Esquimalt Nation and Royal Roads University are a step closer to an agreement on land used by the university, after both sides signed a “framework agreement.”
The agreement will guide how the university and the Esquimalt Nation realize mutual benefit from about 565 acres owned by the federal government and managed by the Department of National Defence.
The agreement is similar to one Royal Roads signed with the Songhees Nation in May 2018.
Royal Roads University and Hatley Park are on the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations’ traditional lands. Royal Roads University leases its campus from the federal government — a long-term, prepaid lease with a remaining term of 80 years.
DND started discussions with the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations about the future of the Royal Roads property in 2016, when it was declared surplus.
DND, the Songhees and Esquimalt have all publicly committed to ensuring the ongoing operations of Royal Roads University in its current location.
Like the agreement Royal Roads University signed with the Songhees Nation last year, the new agreement defines parameters for all parties to work together, said university president and vice-chancellor Philip Steenkamp in a statement.
The university will continue to work with the Esquimalt Nation to gather and share information about the history and ecology of the lands, Steenkamp said. “Together we will define the boundaries of the campus lands needed for the university’s continued and successful operation.”
Esquimalt Nation lead councillor Rob Thomas said in a statement that its culture is tied to and sustained by its lands. “Therefore, we enter into this agreement with the best of intentions to work in a collaborative, productive, but most importantly, ecologically sustainable way.”
