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Semiahmoo First Nation
Band No. 569
SEMYOME
Semiahmoo First Nation British Columbia logo.png
People Semiahmoo people
Headquarters Surrey
Province British Columbia
Land
Reserve(s)
Land area 1.29 km2
Population (2021)
On reserve 50
Off reserve 51
Total population 101
Government
Chief Harley Chappell
Council
  • Joanne Charles
  • Jennine Cook
Website
semiahmoofirstnation.ca

Semiahmoo First Nation (/ˌsɛmiˈɑːm/ SEM-ee-AH-moo) is a band government that represents the Semiahmoo people. The Semiahmoo are a group of Coast Salish people, who are Indigenous to the Pacific Northwest. Their main community and offices are on the Semiahmoo Indian Reserve. This reserve is about 312 acres (1.26 square kilometers) in size. It is located between White Rock, British Columbia and the Canada–United States border, near Peace Arch Provincial Park.

History of the Semiahmoo People

The Semiahmoo people have lived in this area for a very long time. They are part of the larger Coast Salish group, known for their rich culture and strong connection to the land and sea. Like many Indigenous groups, their way of life changed a lot after Europeans arrived.

Population Changes Over Time

In 1790, it was thought that about 300 Semiahmoo people lived here. Sadly, by 1854, their numbers dropped to 250. This was mainly because of diseases like smallpox and conflicts. The population continued to decrease, reaching only 38 members in British Columbia by 1909. By 1971, there were just 25 Semiahmoo band members.

However, in recent years, the population has started to grow again. Today, the Semiahmoo First Nation is still one of the smaller First Nations in the region. They have about 74 band members, with around 40 living on the reserve. In 2003, the average age of the Semiahmoo population was 42.5 years old.

Semiahmoo Reserve and How It's Governed

The Semiahmoo Reserve was officially set aside by the Canadian government in 1887. This land is where the community lives and operates.

Land Use and Cleanup Efforts

For many years, from 1942 to 1996, more than half of the reserve's land (about 172 acres or 0.7 square kilometers) was rented out. The Semiahmoo First Nation leased this land to the Municipality of Surrey for use as a park. Both the City of White Rock and the City of Surrey used this area, called "Semiahmoo Park," for things like landfill and city services. In 2014, the First Nation announced plans to clean up the soil. It had become polluted from how the cities used the land.

Art on the Reserve

A famous Haida artist named Robert Davidson has a studio on the Semiahmoo reserve. He creates beautiful art there.

Working with the Canadian Government

The Semiahmoo First Nation works with the Canadian government on various matters.

Funding and Water Safety

In 2003/04, the Semiahmoo First Nation received $243,500 in funding from the federal government. In 2006, the Canadian government recognized that the Semiahmoo reserve needed better drinking water. They promised to help improve the water system, which was considered high-risk.

Financial Transparency

In 2014, new rules from the federal government required all First Nations to publicly share their spending each year. The Semiahmoo First Nation sent in their report, but it received a lot of attention in 2015. This was because the Chief at the time, Willard Cook, received a large amount of money ($267,309) in 2013/14. This amount was tax-free and was one of the highest payments to a politician in Canada at that time.

Treaty Discussions

Treaties are agreements between First Nations and the government. They often define rights to land and resources.

Semiahmoo's Treaty Stance

A report in 2003 said that the Semiahmoo First Nation was not part of any larger tribal council and was not involved in ongoing treaty talks. However, a 2007 newspaper article mentioned that the Semiahmoo First Nation is part of the Sencot'en Alliance. This alliance includes three other First Nations: Tsartlip, Tsawout, and Pauquachin.

The Sencot'en Alliance believes their traditional territory is very large. It stretches south to the northern part of Puget Sound, including the San Juan Islands and the Gulf Islands. It also covers southern Vancouver Island, parts of the lower Fraser River, and all nearby land. Members of the Sencot'en Alliance also say they signed the Douglas Treaties with the British Crown between 1850 and 1854. Because of this, they are not involved in the current treaty talks with the B.C. Treaty Commission.

Concerns About Other Treaties

In 2007, the Semiahmoo First Nation publicly disagreed with the Tsawwassen First Nation treaty. They were worried that this agreement could affect their own territory and rights.

Working with Surrey and White Rock

The Semiahmoo First Nation shares its traditional territory with the cities of Surrey and White Rock.

Community Events and Land Access

School District 36 Surrey recognizes that its schools are on Semiahmoo traditional land. The First Nation also helps support a powwow organized by students at Earl Marriott Secondary School in Surrey.

In 2009, the Semiahmoo First Nation removed a large dog park near the East beach area. They said it was because of vandalism. Later, swings in the park were also removed. In 2010, the First Nation built a 6-foot-high fence along their land. This fence stops people who are not band members from accessing certain areas, including parts of the East beach and the Little Campbell River.

Development and Water Services

In 2013, the First Nation considered legal action when the City of Surrey thought about approving a large casino nearby. The Semiahmoo First Nation had plans to build their own hotel, conference center, and gaming center on their reserve. They were concerned the city's casino would affect their plans.

In 2015, the Semiahmoo First Nation asked the City of Surrey to connect them to the Metro Vancouver water system. This happened after the City of White Rock said they would stop providing water to the reserve. In 2018, Semiahmoo and Surrey made a deal for water and sewage connections. Construction finished in early 2021, and a "Boiled Water Advisory" that had been in place since 2005 was finally lifted.

Policing and Justice

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Surrey provides policing services to both the Semiahmoo First Nation and Tsawwassen First Nation. The Semiahmoo First Nation also uses a special "Apology Ceremony" to deal with minor problems within their community. If someone does something wrong, they must apologize to the person they harmed and others affected. The person who caused the problem gives a gift and prepares a meal. The Chief, Council, Elders, and community members are all part of this ceremony.


See also

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