MARCH 7 UPDATE 4 PM: Court has ruled in favour of K’ómoks First Nation in relation to WWK Chief Injunction

The court has ruled in favour of K’ómoks First Nation in regard to the injunction filed by Wei Wai Kum Chief Chris Roberts and member Nancy Henderson on behalf of the ‘would be’ Salmon River Band. The KFN Treaty vote is allowed to proceed.

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March 6, 2025
Comox Valley

For immediate release: K’ómoks addresses Wei Wai Kum attempt to stop Treaty vote

The K’ómoks First Nation will have a Treaty Ratification Vote on March 8, 2025. Wei Wai Kum Chief Chris Roberts has filed an injunction aimed at stopping the K’ómoks Treaty vote. This injunction application is based on misinformation and seeks to interfere with K’ómoks’ democratic process and their right to self-determination.

K’ómoks’ assertion of rights in Salmon River comes from centuries of K’ómoks occupation of the area prior to the Lekwiltok arrival in the 19th century. The Salmon River band ceased to exist as an Indian Act band more than 80 years ago, through amalgamation with the Comox Indian Band (now K’ómoks First Nation).

K’ómoks has made multiple efforts to reach agreements with Wei Wai Kum, including proposing draft protocols between 2007 and the present day. However, the current Wei Wai Kum Chief and Council continue to oppose the K’ómoks’ Treaty process and claim exclusive rights to the Salmon River area.

The Treaty provides K’ómoks a total of 12,500 acres / 5,000 hectares of land throughout their Traditional Territory to be owned by K’ómoks; of this, there are only 1,850 acres / 750 hectares in the Salmon River Watershed. This leaves more than 200,000 hectares for other Nations in the Salmon River area.

The K’ómoks treaty will not impact the rights of other Nations.

“K’ómoks has always been committed to working collaboratively with our neighbours. Our history and ties to the Salmon River Watershed are undeniable, and we will continue to protect our rights and resources for future generations. The Treaty vote is a critical step in our journey toward self-determination, and we will not allow external interference to derail this process.” – K’ómoks First Nation Leadership

Media contact
Melissa Quocksister
Communications & Engagement Consultant
K’ómoks First Nation Treaty

treaty@komoks.ca
250-334-6515