K'ómoks First Nation

05/29/2026

The K’ómoks Treaty Act (Bill 20) is now officially an Act of the Province of British Columbia

The K’ómoks Treaty Act (Bill 20) has reached a historic milestone. Late this afternoon, the bill received Royal Assent and is now an Act of the Province of British Columbia.

This comes after the bill passed Third Reading earlier today in the BC Legislature, with 53 MLAs voting in favour and 39 against.

This achievement reflects decades of work by K’ómoks members, Elders, leaders, negotiators, and community members who have remained committed to advancing a modern treaty and building a stronger future for the Nation.

Next, we will turn our efforts toward preparations for the federal legislative process, as the K’ómoks Treaty must still be ratified by the Parliament of Canada. Following federal ratification, the Parties will work together to establish an Effective Date and continue preparations for implementation.

05/28/2026

K’ómoks Treaty Act (Bill 20) has moved to the Report Stage in the BC Legislature

The K’ómoks Treaty Act (Bill 20) has reached another important milestone. Following the Second Reading on May 20, where it passed with support from 48 MLAs, the bill has now successfully passed the Committee Stage.

On May 27, following several days of detailed questions from MLAs, the Committee of the Whole completed its examination of the bill, which passed the Committee Stage at approximately 8:30 p.m.

The Committee Stage is a critical part of the legislative process, where MLAs examine each section of the bill and ask questions to better understand its intent and application. A key outcome of this process is that the Minister’s responses are captured on record, providing clarity that can be referenced in the future.

Now that the Committee Stage is complete, the bill will next move to the Report Stage, where it is reported back to the Legislative Assembly, before proceeding to Third Reading. At Third Reading, MLAs will vote on whether to pass the act.

If passed, the bill will then receive Royal Assent. Once Royal Assent is granted, the bill becomes an Act of the Province of British Columbia.

Learn more about how laws are enacted in British Columbia here: https://members.leg.bc.ca/home/work-of-an-mla/bills-and-legislation/

05/27/2026

CVRD News: Sewer Leak Repaired, Spill Response and Clean-Up Underway

The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is continuing to respond to a major sewer leak that occurred earlier today near the Comox Marina.

Repairs have been successfully completed, and the sewage leak has been stopped. Spill response is underway. Tonight residents close to the Comox Marina and Goose Spit may hear loud noises, as environmental clean-up continues.

At this time it is safe to resume normal use of toilets, dishwashers, laundry, and other household water related activities.

Until further notice, residents are asked to continue to:

- Avoid swimming, boating, water related activities in the Comox Harbour and inside of Goose Spit
- Avoid the affected area and keep pets away from the water
- Follow all posted closures and instructions

Comox Valley Regional District recreation facilities will re-open for scheduled programming tomorrow, Wednesday, May 27.

City of Courtenay facilities, including park washrooms, community and recreation centers will re-open this evening, with regular scheduled programming resuming on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Filberg Centre and Native Sons Hall are both closed this evening, May 26. The Linc Center remains closed May 26. Lewis Centre is open but just for Wellness Centre and squash.

There continues to be no impact to the safety of the drinking water supply. Drinking water in Courtenay, Comox and K’omoks First Nation remains safe to consume.

https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/connect/news/sewer-leak-repaired-spill-response-and-clean-underway

City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, K'ómoks First Nation

05/26/2026

CVRD News: Do Not Flush Required

Courtenay, BC – The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is advising everyone in the City of Courtenay, K’ómoks First Nation, and Town of Comox to not flush until further notice due to an ongoing emergency incident.

“We are aware of the situation and actively working on a solution,” explains Kris La Rose, General Manager of Engineering Services. “We are asking everyone to not flush toilets or use any device that may drain water into the sewer system within their household or business until further notice.”

Please do not:
- flush toilets
- use water that drains into the sewage system
- shower or have baths
- use dishwashers or washing machines
- harvest shellfish or marine resources from the affected area

Please avoid going into the ocean, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, or other water related activities near the shoreline and around Goose Spit and Comox Marina. Avoid contact with ocean water, shoreline areas, mudflats, and standing water in the affected area. Keep children and pets away from beaches and estuary access points.

Follow all posted closures and instructions.

A further update will be provided at 2 pm.
https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/connect/news/do-not-flush-required

City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, K'ómoks First Nation

05/25/2026

Vendor and Volunteer applications are now open for National Indigenous People's Day 2026! Join us for a day long celebration of Indigenous culture, connections, community, and resilience on Saturday June 20th at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds. Visit www.komoks.ca/nipd2026 for links!

05/25/2026

I-Hos Gallery Bursary - Apply Today

At I-Hos Gallery, we are always exploring meaningful ways to support Indigenous artists. One of the main ways we do this is by purchasing artwork directly from artists whenever possible.

We also recognize the important role we can play in helping artists build their skills, confidence, and creative capacity.

The I-Hos Gallery Bursary was created to support Indigenous artists in their professional development and help them access opportunities, tools, and training that strengthen their artistic practice.

Bursary Details
Application deadlines: January 30, May 30, and September 30
Maximum award amount: up to $1,000
The number and value of awards vary each intake based on available funding and application suitability
Priority is given to K’ómoks members, though applications are welcome from Indigenous artists across the region
This bursary program is made possible through donor support

We want to hear:
How would this opportunity help grow your artistic practice?
What skills, knowledge, or tools have you been hoping to access?

Examples of eligible expenses include:
Classes and workshops
Travel costs related to training
Software and digital tools
Studio infrastructure or equipment

Examples of ineligible expenses include:
General art materials or supplies for your current practice
Home or studio rent

Link to I-Hos Bursary Policy: https://bit.ly/43tCod6
Link I-Hos Bursary Online Application: https://bit.ly/4wHk9OU

If you are unsure whether your idea is eligible, please reach out. We are happy to answer questions and help guide you through the process.

The selected recipient will be presented with the bursary during this year’s National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds on Saturday, June 20.

05/22/2026

The K’ómoks Treaty Act now in the Committee Stage in the BC Legislature

The K’ómoks Treaty Act (Bill 20) has passed an important milestone - we’ve moved to the Committee Stage. The Committee Stage provides an opportunity for MLAs to examine a bill, ask questions about the meaning and purpose of each section, or propose amendments.

On May 20, the Second Reading of the act passed in the BC Legislature with 48 MLAs voting in favour, and 42 against.

Today, the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Spencer Chandra Herbert, was in the Legislature answering questions from MLAs, as part of the Committee Stage.

After this, we will still need to pass the Report Stage and get to the Third Reading, where MLAs will have a final vote to approve the act. Lastly, the bill will have to be approved through Royal Assent.
Learn more about how laws are enacted in British Columbia here: https://members.leg.bc.ca/.../work.../bills-and-legislation/

05/19/2026

Press Release: K’ómoks, Kitselas, and Kitsumkalum Stand Confident in Modern Treaty Process

May 19, 2026 Comox Valley K’ómoks, Kitselas, and Kitsumkalum Stand Confident in Modern Treaty Process BRITISH COLUMBIA — May 19, 2026 — We – K’ómoks, Kitselas, and Kitsumkalum First Nations – remain confident in the modern treaty process, the mandates provided by our members through ra...

05/19/2026

Thank you to our friends, allies, neighbours, and partners who have stood with K’ómoks in support of the K’ómoks Treaty Act.

Your support, kindness, and encouragement have meant a great deal to our people.

After more than 30 years of negotiations, one of the highlights has been the relationships built along the way. Thank you to everyone who has shown up, shared knowledge, and stayed engaged with us throughout this journey.

We are grateful to walk this path with you.

Sincerely,
K’ómoks First Nation

Support to Date:
BC Treaty Commission
Huu-ay-aht First Nations
Kitsumkalum
Kitselas Treaty Office
Tla'amin Nation
Tsawwassen First Nation
Te'mexw Treaty Association

Local Government Partners:
Town of Comox
Village of Cumberland
City of Courtenay
Comox Valley Regional District - Local Government

05/18/2026

Given calls to delay Treaty ratification at the BC legislature, what could that mean?

For the K’ómoks people a delay could mean:

Delays in self-government: K’ómoks could not implement its Constitution, laws, and governance systems, which would slow nation-building and decision-making authority.

Impacts on Elders and community members: Members who have worked toward this for decades may not see the benefits realized.
Strains on government-to-government relationships: Trust may erode between K’ómoks, British Columbia, and Canada.

Missed opportunities for coordinated regional planning: Without legislation, collaboration on lands, resources, and stewardship would be delayed.

Economic impacts: Investment, partnerships, housing, and infrastructure projects may be delayed due to lack of certainty.
Increased litigation: Unresolved issues are more likely to be pushed into the courts—resulting in lengthy, costly, and uncertain outcomes for all parties.

For all First Nations a delay would mean:

Setbacks to reconciliation: Treaties are a primary tool for reconciliation—failure to pass legislation signals that negotiated agreements may not be upheld.

Prolonged uncertainty: Governments, neighbouring nations, industry, and community members would lack clear rules around rights, land, and decision-making.

Undermining the treaty process: Other First Nations could lose confidence in pursuing treaties.

Escalation of disputes: Overlap and territorial issues are more likely to intensify and be litigated without a treaty framework in place. Lengthy, costly uncertainty for all parties.

Given these challenges, K’ómoks is working with all levels of government, partner nations and First Nation organizations, doing everything we can to move the Treaty forward.

Support to Date:
BC Treaty Commission
Huu-ay-aht First Nations
Kitsumkalum
Kitselas Treaty Office
Tla'amin Nation
Tsawwassen First Nation
Te'mexw Treaty Association

Local Government Partners:
Town of Comox
Village of Cumberland
City of Courtenay
Comox Valley Regional District - Local Government