| Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation

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Conflict Score

Conflict Score

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This score indicates the likelihood of conflict based on our SLO Algorithm. On a range of -10 to +10, this score of +3 indicates that Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation is more likely to have conflict over development in their territory.

+3
Community Profile
Community Profile
Last Updated September 8, 2024
  • Name: Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation (ISC Code: 324)
  • Former Names:
  • Band Style:
  • Cultural Area:
  • Indigenous Language:
  • Number of Registered Members: 856
Click below for more information about Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation:
Governance Lands and Traditional Territory Consultations and Referrals Band Business Interests Court Records Media Reports Academic Research Analysis
Governance

Band Council

  • GOVERNANCE TYPE:
  • TERM EXPIRES: 04/14/2025
  • CHIEF: ELWOOD ZASTRE
  • NUMBER OF COUNCIL MEMBERS: 4
    • MAXWELL KEMATCH Edit
    • NATHAN KEMATCH Edit
    • SAFORD KEMATCH Edit
    • ELWOOD ZASTRE Edit

Contact Information

  • BAND WEBSITE: /nations/273
  • PHONE NUMBER: (204) 236-4201
  • FAX NUMBER: (204) 236-4786
  • ADDRESS: PO BOX 220, BIRCH RIVER, MB
  • EMAILS:
    • Councillor MAXWELL KEMATCH:
    • Councillor NATHAN KEMATCH:
    • Councillor SAFORD KEMATCH:
    • Chief ELWOOD ZASTRE:
    • General Band Office:
    • Media Contact:
    • Referrals Contact:

Band Financial Statements

Band Council Remuneration

Laws, Bylaws, and Codes

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Intergovernmental Agreements

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Lands and Traditional Territory

Reserves

Traditional Territory

  • Katzie Official Traditional Territory Map [pdf]
  • Interactive Map
  • The Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation First Nation’s traditional territory encompasses significant portions of the Lower Fraser River, Pitt River, and Pitt Lake. The territory extends through modern-day Langley, Mission, Surrey, New Westminster, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, and Richmond, among others.
  • The Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation people have historically used the land for fishing, hunting, and gathering. Significant fishing sites include the Pitt River and Fraser River for salmon harvesting.
  • Interactive Map of Katzie Traditional Territory: Click here to view a detailed interactive map showing the boundaries and key cultural sites.
  • Historical Land Use: The Katzie people have lived in this region for thousands of years, practicing sustainable resource management and protecting sacred areas such as Pitt Lake and its surrounding wetlands. For more information on Katzie’s historical land use, visit Katzie Traditional Land Use Reports.
  • In addition to key fishing sites, the Katzie historically used the upland forests of Blue Mountain for hunting and gathering. This area remains central to Katzie’s cultural practices today.

Land Claims

  • Specific Claims None
  • BC Treaty Process Participation: The Katzie First Nation is a participant in the British Columbia Treaty Process, which aims to resolve land claims and establish new agreements regarding land, resources, and self-governance.
  • Treaty Negotiation Status: Katzie First Nation is currently in **Stage 4** of the BC Treaty Process, where they are negotiating an Agreement-in-Principle with the governments of British Columbia and Canada. This stage focuses on addressing key issues such as land ownership, resource rights, and governance over traditional territories. You can read more about their progress in the process at the BC Treaty Commission.
  • Negotiation Issues: The Katzie First Nation is negotiating on several issues, including:
    • Self-governance over their lands and resources
    • Fishing rights and management of the **Fraser River** and **Pitt River** ecosystems
    • Forest resource management and protection of sacred sites like **Pitt Lake**
    • Economic development opportunities and rights to traditional lands
  • Katzie Treaty Process Summary: For a full overview of Katzie’s involvement in the BC Treaty Process, visit the Katzie First Nation profile on the BC Treaty Commission website.
  • Timeline of Negotiations: Katzie First Nation has been in negotiations since **Stage 1** of the treaty process in the early 1990s. They have achieved significant milestones, including interim agreements on fisheries and land use, while continuing negotiations toward a final treaty agreement.

Lands Administration

  • Land Code: ✔
  • Land Code Document: PDF
  • Land Use Plan: PDF
  • Land Code Contact: N/A
  • Part of Guardians Program: ✔
  • Guardians Program Notes: N/A
  • Related Documents: Environmental Management Plan [Part 1] [PDF]
Consultations and Referrals

Band Submissions

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Consultation Reports

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Band Business Interests

Band Owned Corporations

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Court Records

Downloadable Court Decisions

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Active Court Cases

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Media Reports

Media Reports

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Academic Research

Academic Research

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