3 First Nations seek return of Crown land in Surrey, B.C.

Three First Nations in Surrey, B.C., are calling for the return of a parcel of land within their traditional territory.

The Katzie, Kwantlen and Semiahmoo First Nations say around 120 hectares (300 acres) of land near 192 Street and 36 Avenue in the Campbell Heights area of Surrey was used for trading prior to colonization. 

Semiahmoo First Nation Chief Harley Chappell says it's one of the largest pieces of Crown land left in their shared traditional territory and is "vital to their future." 

The property is owned by the federal government and leased to farmers. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) has said it is looking to divest the land, which will involve talking with First Nations.

Chappell says now is the time to have the land returned to the Katzie, Kwantlen and Semiahmoo First Nation. 

"We're entrenched in the urban sprawl of Metro Vancouver," he said.

"Where and how do nations find and acquire lands to bring back? Here is an ideal opportunity of how three nations can work with the federal government to make those dreams and aspirations come to life."

Wednesday's announcement follows a decision by the provincial Agricultural Land Commission not to include the land under Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) protections. 

ALR land is protected from non-farm uses with a number of restrictions on development and construction activities.

The federal government has leased about two-thirds of the land to the Heppell family, who have been growing crops on what they say is highly fertile farmland for three generations. The family tried and recently failed to have their portion moved into the ALR. 

CBC News has reached out to the Heppells for comment. 

Chappell says the nations have had talks with the federal government over the land for years. He saying having it returned to the nations would support economic reconciliation for years to come. 

"If we truly want to speak of reconciliation, we must speak of land," Chappell said.

In a statement, ISED said it is in the process of divesting the property in accordance with Treasury Board guidelines — a process that includes engaging with federal, provincial, municipal and First Nations governments to ask for proposals for potential uses of the land.