The Regional District of Nanaimo board voted to support Snaw-Naw-As First Nation in its continuing bid to gain access to Wallis Point.
Snaw-Naw-As seek access to the land, on the Nanoose Bay Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges facility, and declare it a national park, citing the land has traditionally been used to obtain food sources and for seasonal habitation, according to the regional district.
RDN directors voted to have Bill Veenhof, board chairman, write a letter to Snaw-Naw-As Chief Brent Edwards and council stating support for their effort.
Despite the Department of National Defence rejecting a Snaw-Naw-As proposal in October, the First Nation stated it will continue to advocate and hold discussions with the Government of Canada related to this.
The regional district board is anticipated to give final approval at its regular meeting on Dec. 6.
The District of Lantzville has also offered support.