Yale First Nation facts for kids

The Yale First Nation (also known as X̲wóx̲welá:lhp in the Halq'emeylem language) is a First Nation group located in Yale, British Columbia, Canada. A First Nation is a group of Indigenous people in Canada with their own government and culture. The Yale First Nation has 16 special areas of land called reserves. These reserves stretch from near Sawmill Creek to American Creek, with the most southern one located at Ruby Creek.

What Are Yale First Nation's Reserves?

Indian reserves are special lands set aside for First Nations people in Canada. They are important for their culture, homes, and community life. The Yale First Nation manages these reserves:

• 4 1/2 Mile Indian Reserve No. 2: This reserve is about 3 miles northeast of Yale.
• Albert Flat Indian Reserve No. 5: This land is about 3 miles south of Yale.
• Kaykaip Indian Reserve No. 7: Located on the Fraser River near Keikum Creek.
• Lukseetsissum Indian Reserve No. 9: Found on the Fraser River at the Ruby Creek train station.
• Qualark Indian Reserve No. 4: This reserve is on the Fraser River where Qualark Creek joins it.
• Squeah Indian Reserve No. 6: Located on the Fraser River near Suka Creek.
• Stullawheets Indian Reserve No. 8: This reserve is on the Fraser River at the Choate train station.
• Yale Indian Reserve No. 18: This is an island in the Fraser River, east of Yale.
• Yale Indian Reserve No. 19: Located on the Fraser River, next to Kuthlalth Indian Reserve No. 3.
• Yale Indian Reserve No. 20: This reserve is on the Fraser River, about 2 miles above Yale.
• Yale Indian Reserve No. 21: Found on the Fraser River, north of Siwash Creek.
• Yale Indian Reserve No. 22: Located on the Fraser River, 3 miles north of Yale. It includes a graveyard.
• Yale Indian Reserve No. 23: Also on the Fraser River, 3 miles north of Yale.
• Yale Indian Reserve No. 24: Another small reserve 3 miles north of Yale.
• Yale Indian Reserve No. 25: On the Fraser River, 3 miles north of Yale.
• Yale Town Indian Reserve No. 1: This reserve is within the area of Yale town.

What is the Treaty Process?

The BC Treaty Process is a way for First Nations in British Columbia and the governments of Canada and BC to talk and agree on how land and resources should be shared. It's about recognizing the rights of Indigenous peoples.

Why Did Yale First Nation Halt Their Treaty Agreement?

The Yale First Nation had reached a late stage in their treaty talks. However, the current leaders have decided to stop the final agreement from going into full effect. They felt the land offered was too small, only about 1.92% of their traditional territory. This was much less than what other First Nations had received in their agreements.

Also, there were concerns about language. The agreement mentioned a specific dialect (Puchil) of the Nlaka'pamux Nation. But many community members speak Halq'emeylem, which is a different language from the Coast Salish group. These concerns led the leaders to pause the agreement.

Who Leads the Yale First Nation?

The Yale First Nation is led by a Chief and Council. These elected leaders work to make decisions for their community.

Current Leaders

• Chief: Ken Hansen
• Council: Pedro Moreno, Dominic Hope

Key Staff Members

These individuals help manage different areas for the community:

• Band Administrator: Elsie Kipp (helps manage the daily operations)
• Health Manager: Laureen Duerksen (looks after health programs)
• Housing Manager: Crystal Sedore (manages housing for members)
• Lands and Resources: Steven Patterson (takes care of the land and natural resources)
• Social Development: Paul Keller (supports community well-being)
• Fisheries: Dominic Hope (manages fishing rights and resources)
• Education: Pedro Moreno (oversees educational programs)
• Wellness: Rhonda George (focuses on the overall health and happiness of the community)

Yale First Nation Community Numbers

Demographics means studying the numbers of people in a group. Here are some facts about the Yale First Nation community:

• Total Members: 177 people belong to the Yale First Nation.
• Living on Reserve: 60 members live on the special reserve lands.
• Living Off Reserve: 117 members live in other places outside the reserves.
• Voting Members: 125 members are aged 16 or older, which means they can vote in community elections.