Governance and Natural Resources
Guiding our Nation with strong leadership and sustainable stewardship, protecting our lands, waters, and resources for the well being of current and future generations.
Protecting Land and Rights
Governance and Natural Resources: Stewardship, Advocacy, and Community Care.
The Governance and Natural Resources Department (GNR) works under the mandate of Chief and Council to serve the needs of the Semá:th people, particularly in areas related to off-reserve issues. Our responsibilities include land stewardship, natural resource monitoring, research, litigation, negotiations, reconciliation discussions, referrals, and relationship building. Through this work, we safeguard the environment, uphold our rights, and ensure that the interests of our Nation are represented and protected.
Honoring Our Land
Stewardship Rooted in Tradition, Guided by Responsibility.
For the Semá:th people, the land, waters, and resources are sacred. Through stewardship and advocacy, we protect what sustains us—ensuring that future generations can live in balance with the land while honoring the teachings of our ancestors.
Guided by Nationhood
Governance in Action: Protecting Rights and Relationships
Our Governance Department champions the Semá:th people’s interests through internal and external coordination, government-to-government dialogue, and strategic oversight of major projects. We lead in policy, negotiation, partnerships, and decision-making to advance reconciliation, secure our sovereignty, and ensure our community’s voice is respected across all levels.
Internal Business
Overseeing the Nation’s internal governance, laws, communications, and strategic coordination to support effective leadership and service to the Semá:th community.
External Business
Managing relationships and negotiations with external agencies and industry partners to protect Semá:th interests, secure benefits, and ensure respectful use of Semá:th lands and resources.
Government to Government
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Pipelines
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Planning for Resilience: Sumas River Watershed Flood Mitigation
Our community is committed to protecting lives, homes, and ecosystems from flood risks. Through careful planning, collaboration, and stewardship, we are creating a resilient future for the Sumas River watershed and all who depend on it.
Caring for Our Lands and Waters
Natural Resources Stewardship: Fisheries, Forestry, Monitoring & Restoration
The Natural Resources team works to sustain, restore, and protect the ecosystems that support the Semá:th people. Through thoughtful management of fisheries and forests, environmental monitoring, and habitat restoration, we honour our responsibility to the land—ensuring healthy waters, balanced forests, and resilient habitats for generations to come.
Fisheries
Mandate: To protect and restore fish populations and aquatic habitats in Semá:th territory, uphold fishing rights, and ensure sustainable access for present and future generations.
Fisheries Projects & Reports:
Forestry
The Forestry team is developing plans for woodlot maintenance on Sumas Mountain.
Forestry Projects & Reports
Environmental Monitoring
The Environmental Monitoring program includes robust water quality testing and work monitoring and managing invasive species on and around Sumas Mountain. More information coming soon. Current work includes:
Habitat Restoration
The Habitat Restoration team plans and delivers projects that improve damaged or degraded ecosystems within Semá:th territory. This includes restoring fish habitat, replanting native vegetation, stabilizing stream banks, and improving conditions for wildlife and culturally important species.
Working Together
Partnerships & Collaborations: Uniting Strengths for Our Nation
We build strong alliances with Nations, governments, and organizations to support land, resource, and reconciliation initiatives. Through shared vision and mutual respect, we multiply our impact for the benefit of the Semá:th people and our traditional lands.
Our Shared Vision
LMS Society: Reclaiming Our Téméxw Together.
The LMS Society unites Leq’á:mel, Máthxwi, and Semá:th First Nations in a shared commitment to reclaim, manage, develop, and protect our ancestral lands (téméxw). Guided by mutual respect and cultural values, we strive to bring educational, economic, and cultural benefits to our communities and neighbours—ensuring that our lands serve both our people and the wider region for generations.
Other Strategic Partnerships
We collaborate with Indigenous groups, governments, and nonprofits to share expertise and drive community, cultural, and environmental initiatives.
Sumas First Nation Governance Policy.
Sumas First Nation is committed to transparent communication of organizational policies and procedures. If you have questions or concerns regarding the Governance Policy, please reach out to:
News and Updates
Governance and Natural Resources News and Announcements
Stay informed with the latest news and updates from the Sumas First Nation Governance and Natural Resources Department.
