| Bridge River 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 Bridge River is more likely to have conflict over development in their territory.
+3
Community Profile
Last Updated September 8, 2024
- Name: Bridge River (ISC Code: 590)
- Former Names:
- Band Style:
- Cultural Area:
- Indigenous Language:
- Number of Registered Members: 499
Governance
Band Council
Contact Information
- BAND WEBSITE: http://www.xwisten.ca/
- PHONE NUMBER: (250) 256-7423
- FAX NUMBER: (250) 256-7999
- ADDRESS: PO BOX 190, LILLOOET, BC
- EMAILS:
Band Financial Statements
Band Council Remuneration
Lands and Traditional Territory
Reserves
-
ISC Code: 8115
BRIDGE RIVER 1
3845.5 Hectares
LILLOOET DIST. ON BRIDGE RIVER, EXTND. NORTHWEST ABOUT 14 MILES FROM MOUTH ON THE FRASER RIVER TO MOUTH OF ANTOINE CRK
[50.75043849999999, -121.9322931] -
ISC Code: 8116
BRIDGE RIVER 2
56.7 Hectares
LILLOOET DIST. ON RIGHT BANK OF THE FRASER RIVER 4 MILES NORTH OF FOUNTAIN, OPPOSITE LOT 3624
[50.7947717, -121.8629712] -
ISC Code: 17
LILLOOET 1A
797.2 Hectares
LILLOOET DISTRICT ON RIGHT BANK OF THE FRASER RIVER 1 MILE NORTHWEST OF THE TOWN OF LILLOOET
[50.7238469, -121.9485795]
Traditional Territory
- Katzie Official Traditional Territory Map [pdf]
- Interactive Map
- The Bridge River 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 Bridge River 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