Snuneymuxw First Nation
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Lands and Resources

The Lands services has the responsibility to help advance and protect the interest of Snuneymuxw First Nation’s Treaty Rights and Aboriginal Title and Rights over lands and resources throughout Snuneymuxw Territory.

This includes dealing with Federal, Provincial, Municipal, and other First Nations Governments – as well as third parties who wish to use the lands and resources of Snuneymuxw Territory.

Learn more about our referrals process here.

Land Agreements

Land Agreements is focused on advancing the honorable implementation of our Sarlequun Smuneymuxw Treaty of 1854, and addressing the historic and on-going violations of that Treaty by the Crown. This work includes: advancing claims against the Crown for violations of the Treaty; engaging with the Crown and third parties who wish to use the lands and resources of Snuneymuxw Territory to ensure recognition and respect of the Treaty; and educating the public about the Treaty, and its implications for all residents of Snuneymuxw Territory.
This service continues to work on developing a process for engagement with the Province on applications for the use or development of lands and resources in Snuneymuxw territory.

This includes:

  • Addressing Snuneymuxw concerns about the Estuary including log booming.
  • Developing a hunting protocol with BC.
  • Implementing the Relationship Agreement with BC Hydro.
  • Developing a comprehensive strategy for Fisheries.
  • Exploring and advancing opportunities for Treaty implementation.

Learn more about our referrals process here.

Wildlife

There is a deep and profound respect for animals in Snuneymuxw Territory.

Wildlife may include:

  • Cougars
  • Bears
  • Deer
  • Elk
  • Rodents

What should you do if you see a wild animal in your neighbourhood?

  • Remain calm and do not approach the animal.
  • Avoid direct eye contact.
  • Move away without running.
  • Bring children and pets inside until the animal has left.
  • Some animals will often prey on house cats that are allowed to roam freely.
  • If you are cornered by the animal, make lots of noise and try to look BIGGER!
  • If attacked, fight back.
  • Do not leave food sources, hanging carcasses, garbage, etc. available to attract wild animals.
Marine Division

Click here for the Marine Division Services

The Snuneymuxw Marine Division oversees the natural habitat of local fish and acts as a steward for the relationship between the habitat and Snuneymuxw Territory.

The Snuneymuxw Marine Division supports the long-term strategy of increasing Snuneymuxw presence within the marine environment while ensuring that culturally and sacred sites are protected, and food security is maintained.

Snuneymuxw First Nation is allocated commercial Fishing Leases and Licenses through the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).

That includes:

  • Salmon
  • Prawns
  • Crabs
  • Clams


Aquaculture leases are allocated annually to SFN. Currently, these leases are available upon approval, to members willing to fish commercially.

The Pacific Integrated Fisheries Initiative (PICFI) Program, developed in 2010, is a commercial fisheries agreement that provides additional fishing licenses for commercial fishing. Snuneymuxw First Nation works with the Pacheedaht First Nation in a joint partnership to train and coordinate community fishing licenses.

Fish available for hunt include:

  • Rockfish
  • Herring
  • Prawns


SFN members may apply for a commercial fishing license under this agreement.