| Witset First Nation
EditConflict Score
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 Witset First Nation is more likely to have conflict over development in their territory.
+3
Community Profile
Last Updated September 8, 2024
- Name: Witset First Nation (ISC Code: 530)
- Former Names:
- Band Style:
- Cultural Area:
- Indigenous Language:
- Number of Registered Members: 2142
Governance
Band Council
- GOVERNANCE TYPE:
- TERM EXPIRES: 10/18/2025
- CHIEF: ELGIN CUTLER
- NUMBER OF COUNCIL MEMBERS: 13
Contact Information
- BAND WEBSITE: https://www.witset.ca/
- PHONE NUMBER: (250) 847-2133
- FAX NUMBER: (250) 847-9291
- ADDRESS: 3-205 BEAVER ROAD, SMITHERS, BC
- EMAILS:
- Councillor ELGIN CUTLER:
- Councillor BUTCH (FRANCIS) DENNIS:
- Councillor SANDRA GEORGE:
- Councillor SHERI GREEN:
- Councillor VICTOR JIM:
- Councillor DUANE MITCHELL:
- Councillor KAYLA MITCHELL:
- Councillor CHARMAYNE NIKAL:
- Councillor ANDREW TOM:
- Councillor WARNER WILLIAM:
- Chief ELGIN CUTLER:
- Councillor JERRY SR WILLIAM:
- Councillor SHERRY MCKINNON:
- General Band Office:
- Media Contact:
- Referrals Contact:
Band Financial Statements
Band Council Remuneration
Lands and Traditional Territory
Reserves
-
ISC Code: 6752
BABINE 18
259.0 Hectares
CASSIAR DISTRICT, LOT 4712, ON CORYA CREEK, 1 MILE WEST OF MORICETOWN C.N. STATION
[59.28214999999999, -129.816895] -
ISC Code: 6749
CORYATSAQUA (MORICETOWN) 2
126.4 Hectares
HAZELTON DISTRICT, ON SMITHERS-HAZELTON RD., MORICETOWN C.N. STATION ON RESERVE
[55.0351096, -127.3344741] -
ISC Code: 6754
JEAN BAPTISTE 28
129.5 Hectares
COAST DISTRICT, SOUTH 1/2 OF LOT 882, RANGE 5, ABOUT 6 MILES SOUTHEASTERLY FROM SMITHERS C.N. STATION
[54.7817914, -127.1665996] -
ISC Code: 6748
MORICETOWN 1
539.5 Hectares
HAZELTON DISTRICT ON BULKLEY RIVER 28 MILES SOUTHEASTERLY FROM HAZELTON
[55.0121178, -127.3257466] -
ISC Code: 6751
BABINE 17
64.8 Hectares
CASSIAR DIST. LOT 4711, BETWEEN MORICETOWN I.R. NO. 1 AND CORYATSAQUA IR.R NO. 2 AND S. OF MORICETOWN C.N. STN.
[55.0289109, -127.3372183] -
ISC Code: 6753
BULKLEY RIVER 19
242.8 Hectares
CASSIAR DIST., ON LEFT BANK OF THE BULKLEY RIVER NORTH OF AND ADJOINING MORICETOWON I.R. NO. 1
[55.0294383, -127.3222772] -
ISC Code: 6750
OSCHAWWINNA 3
65.0 Hectares
HAZELTON DISTRICT ON THE BULKLEY RIVER RD., ABOUT 3 MILES SOUTHEASTERLY FROM MORICE TOWN I.R. NO. 1
[54.96196819999999, -127.2728373]
Traditional Territory
- Katzie Official Traditional Territory Map [pdf]
- Interactive Map
- The Witset 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 Witset 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 Business Interests
Court Records
Media Reports
Academic Research
Expert Analysis Add