| Gitwangak 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 Gitwangak is more likely to have conflict over development in their territory.
+3
Community Profile
Last Updated September 8, 2024
- Name: Gitwangak (ISC Code: 536)
- Former Names:
- Band Style:
- Cultural Area:
- Indigenous Language:
- Number of Registered Members: 1539
Governance
Band Council
Contact Information
- BAND WEBSITE: /nations/420
- PHONE NUMBER: (250) 849-5591
- FAX NUMBER: (250) 849-5353
- ADDRESS: PO BOX 400, KITWANGA, BC
- EMAILS:
Band Financial Statements
Band Council Remuneration
Lands and Traditional Territory
Reserves
-
ISC Code: 9960
SQUIN-LIX-STAT NO. 3
7.6 Hectares
[nil, nil] -
ISC Code: 6775
GITWANGAK 1
1236.7 Hectares
AT MOUTH/L'EMBOUCHURE KITWANGA RIVER
[55.0984287, -128.0665236] -
ISC Code: 6776
GITWANGAK 2
70.4 Hectares
HAZELTON DISTRICT ON THE LEFT BANK OF THE SKEENA RIVER EAST OF THE ADJOINING KITWANGAR I.R.NO. 1
[55.0891558, -128.0013202] -
ISC Code: 6780
KOONWATS 7
65.6 Hectares
HAZELTON DISTRICT LOT 4855, CASSIAR DISTRICT 11 MILES SOUTHWESTERLY FROM KITWANGA
[55.0190602, -128.3034213] -
ISC Code: 6777
KWA-TSA-LIX 4
79.0 Hectares
HAZELTON DISTRICT BLOCK A LOT 911, AND 2171, RGE 5, COAST ON LEFT BANK OF THE SKEENA RIVER
[54.8990291, -128.3797967] -
ISC Code: 6778
TUM-BAH 5
64.7 Hectares
HAZELTON DISTRICT, LOT 3947, CASSIAR DISTRICT, ON SHANDILLA LAKES
[55.0766006, -128.0333307] -
ISC Code: 6779
KITS-KA-HAWS 6
22.0 Hectares
HAZWLTON DISTRICT, LOT 4854, CASSIAR DISTRICT AT MOUTH OF SEDAN CREEK ON THE SKEENA RIVER
[55.0794387, -128.1906962] -
ISC Code: 6781
CHIG-IN-KAHT 8
25.9 Hectares
HAZELTON DISTRICT, LOT 2170, RANGE 5, COAST, ON RIGHT BANK OF THE SKEENA RIVER
[54.8573732, -128.361111]
Traditional Territory
- Katzie Official Traditional Territory Map [pdf]
- Interactive Map
- The Gitwangak 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 Gitwangak 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