Snuneymuxw

1. What is the First Nation Called?
Snuneymuxw First Nation

2. How is the First Nation established?
Legislation, Traditional Law, Other

Please Describe:
The people of the Nanaimo First Nation have used and occupied the sneneymexw traditional lands and waters to sustain our way of life from time immemorial. Our rights and title to this land as given to our ancestors by the Creator derives from our long time use and occupation of these territories.
The Nanaimo First Nation was first recognized as a group occupying a specific territory under the "Douglas Treaty" of December 23, 1854. The signatories of this treaty were described as the "Sarlequun Tribe".
The first Nanaimo Indian Reserves were confirmed under the Joint Reserve Commission by Minute of Decision #15135 on December 20, 1876.
The Nanaimo First Nation is substantially coextensive with the membership of the Nanaimo Indian Band which is a "band" as defined under the Indian Act.

Is there an attachment?
No

3. Who are the aboriginal people represented by the First Nation?
The aboriginal people of the Nanaimo First Nation are a Central Coast Salish people known collectively as the sneneymexw from which the word "Nanaimo" derives. They speak the Island dialect of Halkomelem along with the Nanoose, the Chemainus and the Cowichan. Another dialect of Halkomelem is spoken along the lower Fraser, from the river mouth up to Yale.

4. How many aboriginal people are represented by the First Nation?
Approximately 1000

Is there any other First Nation that claims to represent the aboriginal people described in questions 3 and 4? If so, please list.

5. Please list any First Nations with whom the First Nation may have overlapping or shared territory.
1. The Nanoose Band to the North;
2. The Chemainus Band to the South;
3. The Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council to the West:
4. Mainland Halkomelem speaking groups on the Lower Fraser which may have an interest in the former Nanaimo village site and other sites on the Lower Fraser River.

6. What is the First Nation's traditional territory in BC?
The traditional territory of the Nanaimo First Nation as shown on the accompanying map includes the land and coastal waters on the east coast of Vancouver Island from the vicinity of Neck Point in the north to Boat Harbour in the south, including Gabriola Island , Mudge Island, and other adjacent islands and surrounding waters to the east. The inland boundary on the west encompasses the Nanaimo River watershed.

The Nanaimo First Nation also occupied territory and shared resources with other Aboriginal groups. The area enclosed by a dotted line on the accompanying map was such an area.

On the Mainland, the local groups comprising the Nanaimo inhabited a village on the Fraser River near the confluence of the Pitt and Fraser Rivers east of Barnston Island as well as one or more seasonal camps on Lulu Island. They shared the resources of the Fraser with other mainland groups.

The attached map shows the traditional territory boundaries on Vancouver Island. This is a provisional map and is submitted without prejudice.
Attach a map or other document, if available or describe.
Map Available?
Yes

7. Is the First Nation mandated by its constituents to submit a Statement of Intent to negotiate a treaty with Canada and British Columbia under the treaty process?
Yes

How did you receive your Mandate? (Please provide documentation)
Resolution of the Chief and Council of the Nanaimo First Nation dated December 13, 1993.

8.	Contact Person:	Murray Brown
	Official Title:	Treaty Manager
	Phone Numbers:

	Main:	604-753-6768 Office
	Others:	604-753-6903 Fax

	Submitted by:
	Title:	Acting Chief
	Date:	12/15/93