Nanaimo proposes boundary change to include Snuneymuxw voters

Snuneymuxw First Nation and Nanaimo have jointly asked the province to approve a boundary change that would include Snuneymuxw reserve lands within the city (CTV News).

The City of Nanaimo and Snuneymuxw First Nation are asking the province to support a proposed municipal boundary change that would allow First Nation members living on reserve land to vote in Nanaimo’s civic elections.

“It’s long overdue. It’s an historic anomaly,” says Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog. “And in terms of moving us down the road to reconciliation, this is an important step.”

Currently, Snuneymuxw members living on reserve vote in regional district and school board elections.

“It makes sense that Snuneymuxw people are able to vote in municipal elections in the City that is named after us,” Snuneymuxw First Nation Chief Mike Wyse said in a statement.

Krog said an approval process is required before the boundary can be changed, but he hopes Snuneymuxw members will be able to vote in the next municipal election this October.