to a business resolution with the Songhees First Nation and the Esquimalt First Nation that acknowledges and respects their historic presence in the harbour area,” said Lachlan MacLean, Vice-President of WAM Development Group. “I look forward to an ongoing relationship with both Nations as our project becomes a reality in Victoria.”

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For more information, please contact:

Kim Van Bruggen
Communications Director
250-727-7464

Chief Andy Thomas
Esquimalt Nation
250-381-7861

Chief Robert Sam
Songhees First Nation
250-386-1043