Williams Lake First Nation facts for kids
The Williams Lake First Nation (called T’exelcemc in the Shuswap language) is a First Nation government in British Columbia, Canada. They are part of the Secwepemc (Shuswap) Nation. Their home is in the Cariboo region, near the city of Williams Lake.
The Williams Lake First Nation was formed in the 1860s. This happened when the government of the Colony of British Columbia created a system of special lands called Indian reserves. The Williams Lake First Nation is also a member of the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council. Their main reserve land is called Williams Lake Indian Reserve No. 1. People often call it "Sugarcane" or "The Cane." In the Shuswap language, Williams Lake is known as T'exelc.
The Williams Lake First Nation has never signed a treaty giving up their land. They have also not given up their claims to their traditional territory. They are part of the Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw (Tribal Council). This group has been working with the governments of Canada and British Columbia. They are trying to reach a final agreement about land rights.
In 2018, they signed an "Agreement in Principle." This is a step towards a final agreement. When a final agreement is signed, the current reserve lands are expected to change. The lands under the control of the Williams Lake First Nation will likely become much larger. The former reserves will become part of these new settlement lands.
Understanding Indian Reserves
The Williams Lake First Nation has eight reserve lands in British Columbia. These lands cover a total area of 1,927 hectares (about 4,762 acres). These reserves were set up by the Government of British Columbia a long time ago. The Williams Lake First Nation has always said that these lands are part of their larger traditional territory.
The current reserve lands are expected to change after a final agreement is signed. They will become part of the larger settlement lands that the Williams Lake First Nation will control.
Here are some of the reserve lands:
- Asahal Lake Indian Reserve No. 2: This reserve is at the start of Asahal Creek. It is about 3 miles north of the east end of Williams Lake. It covers 48.60 hectares. 52°09′00″N 122°01′00″W / 52.15000°N 122.01667°W
- Carpenter Mountain Indian Reserve No. 15: This land is on the Old Cariboo Road. It is near the 156 Mile Post, west of Cariboo Hill Lake. It covers 68.30 hectares. 52°11′00″N 121°58′00″W / 52.18333°N 121.96667°W
- Chimney Creek Indian Reserve No. 5: This reserve is on the left bank of the Fraser River. It is at the mouth of Chimney Creek and covers 22.70 hectares. 52°04′00″N 122°17′00″W / 52.06667°N 122.28333°W
- Five Mile Indian Reserve No. 3: This land is on Five Mile Creek. It is 3.5 miles north of the San Jose River's mouth. It is also four miles north of 150 Mile House. It covers 73.00 hectares. 52°10′00″N 121°58′00″W / 52.16667°N 121.96667°W
- James Louie Indian Reserve No. 3A: This reserve is also on Five Mile Creek. It is 4 miles north of 150 Mile House, next to Five Mile IR No. 3. It covers 64.00 hectares. 52°10′00″N 121°57′00″W / 52.16667°N 121.95000°W
- San Jose Indian Reserve No. 6: This land is on the west end of Williams Lake (the lake). It is north of where the lake flows out. It covers 2.60 hectares. 52°08′00″N 122°07′00″W / 52.13333°N 122.11667°W
- Tillion Indian Reserve No. 4: This reserve is on the left bank of the Fraser River. It is at the mouth of the Williams Lake River. It covers 2.40 hectares. 52°10′00″N 122°17′00″W / 52.16667°N 122.28333°W
- Williams Lake Indian Reserve No. 1: This is the largest reserve. It is on the right bank of the San Jose River at the east end of Williams Lake (the lake). It is about 12 kilometers (7 miles) southeast of the city of Williams Lake. It covers 1645.30 hectares. This reserve is often called the Sugarcane Reserve. 52°07′00″N 122°00′00″W / 52.11667°N 122.00000°W
