Lands
Honouring our deep connection to the land through careful planning, stewardship, and sustainable development that preserve Sumas territory for generations to come.
Semá:th Land Code – A Story Rooted in Our Ancestors.
Since time beyond memory, Sema:th people have lived in close relationship with this land. Our ancestors travelled the wetlands, tended the cedar forests, fished the rivers, and gathered medicines along the riverbanks. They knew every curve of the earth, every shift of the seasons, and every place where the spirits dwell. From them, we learned that the land is not a possession—it is a living relative, deserving of honour, protection, and humility.
For generations, these teachings shaped our stories, our laws, and the way we cared for our homeland. But with the arrival of the Indian Act, that relationship was challenged. The land remained our home, yet our authority to govern it according to Sema:th ways was constrained by laws written far from our territory.
Nestled just two kilometres east of Abbotsford, Sumas First Nation (Sema:th) continues to be anchored by Upper Sumas IR No. 6, 235 hectares of land that carry our history, culture, and future. Our reserve stretches across both sides of the Trans-Canada Highway, placing Sema:th in the heart of our traditional territory and supporting a vibrant community of 386 members, with more than half living on-reserve. These lands hold the footsteps of our ancestors and the promise of those yet to come.
In 2008, guided by the strength and wisdom passed down through generations, Chief and Council took a step to restore what had always been ours. Sumas First Nation passed a Band Council Resolution to enter the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management—a First Nation-led initiative created by communities determined to reclaim their role as caretakers of their lands.
This path marked a return, not a beginning. By removing ourselves from the land-related sections of the Indian Act, we reclaimed authority and decision-making power, bringing land governance back to Sema:th hands. It allowed us to once again make decisions grounded in our teachings, responsibilities, and deep relationship with the land.
On November 11, 2011, Sumas First Nation formally enacted our Land Code under the Framework Agreement—a milestone that renewed our inherent responsibility as protectors and stewards of our territory. This moment affirmed our right to manage our lands according to Semá:th laws, values, and vision for the future.
Through the Framework Agreement and our Land Code, we honour the generations who walked this land before us and prepare the ground for those who will follow. The Land Code is more than a governance system—it is a bridge between the old ways and the generations ahead, carrying forward the understanding that our land is sacred, living, and entrusted to us by our ancestors.
Today, every action we take, every plan we make, and every place we protect is guided by this ancestral responsibility. We walk a path shaped by those who came before and cleared for those yet to come—ensuring that Semá:th land, culture, and teachings endure for countless generations.
Our Lands Team
The Sumas First Nation Lands Department is supported by a skilled and dedicated team committed to protecting, managing, and planning for the long-term well-being of Sema:th territory. Each member brings specialized expertise to ensure our lands are cared for responsibly, sustainably, and in alignment with Sema:th values.
Team Roles and Responsibilities
Lands Manager
Oversees all departmental operations, guiding strategic direction, law & policy implementation, and day-to-day land governance.
Lands Special Projects Administrator
Leads and coordinates unique, high-priority, and strategic land initiatives that support community growth and long-term planning.
Lands Environmental Compliance Officer
Ensures all activities on Sema:th lands meet environmental regulations, standards, and best practices to safeguard ecosystems and community health.
Lands Environmental & Archaeological Monitor
Conducts on-site monitoring to ensure both environmental and archaeological requirements are met, protecting sensitive areas and cultural heritage.
Legacy Project & Permitting Administrator
Oversees historical legacy concerns and manages the full permitting process, from application review to compliance, ensuring projects proceed responsibly and transparently.
What We Do
The Lands Department is committed to protecting and responsibly managing Sumas
First Nation lands, ensuring sustainable development and respecting our connection to
the land for generations to come.
Services We Provide
The SFN Lands Department provides a wide range of services, including:
Additional Services
The Lands Team also:
Background – Sumas First Nation Land Code
In 2008, Sumas First Nation Chief and Council passed a Band Council Resolution to enter into the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management with the Government of Canada. This government-to-government agreement allows Sumas First Nation control over their reserve lands and resources, by removing them from the 44 land-related sections of the Indian Act. Through this agreement, Sumas First Nation has resumed jurisdiction, decision-making, and management authority over our reserve lands. The Framework Agreement is a First Nation-led initiative, empowering communities to govern land according to their own laws, traditions, and environmental values.
Laws and Planning
The Lands Department also develops and implements laws, policies, and procedures to uphold Semá:th jurisdiction and guide sustainable development.
Recently Completed Law
Lands Fee Schedule (Updated May 2025)
Note: Updated laws will be posted on this site once ratified.
Land Use Plan
Semá:th Land Use Plan
The Semá:th Land Use Plan is a document guided by the input of Sumas membership that helps organize and conduct land uses, creating a clear guide for the use of lots on Sumas IR-6. The Land Use Plan was most recently ratified in a community vote on May 13, 2025.
Why You Need a Will-Especially If You’re a First Nations Person With Land on Reserve.
Planning for the future means protecting your land, your family, and your legacy.
If you’re a First Nations person and you own land or property on a reserve, having a legally valid Will is one of the most important steps you can take. Without a Will, the federal government will decide how your estate is handled — and that may not reflect your wishes or support your family in the way you intended.
What Does a Will Do?
Why it Matters More if You Have Land on Reserve
Special Rules Apply to Reserve Land
Reserve lands are governed by the Indian Act, not provincial law. This means:
Without a Will, the Government Decides
If you pass away without a Will, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) will take control of your estate. That means:
A Will Respects Your Culture and Legacy
Many of us have a strong spiritual and cultural connection to their land. A Will helps ensure:
Benefits of Having a Will
Peace of mind knowing your wishes are legally protected.
2
Faster and easier process for your family
Prevents conflict and confusion
Keeps your land and legacy intact
Need Help Creating a Will?
You don’t have to do it alone. It’s best to speak with a lawyer or legal advisor familiar with Indigenous law and the Indian Act. As well, you can contact the Lands Department for support.
Take Control of Your Future
Creating a Will isn’t just a legal step — it’s a way to protect your land, honour your family, and preserve your legacy for generations to come
News and Updates
Lands News and Announcements
Stay informed with the latest news and updates from the Sumas First Nation Lands Department.
