Wei Wai Kum First Nation Warns of Potential Civil Disobedience Over K’ómoks Treaty

The Wei Wai Kum First Nation has issued a formal warning that it is prepared to engage in civil disobedience if the provincial government does not pause the legislative approval of the K’ómoks Treaty. The tension centers on concerns regarding overlapping land claims, with the Wei Wai Kum asserting that the proposed treaty covers approximately 80 percent of their traditional territory.

The Dispute Over Bill 20

At the heart of the conflict is Bill 20, the K’ómoks Treaty Act, which the British Columbia government introduced last month. The proposed legislation would designate more than 3,400 hectares as K’ómoks Treaty Land, with an additional option for the Nation to purchase 1,592 hectares of provincial land over time.

Chief Chris Roberts of the Wei Wai Kum First Nation has expressed deep frustration over the lack of response from the province regarding these overlapping ancestral claims. According to Chief Roberts, the Nation has made repeated requests to pause the legislative process to allow for a negotiated resolution, but those requests have gone unheeded.

Escalation and Public Protest

On May 25, 2026, members of the Wei Wai Kum First Nation held a peaceful protest in Campbell River, which included a march through the BC Ferries terminal. The demonstration was intended to raise public awareness of the issue before potential escalations occur in the coming weeks.

Following the protest, the First Nation issued formal notices of their intent to exercise civil disobedience to both government and commercial entities operating within the Ligwiłda’xw Territory. The affected areas include critical infrastructure such as the BC Hydro Dams in the Campbell River watershed, marine terminals, the Seymour Narrows, and users of the Island Highway.

Chief Roberts emphasized that his community hopes to avoid social disruption. “We really want to avoid any kind of social disruption, blockades, things of that nature, but they just felt like we’ve been continuously disrespected and ignored,” Roberts stated. He reiterated that the goal remains a civil and peaceful resolution to the overlapping claims.

Key Takeaways

• Territorial Overlap: The Wei Wai Kum First Nation claims the K’ómoks Treaty covers roughly 80 percent of its traditional territory.
• Legislative Status: Bill 20 is currently moving through the legislative process in Victoria.
• Threat of Action: Formal notices of intent to engage in civil disobedience have been issued to key commercial and government entities in the region.
• Call for Negotiation: The Wei Wai Kum leadership is calling for a pause in the treaty process to facilitate a negotiated settlement.

Looking Ahead

As the legislative process for Bill 20 continues, the situation in Campbell River remains volatile. While the Wei Wai Kum First Nation has expressed a preference for a negotiated outcome, the formal notice of civil disobedience highlights the growing impatience among their members, hereditary chiefs, and elders. The provincial government faces mounting pressure to address these territorial concerns before the situation leads to the public disruptions the First Nation leadership is striving to avoid.