Communications.
Our role in Communications is to raise awareness and support for Sumas First Nation’s strategic goals and aspirations, set out in our Strategic Communication Plan. Like others, our Nation faces a complex, changing environment. Our aim is to share with stakeholders the knowledge that our Sumas First Nation has:
- Balances progress and success with strong cultural values.
- Will be here, in our territory, forever, proud of our identity, culture, and contributions.
- Balances stewardship of the lands, water, and environment with sustainable economic development to protect our sacred territory and generate wealth for future generations along the Fraser Valley Region.
- Seeks government-to-government reconciliation, cooperation with communities, and good relations with our neighbours.
- Assist in preparing all communication material for Leadership, Directors, Managers and creating a strategic plan to put the face of Sumas back on the map.
Each year, we hold a number of community meetings to keep our Members up to date. We’re here to respond to community needs with respect, professionalism, and flexibility because members give Council and staff our mandate.
For Media
Media contact: media@sumasfirstnation.com
Communications contact: Communications@sumasfirstnation.com
Phone: 604-852-4041 Ext 409
Governance & Natural Resources.
The Governance and Natural Resources Department (“GNR”) serves a variety of functions for Sumas First Nation (“Semá:th”). The GNR Department is mandated by the Chief and Council to help serve the needs of the community in relation to Off Reserve issues. Areas of responsibility include, litigation, negotiations, reconciliation discussions, referral processes, and relationship building for example.
Internal Business
Law & Policy
- Develop and share all policies and Laws that include litigation, communication, and for repatriation for the Sumas First Nation Community.
Communications
- Communicates for Chief and Council, and all Departments to serve the needs of the Nation and align Strategic Planning to meet the needs of all stakeholders.
Governance
- Election Code, Membership Code
- Assist with updating and disseminating the Election Code, and Membership Code.
External Business
BC Hydro
- Existing Right of Way Easement.
Quarries
- New Benefits Agreements required.
Fortis BC
- Upgrades pending 2022 to 2026 near Whatcom Road, Abbotsford.
Natural Resources
Fisheries, habitat restoration
- To restore and preserve all fishing and habitat projects in the Sumas First Nation territory.
Partnerships & Collaborative Work
Environmental Issues Facing BC’s First Nations: A Special Meeting of the Indigenization, Decolonization Committee (IDC) Faculty of Environment
Simon Fraser University
Government to Government
- Federal Government – DFO, Pacific Salmon Commission, UNDRIP, Specific Claims, Lake Semá:th, and Trans-Canada Highway for example.
- BC Provincial Government – FLNROD, Ministry of Indigenous Relations, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, DRIPPA, Thunderbird Cave, Lake Semá:th, and Lightning Rock.
- Municipal Governments – Bank Stabilization Project, Lightning Rock, Thunderbird Cave & Lake Semá:th.
- Other First Nations – Provincial, National and International.
- First Nations Provincial and National organizations.
- Flood Risk Governance – Provincial and National organizations
LMS Society
LMS stands for: Leqa:mel, Matsqui and Sumas First Nation communities in the Fraser Valley and the District. These three First Nations share a mutually, supportive relationship encouraging recreational park use and support cultural values, and committed to working collectively in this joint venture.
Pipelines
- Trans Mountain Pipelines, Tank Farm, existing line, proposed new line, proposed Tank Farm expansion.
- Enbridge Pipeline – gas – upgrade of existing line and pump stations.
Need Help?
We are here to help. If you are having trouble finding the information you are looking for, please check out the resources on the right.
If you still need assistance, feel free to contact us.