First Nations Communities
The City of Chilliwack is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Stó:lo Coast Salish peoples. More than ten First Nations are part of the community and share borders with the City of Chilliwack. First Nations communities are self-governed, managing their own development decisions. The City maintains regular dialogue with neighbouring First Nations on future growth and development, and coordinates opportunities for collaboration on infrastructure planning (including traffic management, servicing, utility system capacity planning, etc.).
The Official Community Plan (OCP) sets a path for working in good relationship with local First Nations: Xwchíyò:m (Cheam), Kwaw’Kwaw’Apilt (Kwaw-kwaw-a-pilt), Sqwá (Skwah), Athelets (Aitchelitz), Sq’ewqéyl (Skowkale), Shxwhá:y Village (Skway Village), Th’ewá:li (Soowahlie), Sxwoyehálá (Squiala), Ch’íyáqtel (Tzeachten), and Yeqwyeqwí:ws (Yakweakwioose).
Display of land use information: Through the OCP process, the City has made an effort to share information about First Nations land use plans on the City’s public webmap, recognizing the interconnected relationship we have with our neighbours. This information is only updated occasionally. For up-to-date information, contact the corresponding First Nation community.
Resources
First Nations Lands and Referrals Offices:
- People of the River Referrals Office
- Ch’íyáqtel (Tzeachten) Lands Office
- S.A.Y. Lands Office: serves Sq’ewqéyl (Skowkale), Athelets (Aitchelitz), and Yeqwyeqwí:ws (Yakweakwioose)
- Also administers land registration and property taxes for Shxwhá:y Village (Skway Village)
Learn more about neighbouring nations