Lower Mainland Southwest Indigenous Region

FN Population: 24,475

Total Pop’n: 2,900,000

Pop’n % FN: 0.84%

 It includes the Greater Vancouver area, the Fraser Valley and the Sunshine Coast, and stretches north to include Whistler, Pemberton and Lillooet. 

 

The Coast Salish peoples are a vast and diverse network of culturally and linguistically linked individual communities that comprise one of the largest indigenous cultural groups in British Columbia.

 

The Fraser River served as a major transportation artery, and its salmon run provided one of the largest single sources of food in the region. The relatively flat and fertile lands of the Fraser delta allowed for plentiful natural crops. The highly habitable and naturally productive capacity of the region supported the large pre-colonial population and economy; it is because of these characteristics that the Mainland Southwest became the colonial economic and population centre as well.

 

Initial economic drivers in the Lower Mainland Southwest were, like much of the rest of the province, initially the fur trade, then forestry and mining. Quickly, trade, finance, and manufacturing sectors emerged to manage and support the new colonial economy, and a rapidly growing population gave rise to service, health, and education sectors throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The 1990’s and 2000’s also saw a strong technology sector emerge in the Mainland Southwest.

Aitchelitz

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

The Aitchelitz First Nation, also known as the Aitchelitz Band, is a First Nations band government of the Sto:lo people, located at Sardis, British Columbia, Canada (Chilliwack). It is a member of the Sto:lo Nation Tribal Counci

 

Boothroyd

Language Group: Nłeʔkepmxcín

The Boothroyd First Nation is a First Nations government in the Fraser Canyon area of the Central Interior of the Canadian province of British Columbia. Located near Boston Bar, it is a member of the Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council along with the Boston Bar First Nation, also located in Boston Bar, and the Ashcroft First Nation near the town of Ashcroft.

Boothroyd First Nation is a part of the Nlaka’pamux First Nations Tribal Council, which engages in Natural Resources and Forestry Management efforts.

 

Boston Bar

Language Group: Nłeʔkepmxcín

The Boston Bar First Nation is a First Nations government in the Fraser Canyon region of the Southern Interior of the Canadian province of British Columbia. Located near the town of Boston Bar, it is a member of the Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council.

 

Bridge River

Language Group: St̓át̓imcets

Located northwest of Lillooet in a remote region.

 

Cayoose Creek

Language Group: St̓át̓imcets

Located south of Lillooet along Cayoose Creek, beside the Duffy Lake road.

The community of Cayoose Creek owns and operates the Cayoose Creek Development Corporation. Cayoose Creek Development Corp., through its subsidiaries, offers planning, development, and execution of construction projects and offers environmental services.

 

Chawathil

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

Member of the Sto:lo Nation. Located south-east of Hope.

Chawathil operates the Telte-Yet Campground, located on the Fraser River in Hope. Chawathil is party to a Strategic Engagement Agreement with the Provincial Government and several Forestry Agreements.

 

Cheam First Nation

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

Located near Bridal Falls, north east of Chilliwack.

 

Katzie

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

Located in the Lower Fraser Valley region near Pitt Meadows.

 

Kwantlen First Nation

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

Located primarily in Fort Langley.

 

Kwaw-kwaw-a-pilt First Nation

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’band government of the Sto:lo people located in the Upper Fraser Valley region near Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada

 

Kwikwetlem First Nation

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

Also known as the Coquitlam Indian Band, Kwikwetlem First Nation is the band government of the Kwikwetlem, a Sto:lo people living in the Coquitlam area of British Columbia, Canada.

 

Leq’a: mel

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

The Leq’ a: mel First Nation, formerly known as the Lakahahmen First Nation, is a First Nations band government whose community and offices are located in the area near Deroche, British Columbia, 12 km east of Mission.

 

Lil’wat Nation

Language Group: St̓át̓imcets

Located north east of Pemberton.

Matsqui

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

Located in north Abbotsford. The Matsqui people are a Sto:lo Aboriginal group located in the Central Fraser Valley region of British Columbia, Canada. The core traditional territory of the Matsqui stretches along the Fraser River from Crescent Island to Sumas Mountain, and southward beyond the Canada-United States border

 

Musqueam Nation

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

Located in Dunbar Vancouver.

MCC currently operates a number of Developments and Assets, including the 220-slip Milltown Marina and Commercial Complex, a 21.4 acre parcel of land called Block F for mixed commercial/residential development located on the University Endowment Lands, a 75-home residential development called Shalimar Townhouses, as well as the Musqueam and University Golf Clubs.

 

N’Quatqua

Language Group: St̓át̓imcets

The N’Quatqua First Nation is a First Nations government of the St’at’imc (Stl’atl’imx or Lillooet) people, located in the southern Coast Mountains region of the Canadian province of British Columbia. The N’Quatqua is located at the community of D’Arcy at the head of Anderson Lake, about midway between the towns of Pemberton and Lillooet.

 

Peters First Nation

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

The Peters Band are a First Nations band government in the area of Hope, British Columbia.

It has engaged in several Forestry Agreements with the Province. It has also engaged with Kinder Morgan over the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project.

 

Popkum

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

The Popkum First Nation or Popkum Band is a band government of the Sto:lo people located in the Upper Fraser Valley region, at Popkum, northeast of Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada.

 

Qayqayt First Nation

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

The Qayqayt First Nation, also known as the New Westminster Indian Band, is a band government located at New Westminster, British Columbia. Qayqayt is one of the smallest First Nations in Canada and is the only First Nation without a land base.

As a small (12 member), independent First Nation community located in New Westminster, Qayqayt does not operate its own economic development function.

 

Samahquam

Language Group: St̓át̓imcets

The Semahquam First Nation are a community of the In-SHUCK-ch Nation, a subgroup of the larger St’at’imc people (the In-SHUCK-ch are also referred to as Lower Stl’atl’imx).

A subgroup within the Sto:lo Nation. Located near Skookumchuck, near Garibaldi Provincial Park.

 

Seabird Island

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

Seabird Island is a band government of the Sto:lo people located on Sea Bird Island in the Upper Fraser Valley region, 3 km east of Agassiz, British Columbia, Canada.

 

Semiahmoo

Language Group: Lkwungen Malchosen Semiahmoo SENĆOŦEN T’Sou-ke

Semiahmoo First Nation is the band government of the Semiahmoo people, a Coast Salish subgroup. The band’s main community and offices are located on the Semiahmoo Reserve which is between the boundary of White Rock, British Columbia and the Canada-United States boundary and Peace Arch Provincial Park.

 

Seton Lake

Language Group: St̓át̓imcets

Also known as the Tsalalh First Nation, Seton Lake is a First Nations government located in the Central Interior-Fraser Canyon region of the Canadian province of British Columbia. It is a member of the Lillooet Tribal Council, which is the largest grouping of band governments of the St’at’imc people (a.k.a. the Lillooet people). Located on Seton Lake, north west of Lillooet.

 

shishalh

Language Group: She shashishalhem

The shishalh, also known as the Sechelt First Nation, is a First Nations band government located in the southern Sunshine Coast region of British Columbia, Canada.

Located in Sechelt.

 

Shxw’ow’hamel First Nation

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

The Shxw’ow’hamel First Nation is a band government of the Sto:lo people located in the Upper Fraser Valley region near Hope.

 

Shxwhá:y Village

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

Shxwhá:y Village is a band government of the Stó:lō people living in the Fraser Valley near the city of Chilliwack. Long before Western European contact, our ancestors lived in the beautiful Ts’elxweyeqw (Chilliwack River Valley). Our ancestral homelands were at Sxotsaqel, a village at the head of Chilliwack Lake.

 

Sxotsaqel means ‘sacred lake’ in Halq’eméylem language. We have a long history of moving down river and eventually settling at the mouth of the Old Chilliwack River

 

Gravel extraction, agricultural cash crops, and demolition, land clearing and construction (DLC) have been an on-going source of revenue for Shxwhá:y Village. The community is also looking to develop a Tissue Manufacturing Plant and a Waste-to-Energy project.

 

Skatin Nations (Skookumchuck)

Language Group: St̓át̓imcets

Located at Skookumchuck

 

Skawahlook First Nation

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

Located south of Hope. The Skawahlook First Nation is a band government of the Sto:lo people whose reserves and communities are located in the Upper Fraser Valley region near the community of Ruby Creek.

Skawahlook operates the Ruby Creek Art Gallery, as well as You’ve Been Framed Picture Framing Services. Skawahlook is involved in two Forestry Agreements and a Strategic Engagement Agreement with the Provincial Government.

 

Skowkale

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

Skowkale is a First Nation community located in the core of the City of Chilliwack in British Columbia. With over 230 people on its membership and over 1,000 living in the community, Skowkale is a progressive and growing community.

 

Skwah

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

The Skwah First Nation or Skwah Band is a band government of the Sto:lo people in the area of the City of Chilliwack.

Approximately 240 of the 506 Skwah First Nation members live in the vibrant community and enjoy a mix of agricultural and residential land. An urban reserve.

 

Fishing and canoe races are also a large part of life at Skwah First Nation as the main reserve is located on the Hope Slough, allowing direct access to the Fraser River.

 

Soowahlie

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

The Soowahlie First Nation is a band government of the Sto:lo people located in the Upper Fraser Valley region at Cultus Lake, south of Chilliwack.

 

Spuzzum

Language Group: Nłeʔkepmxcín

Spuzzum First Nation is a Nlaka’pamux First Nations government located at Spuzzum in the lower Fraser Canyon, near the Alexandra Bridge and about 10 miles north of Yale.

It is a member of the Fraser Canyon Indian Administration.

 

Sq’ewlets

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

Located on the north side of the Fraser River, opposite of Chilliwack. Near Lake Errock.

 

Squamish

Language Group: Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim

The Squamish Nation is a vibrant and dynamic Coast Salish Nation, with a strong culture, rich history and bright future. Their main reserves are near the town of Squamish, British Columbia and around the mouths of the Capilano River, Mosquito Creek, and Seymour River on the north shore of Burrard Inlet in North Vancouver, British Columbia.

The Squamish Nation currently owns and operates a diverse portfolio of businesses including: Mosquito Creek Marina, Lynnwood Marina, Marina Grill, North Vancouver Smoke Shop at Mosquito Creek, Squamish Valley Gas LP, Superstore Gas Bar North Vancouver, Capilano River RV Park West Vancouver, Northwest Squamish Forestry LP, The Park Royal Shopping Centre, International Plaza, and Greater Vancouver Storage Sewage Plan. In addition to revenue generated from existing leases and businesses, the Squamish Nation plans to develop various parcels of lands, including proposed developments at Seymour, Capilano, Kitsilano, Chekwelp and Stawamus.

 

Squiala First Nation

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

The Squiala First Nation is a band government of the Sto:lo people located in the Upper Fraser Valley region, near Chilliwack.

 

Sts’ailes

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

Located near Harrison Hot Springs.

The Sts’ailes Development Corporation oversees three forest licenses and operates four fisheries business lines. It also operates an eco-lodge, a retreat centre, as well as a campground and a large community store and gas station.

 

Sumas First Nation

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

The Sumas First Nation, also known as the Sema:th people, is a band government of the Sto:lo people located in the Upper Fraser Valley region, at the community of Kilgard, part of Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada.

Our lands were central to the Coast Salish territory; and our families moved freely amongst our villages to gather food and practice ceremony. Our traditional lands include Sumas Mountain, Sema:th lake and drainage of the Stat_lo_ (streams) which lead into it.

 

T’it’q’et

Language Group: St̓át̓imcets

The T’it’q’et First Nation is a First Nations government located in the Central Interior-Fraser Canyon region, just east of Lillooet.

 

Ts’kw’aylaxw First Nation

Language Group: St̓át̓imcets

Ts’kw’aylaxw First Nation aslo known as Pavilion Indian Band is located in the south central interior of BC, approximately 40km northwest of Lillooet and 70km west of Cache Creek. The Band has eight reserves but reside on only four of the reserves.

 

Tsawwassen First Nation

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

The Tsawwassen First Nation is an economically powerful First Nations government whose lands are located in the Greater Vancouver area of the Lower Mainland adjacent to the South Arm of the Fraser River and the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal.

The TFN Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) was established in November 1st, 2009 under the BC Corporations Act to develop Tsawwassen Lands in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable manner, and to facilitate business relationships. Our shareholders are all of the TFN Members and we are guided by experienced Board of Directors comprised of TFN Members and non-members.

 

Tsleil Waututh Nation

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

The Tsleil-Waututh Nation, formerly known as the Burrard Indian Band is a First Nations band government located on the north shore of Burrard Inlet. We have inhabited the lands and waters of our traditional territory surrounding the Burrard Inlet in British Columbia since time immemorial.

Tsleil-Waututh businesses include: Takaya Developments, Takaya Tours, TWN Wind Power, Takaya Golf Centre, Burrard General Store, SPAL Constructors, and Inlailawatash.

 

Tzeachten

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

Located in between Cultus Lake and Chilliwack.

 

Union Bar

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

The Union Bar First Nation is a band government of the Sto:lo people, located north of Hope, British Columbia.

 

Xa’Xtsa

Language Group: St̓át̓imcets

Xa’xtsa First Nation are a band government of the In-SHUCK-ch Nation, a subgroup of the larger St’at’imc people, also referred to as Lower Stl’atl’imx. Xa’xtsa is made up of two communities: Port Douglas, which is situated at the northern end of Little Harrison Lake, and Tipella which is on the west side of the Lillooet River.

 

Xaxli’p First Nation (Fountain)

Language Group: St̓át̓imcets

Xaxli’p, also known as the Fountain First Nation, is a First Nations government located in the Central Interior-Fraser Canyon region, just north of Lillooet BC.

 

Yakweakwioose

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

The Yakweakwioose First Nation or Yakweakwioose Band is a band government of the Sto:lo people located in the Upper Fraser Valley region at Sardis, near Chilliwack.

 

Yale First Nation

Language Group: Halq’eméylem hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Hul’q’umi’num’

We are an independent First Nation located at Yale, just north of Hope.