2026 ‘Na̱mg̱is Referendum – Cormorant Island Specific Claim
The ‘Na̱mg̱is First Nation Cormorant Island Specific Claim Referendum was held on November 6, 2026, regarding the proposed Settlement Agreement with Canada.
The referendum has passed, with 490 votes in favour and 33 votes opposed.
The results were officially declared by Kit Spence, Electoral Officer, following the conclusion of voting on November 6, 2026.
Official Referendum Results
A total of 523 votes were cast out of 1,595 eligible voters, representing approximately 32.8% voter participation.
| Voting Results | Total |
|---|---|
| Yes Votes | 490 |
| No Votes | 33 |
| Total Votes Cast | 523 |
| Total Eligible Voters | 1,595 |
| Required Approval Threshold | 399 |
Voting Methods
| Voting Method | Votes |
|---|---|
| Advance Poll | 81 |
| Regular Poll | 131 |
| Mail-In Ballots | 37 |
| Electronic Voting | 274 |
| Total | 523 |
The referendum required a minimum of 399 votes in favour of the proposed Settlement Agreement. With 490 Yes votes, the required threshold was met, and the Electoral Officer officially declared that the referendum passed.
Members can review the official Declaration of Results in the Documents & Resources section below.
About the Cormorant Island Specific Claim
‘Na̱mg̱is First Nation has been pursuing the Cormorant Island Specific Claim for nearly 40 years.
The claim concerns the federal government’s failure to challenge the rejection of reserve lands originally allotted to ‘Na̱mg̱is on Cormorant Island in 1880.
Following years of negotiations, Canada agreed to a proposed settlement of $51 million, subject to approval by ‘Na̱mg̱is voting members.
The proposed settlement includes:
- Total settlement amount: $51,000,000
- Repayment of outstanding claim-related loan funding: $346,128
- Net compensation to ‘Na̱mg̱is First Nation: $50,652,872
The proposed Settlement Agreement addresses the Cormorant Island Specific Claim. It does not settle or extinguish ‘Na̱mg̱is Aboriginal title or rights claims.
Referendum Engagement Sessions
Throughout October and November 2026, ‘Na̱mg̱is First Nation held engagement sessions to provide members with information about the proposed Settlement Agreement and opportunities to ask questions before voting.
In-Person Engagement Sessions
- October 18, 2026 – Alert Bay: Lawrence Ambers Memorial Recreation Centre
- October 19, 2026 – Nanaimo: Coast Bastion Hotel
- October 20, 2026 – Victoria: Esquimalt Nation Longhouse
- October 21, 2026 – Vancouver Area: Sandman Signature Vancouver Hotel & Resort, Richmond
Virtual Engagement Session – November 1, 2026
An additional virtual membership engagement session was held on November 1, 2026.
Virtual Engagement Recording
The November 1 Virtual Referendum Engagement Session was recorded and remains available for ‘Na̱mg̱is members to review.
Members can access the recording through the ‘Na̱mg̱is App, under Resources, titled “2026 Referendum – Virtual Engagement Recording.”
Members who are unable to access the app may contact the ‘Na̱mg̱is First Nation administration office for assistance.
Keep Your Contact Information Up to Date
Although the referendum has concluded, ‘Na̱mg̱is members are encouraged to keep their contact information current to ensure they receive important Nation communications, notices, and future voting information.
Members can update their mailing address and other contact details using the online form or by contacting the IRA Membership Clerk.
IRA Membership Clerk – Patricia Rufus
Phone: 250-974-5556 Ext. 200
Email: Patricia.Bruce@namgis.bc.ca
Update Your Information:
Contact Information Update – Website | Complete the Online Contact Information Form
Documents & Resources
The following documents and resources are available for members who wish to review the referendum information and official results.
Official Declaration of Results
The Electoral Officer’s official declaration confirming the results of the November 6, 2026, referendum.
2026 Referendum Information Package
The official information package includes the referendum question, history of the Cormorant Island Specific Claim, information about the proposed $51 million settlement, and details of the referendum process.
Document Update – October 26, 2026: A typographical error was corrected in Section C, Paragraph 17. The correct amount is $18,108,000.00. This correction does not change the proposed settlement amount of $51 million.
Cormorant Island Specific Claim – Settlement Summary
A summary of the proposed Settlement Agreement, including the history of the claim and negotiations with Canada, is available to ‘Na̱mg̱is members upon request.
Members who wish to receive a copy may contact Amy Gunn, Executive Assistant, at amy.gunn@namgis.bc.ca.
Please include your full name and indicate that you are requesting the Cormorant Island Specific Claim Settlement Summary.
Copies will be provided by email following membership verification.
Questions or Further Information
For questions about the referendum process or official voting results, members may contact:
Kit Spence – Electoral Officer
- Email: Kit@kitspence.com
- Text/Phone: 250-881-0142
- Toll-Free: 1-877-541-9017
For general inquiries, please contact the ‘Na̱mg̱is First Nation administration office at 250-974-5556 or info@namgis.bc.ca.