FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Hereditary Chiefs condemn K’ómoks Treaty for infringing on traditional lands
Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Chiefs call for immediate halt to treaty ratification
(March 5, 2025–Campbell River, BC) — The Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Hereditary Chiefs, representing the Wei Wai Kum, We Wai Kai and Kwiakah First Nations as well as descendants of the Walitsama, stand united in firm opposition to the K’ómoks Treaty, denouncing it as an unlawful attempt to rewrite history and lay claim to Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ lands and resources. The Chiefs demand an immediate halt to the treaty’s ratification vote, scheduled for March 8, 2025, and insist that Canada, British Columbia and K’ómoks First Nation engage in meaningful consultation before any further actions are taken.
The B.C. Treaty Process allows First Nations to self-define or create boundaries for their claimed territory without having to provide any history or proof of title. Historically, the Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Nations conquered the Salish Tribes that eventually became the K’ómoks Indian Band. These Tribes were driven south to Comox and feared to go north of Comox. However, over time, there were inter-marriages and peace initiatives and the K’ómoks agreed to work with the Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ.
The Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Nations and K’ómoks originally entered treaty negotiations together. The Nations agreed to have a boundary at Oyster River. Each agreed it would not claim any land on the other side of this boundary. K’ómoks chose to depart and pursue their own treaty. This unilateral decision disregarded shared histories and the longstanding relationships between the Nations. A younger generation of K’ómoks elected leaders decided they were more Salish than Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ and decided to ignore the Oyster River boundary agreement. The current claims ignore the history of war and the Oyster River boundary agreement and attempt to reshape history in ways that contradict both oral and written historical records.
“We’ve been increasingly frustrated with the lack of communication and adherence to protocol among K’ómoks hereditary and elected leadership,” said Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Hereditary Chief Gigamae ƛakʷasǧəm, Fred Moon, Walitsama. “If the signing of the K’ómoks Treaty moves forward without proper consultation, there will forever be a rift between our Nations—if you’re not with us, you’re against us.”
For generations, Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ and K’ómoks maintained clear understandings of territorial boundaries, recognizing that K’ómoks’ claims would not extend north of Oyster River. The treaty process is now being used to ignore this longstanding agreement, allowing K’ómoks to assert rights over Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ lands, including the reserve at Xʷəsəm (Salmon River). This represents a serious violation of historical agreements and an infringement on the rights of Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Peoples. If the K’ómoks Treaty is implemented, it will give K’ómoks exclusive ownership of the Salmon River Reserve which was originally granted to the Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ in 1886 and which is the site of Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ grave sites, Bighouse remains, totem pole remains and family sites. It is also the seat of more than six Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Hereditary Chiefs. In other words, the K’ómoks Treaty would give K’ómoks fee simple ownership to the Salmon River Reserve and the right to deny entry to Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ members to visit their ancestral home and gravesite areas and for Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Hereditary Chiefs to hold potlatches and feasts at the sites at which their chieftainships are based.
If the treaty proceeds without addressing the concerns of the Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Hereditary Chiefs and their communities, it will create a lasting and irreparable divide between the Nations. The K’ómoks Treaty threatens the ability of Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Peoples to protect their lands, their governance and their future generations. The Hereditary Chiefs remain committed to defending their rights with the same strength and determination as their ancestors.
“Rooted in the strength of our ancestors and guided by our history, we remain steadfast in our responsibility to steward and govern our lands, waters and resources for generations to come. If the K’ómoks Treaty proceeds, it will undermine our ability to protect these lands and waters for the future,” said Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Hereditary Chief Gigamae Udzistalis, Johnathan Henderson, Wei Wai Kum. “Through this process, K’ómoks has declared war on us and the government is footing the bill.”
About the Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Hereditary Chiefs
The Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Hereditary Chiefs represent the Nəmimə / clans of the governance and stewardship of the Wei Wai Kum, We Wai Kai, Kwiakah and Walitsama. Rooted in ancestral law and tradition, the Hereditary Chiefs uphold the rights, title and responsibilities of the Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Peoples to protect their lands, waters and resources. For generations, they have defended their territories, ensuring the well-being of their communities and future generations. For many years, the federal government, through Indian Affairs, outlawed potlatches and sought to eliminate the role of Hereditary Chiefs, yet despite these efforts, traditional governance and traditions have endured and continue to guide the Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ people today.
The Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Hereditary Chiefs remain committed to safeguarding their rightful lands and upholding the integrity of their governance against external threats and encroachments.
Media inquiries for the Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Hereditary Chiefs, please contact:
Gigamae Siwiti, Jake Smith
P: 250-204-8881
LINK TO FULL STATEMENT JOINT STATEMENT OF THE LIǦʷIŁDAX̌ʷ HEREDITARY CHIEFS
