Leq'á:mel First Nation facts for kids
The Leq'á:mel First Nation, once known as the Lakahahmen First Nation, is a First Nations community. They have their own band government and are located near Deroche, British Columbia in the Fraser Valley region of Canada. This area is about 12 kilometres east of the District of Mission. The Leq'á:mel are part of the Sto:lo Nation Chiefs Council, which helps different Sto:lo groups work together.
Before 1962, the Leq'á:mel people were also known as the Sumas, but they are different from today's Sumas. Over time, they had other names like Alternate Nicomen and Nicomen Slough. They were historically connected to the Sumas, Scowlitz, Matsqui, and Nooksack tribes.
The name "Leq’á:mel" means "the level place where people meet." This name shows that their land was a very popular trading spot in the Sto:lo territory. It's also believed that the Halq’eméylem dialect of the Halkomelem language was born here. Long ago, people lived in very long longhouses on Leq’á:mel land, some up to one kilometre in length!
Contents
About the Leq'á:mel First Nation
Who are the Leq'á:mel People?
The Leq'á:mel First Nation is a vibrant community with a rich history. Their traditional lands are in the beautiful Fraser Valley. They are part of the larger Sto:lo group, who have lived in this area for thousands of years. The Leq'á:mel have always been known as a welcoming place where different groups could come together to trade and share.
How the Leq'á:mel are Governed
The Leq'á:mel First Nation has its own way of choosing leaders, which is called a custom electoral system. This means they follow their own traditions and rules for elections. The current chief is Alice Thompson. She is serving her term from April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2025.
Leq'á:mel Community and Culture
Population and Language
The Leq'á:mel First Nation has about 460 members, according to the Government of British Columbia. In 2016, there were 695 members, but this number changes over time. As of July 2022, 125 registered members live on Leq'á:mel land. Another 19 live on other reserves, and 338 live elsewhere.
The traditional language of the First Nation is Halq’eméylem. While it is a very important part of their culture, not many residents speak it as their first language today. In 2016, only 2.2% of members knew the language. Most members, about 675, speak only English. The community also manages two cemeteries on their lands.
Leq'á:mel Lands and Reserves
What are Indian Reserves?
Indian Reserves are special lands set aside by the Canadian government for the use and benefit of First Nations peoples. These lands are managed by the First Nations themselves. The Leq'á:mel First Nation has several of these reserve lands.
Important Leq'á:mel Lands
The Leq'á:mel First Nation currently holds ten different reserve lands. These lands are located in places like Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Deroche, and Nicomen Island. Some of these reserves are where people live, while others are used for farming or for new business projects. Two of the reserves are used as cemeteries.
One of the most populated reserves is Lakahahmen Indian Reserve No. 11. It is located on the north bank of Nicomen Slough, where Deroche Creek meets the Fraser River. In 2016, 177 people lived there. Most of them spoke English as their main language.
The Leq'á:mel First Nation also shares some lands with other First Nations. For example, Pekw'Xe:yles (Peckquaylis) is a special area shared by 21 different First Nations. This land is where the former St. Mary's Indian Residential School used to be.
In 2021, a large piece of government land was transferred to the Leq’á:mel, Matsqui, and Sumas First Nations. This land is next to Fraser River Heritage Park and the Pekw’xe:yles Indian Reserve. Even though it's not reserve land, it's very important. Most of this land is leased back to the government to be used as a park and recreation area. This property also holds ancient archaeological sites, showing where people lived long before European contact.
