Snuneymuxw First Nation members may soon be eligible to vote in Nanaimo elections

Chief Mike Wyse and Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog announced a proposal to change city boundaries so Snuneymuxw reserve lands would be included in the City of Nanaimo, which could allow about 800 on-reserve members to vote in municipal elections; the change still requires council consideration, an approval process or referendum, and provincial sign-off.

Snuneymuxw Chief Mike Wyse and Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog announced on Feb. 17 that they will pursue a boundary change to include Snuneymuxw reserve lands within the City of Nanaimo. The move responds to a boundary drawn during provincial amalgamation that left some reserve lands outside city limits. Officials said existing service agreements with the nation mean daily services would not change, but residents on those reserve lands would gain the right to vote for Nanaimo's mayor and council rather than a regional electoral director. Key details: - The announcement came at a joint press conference on Feb. 17 by Chief Mike Wyse and Mayor Leonard Krog. - About 800 Snuneymuxw members living on reserve lands are estimated to become eligible to vote in municipal elections if the change proceeds. - The boundary was originally set by the province during Nanaimo’s amalgamation, creating an island of reserve lands in the Regional District of Nanaimo. - The return of the Te'tuxwtun lands to Snuneymuxw put some reserve lands already inside city limits; residents there can already vote, while others on the main reserve could not. - Officials said no change to existing city services is planned because of current service agreements between the city and Snuneymuxw. Summary: Nanaimo council must first consider a report expected on Feb. 23 and is likely to approve advancing the proposal. After that, an alternative approval process or referendum would be held, followed by provincial approval; Mayor Krog expressed optimism the process could be completed by the October municipal election.