Honoring the Past, Building for the Future

Guided by the teachings of the Semá:th people, we strive to protect our heritage, strengthen community well-being, and provide programs that ensure our members thrive today and for generations to come.

Sumas First Nation: Our People, Our Purpose

Our heritage grounds us, our culture unites us, and our sovereignty empowers us. Rooted in our Semá:th identity, we carry forward the strength and values of those who came before us.

The Sumas First Nation, known as the Semá:th people, are part of the Stó:lō Nation, whose traditional territory extends across the Fraser Valley and beyond. Our people have lived along the waters, mountains, and valleys of this land since time immemorial, guided by a deep relationship with the environment and the teachings passed down through generations. Our identity is rooted in Halq’eméylem, our language, and the cultural practices that continue to shape our way of life today.

As a community, the Sumas First Nation is dedicated to both honoring our past and building a strong future. We provide vital services that support the well-being of our members, including education, health and wellness, housing, economic development, and cultural preservation. Through governance, stewardship of our lands and resources, and programs that strengthen families and opportunities, we carry forward our responsibility to protect our culture, care for our people, and ensure that future generations of Semá:th thrive.

    • Our Identity

    Understanding Through Our History, Culture, Territory and Language

    History and Culture

    The Semá:th story continues with each generation. Learn about our people, our traditions, and a culture that has endured for thousands of years.

    Learn More

    Our Territory

    Our traditional territory spans the heart of the Fraser Valley, once home to the rich waters of Semá:th Xó:tsa (Sumas Lake); discover our traditional territory and reserve lands.

    Learn More

    Our Language

    Halq’eméylem is the voice of our ancestors and the heart of who we are. Through revitalization and teaching, we are bringing our language to life once again.

    Learn More

    Our Initiatives: Protecting What Matters Most

    Preserving Our History

    Our history is held in the lands, waters, and teachings that have guided the Semá:th people since time immemorial. By honouring and safeguarding our past, we ensure that future generations will continue to learn from the strength and resilience of our ancestors.

    Language Revitalization

    • Community Classes: keeping Halq’eméylem alive with on-reserve classes.
    • Integration: Embedding Halq’eméylem words and phrases into community signage, programs, & more.
    • Partnerships & Resources: Working with partners and funders to create learning materials.

    Environmental Stewardship

    • Land and Water Monitoring: Sumas-led scientific monitoring and research on our lands.
    • Habitat Restoration & Fisheries Guardianship: complex restoration and protection work backed by federal, provincial, and own-source funding.
    • Collaborative Stewardship & Risk Mitigation: multi-government efforts for land stewardship.

    Ensuring our Future

    We are building a future rooted in our Semá:th values, one that honours our ancestors while empowering the next generations to thrive. Through strong self-governance, we continue to shape a future where our people, culture, and lands remain secured and self-determined.

    Chief and Council

    Sumas First Nation governs itself through the guidance, vision, and leadership of our Chief and Council. Our leadership works to uphold our inherent rights, strengthen our sovereignty, and build a future where the Semá:th people continue to thrive.

    Learn More

    Departments That Support and Strengthen Sumas First Nation

    Through our departments, Sumas First Nation provides essential programs and services—supporting housing, health, education, governance, and more—to meet community needs and build a strong future.

    The Administration Department supports the daily operations of Sumas First Nation, ensuring programs and services run smoothly for our community.

    Learn More

    Public Works maintains and improves our community’s infrastructure, providing safe and reliable roads, buildings, and essential services for all members.

    Learn More

    The Communications and Marketing Department shares our stories, strengthens community engagement, and builds awareness of Semá:th initiatives and achievements.

    Learn More

    The Education Department empowers lifelong learning by supporting students, families, and cultural education rooted in Semá:th teachings.

    Learn More

    Emergency Services protects our community by preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies and natural disasters with care and coordination.

    Learn More

    The Finance Department manages the Nation’s financial resources responsibly, supporting transparency, accountability, and long-term prosperity for our community.

    Learn More

    The Governance and Natural Resources Department upholds Semá:th sovereignty by managing our lands, waters, and resources through both traditional knowledge and modern practices.

    Learn More

    Health and Wellness promotes the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our people through culturally grounded programs and care.

    Learn More

    Taking Back Control Of Our Reserve Lands and Resources.

    Learn More

    Employment Opportunities with Sumas First Nation

    Careers that make a difference! Sumas First Nation is growing, thriving, and leading with purpose. When you join our team, you become part of a passionate community working together to strengthen our Nation and celebrate who we are.

    View Employment Opportunities