Sumas First Nation – Abbotsford, British Columbia.
The Semá:th people were known as the fierce wolf people and were a part of the larger Stό:lō Nation. We are located in Abbotsford, BC, where we have been since time immemorial, and we are located where previously the Semá:th Lake and waterways were. These aquatic habitats formed an integral part of our community and our traditional way of life. Today, Semá:th has approximately 400 people, and we are continually growing.
The Traditional names for our water ways are: Stόtelō or Sumas River, translating to “little Creek”, SeÍ:tslehōq’ or Marshall Lonzo Creek, translating to “Sand Drifting;” and Q’élem or Saar Creek, translating to “came” or “rest”.
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, Semá:th Lake and drainage of the Stat′lo′ (streams) which lead into it.
Our traditional territory extended south across the (present day) border, and northward taking in the Stό:lō (Fraser) bank at Sumas Mountain, and crossed the River into the Coastal Mountains.
There were seven (7) villages that were part of Semá:th, and our lands encompassed over 20,000 acres. The main upper Semá:th village of Kw’ekw’e’Í:qk was located at our present-day reserve site, which is only a fraction of our traditional territory. Our neighbours called this area “Kilgard,” which name refers to a kiln brickwork factory that was operating near one of our present administration offices.
To this day, many people still refer to our community by this name.
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