Snuneymuxw First Nation

‘i’ cun ‘uw ‘i’: Snuneymuxw Community Planning

Snuneymuxw Votes on April 11, 2026

hay cep qa’ for the past three years of learning, talking about and planning for the te’tuxwtun vote.

We are excited to announce the te’tuxwtun Designation Vote will take place on April 11, 2026!

Please note that all mail-in ballots must be received by the Electoral Officer by April 11, 2026.

We are asking you to say “yes” to a mixed-use development based on member feedback (including residential, commercial, recreational, light industrial and more). This decision will impact a portion of our te’tuxwtun reserve lands.

If approved, this reserve land will be leased to our own Petroglyph Development Group (PDG) to manage the development of this exciting project.

By spreading the word and voting, you help ensure that Snuneymuxw snawaylth and member voices are at the forefront of this powerful new development.

Make sure your voice is heard.

How to vote:

1. In person on April 11

Voting hours will be from 9:00am – 8:00pm at the Snuneymuxw Gym, 1145 Totem Road, Nanaimo. Members voting in person must bring a piece of ID.

2. By Mail

Mail-in ballots must be received by the Electoral Officer by April 11.

Designation votes are administered by Indigenous Services Canada (“ISC”) and must follow the Indian Referendum Regulations.

This means: Online voting is not permitted. Voting must take place by mail or in-person on April 11. The referendum officer is appointed by ISC.

Join us for Community Information Sessions to learn more:

March 14 I In person I 12:00 – 3:00pm

Snuneymuxw Gymnasium, 1145 Totem Road, Nanaimo

Please note this meeting will be attended by an Indigenous Services Canada Electoral Officer.

March 26 I Zoom I 5:30 – 6:30pm

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82692316044?pwd=l21Wj0aAUKOFiQXDOYoaJxTbqr39ny.1

Meeting ID: 826 9231 6044

Passcode: .zXqG2%

April 8 I In person I 5:30 – 6:30pm

Snuneymuxw Gymnasium, 1145 Totem Road, Nanaimo

Frequently asked questions

If we vote yes, will this section of te’tuxwtun lands still belong to Snuneymuxw?

Yes. The designated lands will not lose reserve status. They will remain part of our reserve and are only leased for certain purposes and for limited periods of time.

The decision of the designation vote will only apply to this ~25-acre portion of te’tuxwtun lands. Plans for the remainder of te’tuxwtun will be decided in a future vote.

Where would money from te’tuxwtun go?

100% of funds will directly benefit Snuneymuxw. Every penny PDG receives as a profit is audited and goes directly back to our Nation.

For example, profits from PDG fund our monthly Sulxween 65+ Elder Payments of $250 a month, our firewood distribution program, community maintenance and cleanups and scholarships and bursaries. As profits increase, like they will from the te’tuxwtun development, we will bring in more money, and can do a lot more!

What is PDG?

Petroglyph Development Group (PDG) is our Nation’s team that focuses on business and economic development. PDG is 100% owned by our Nation, and its goals are guided by our members’ priorities.

All Snuneymuxw members can request access to PDG financial summaries by emailing info@petroglyphdg.com.

Why are we voting to approve a mixed-use development?

● Over the past 2.5 years, we have gathered feedback from Snuneymuxw members on this ~25-acre portion of te’tuxwtun land.

● We heard that a mixed-use development was the number one priority for our Nation. A place where it is easy for members to get around, and that includes housing, small business opportunities, commercial, an entertainment district and more.

● After hearing your ideas, we are now bringing this member-informed, mixed-use plan to our members for approval.

Will there be economic opportunities for Snuneymuxw members at te’tuxwtun?

Spaces for member businesses and entrepreneurial opportunities are a part of our community vision for te’tuxwtun.
Voting “yes” to mixed-use will also include opportunities for residential, commercial, entertainment, light industrial and more.

How will PDG help manage mixed-use opportunities at te’tuxwtun?

PDG will help build opportunities on this section of te’tuxwtun land by managing and operating construction sites, ensuring the Land is cared for.
In the past, some Nations have entered into a head-lease with private companies. For example, the Squamish Nation decided to lease a portion of its lands to Park Royal.
We would like to ensure our Nation continues to manage this Land by entering into a headlease with our own Petroglyph Development Group.

Take a virtual Tour of our Lands and Waters

We invite our members to learn more about the i’ cun ‘uw ‘i’: Community Master Planning land parcels through the videos found below!

These videos highlight the power and beauty of our sacred Lands and Waters and offer more details on each parcel.

‘i’ cun ‘uw ‘i’: Community Planning

The ‘i’ cun ‘uw ‘i’: Community Planning booklets below outline the vision and key priorities for SFN Lands and Waters. They give comprehensive information on different land parcels, setting out the potential uses for each area.

If you would like a hard copy of any of the booklets above, please visit the Snuneymuxw First Nation administrative office at 668 Centre St., Nanaimo, BC V9R 4Z4. You can also request mailed copies by emailing communications@snuneymuxw.ca

Your Voice Matters

From a developer’s perspective, this is the biggest opportunity that has ever happened on the Island. Hundreds of acres of high-traffic land will be available, with Snuneymuxw as the master planner.

We ask members to share their ideas for the future of this sacred Land through our online surveys.

One completed survey = one prize entry. With over 20 surveys online, Snuneymuxw members have 20 chances to win the ultimate fall getaway or a back-to-school shopping spree!

Parcel Surveys

Have questions for our Snuneymuxw land planning team?
Please email landsclerk@snuneymuxw.ca

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

WHAT IS THE CMPP – COMMUNITY MASTER PLANNING PROJECT?

Outlines the vision and key priorities for all SFN lands and waters

Comprehensive information on each parcel/area, for example the Te’tuxwtun site (former DND Lands).

Sets out community-supported uses for each parcel/area

Represents the interconnectedness of land, water, and all things living

HERE’S WHERE WE’VE BEEN

Here’s where we’re going

We will be voting (a ratification vote) in March 2025 regarding the future of the Te’tuxwtun site (former DND lands). This is why we want to ensure we’ve heard your ideas and understand your priorities before we finalize these community plans for voting.

Have questions for our Snuneymuxw land planning team? Please email landsclerk@snuneymuxw.ca

The Marine Division Team

Programs

Engage with the youth of the community as they are the ones who will experience the most severe impacts of climate change on Snuneymuxw resources.
Incorporate Snuneymuxw traditional knowledge as the driving force behind the western science we leverage to gather information and build working relationships with government, educational, and private sector organizations to restore Snuneymuxw's role as steward of the coast. We are also working to:

Restore and enhance the damaged coastal ecosystems
Protect our coastal resources
Respond to emergencies
Ensure the security and safety of our traditional foods
Build the capacity of our staff
Encourage continuing education
Create career-oriented jobs

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I am a community member

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