Land Governance

Land Governance works with yəw̓en̓ si:ʔem̓ (Chief and Council), the First Nation Tax Commission, The First Nation Lands Advisory Board and legal advisors to prepare and update laws, by-laws, policies and procedures related to land use and development on our lands.

Our Land (Reserves)

It is important to know that Indian Reserves are land parcels owned by Canada but held in trust for the benefit of a specific first nation. kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation has two reserves:

1. slakəyánc, which means “young sockeye,” (Coquitlam I.R. #1) is 6 acres in size. This community is located in Coquitlam, BC along the banks of the Coquitlam River. It provides housing for members of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation and includes a small playground and community hall where we offer various programs and services.
2. setɬamékmən, which means, “when the tide is high, we go.” (Coquitlam I.R. #2) is 202 acres in size. This community is located in Port Coquitlam off of Pitt River Road. It is currently being developed into a mixed-use business park and ecological preserve.
   

Our Land Code

KFN’s most important lands and resources document is our Land Code which was became operational as of July 1, 2020 and guides all decisions regarding the development and management of our lands and resources on IR #1 and IR #2.

This legislation transfers all KFN reserve land management rights from Canada (who held them since 1876) to kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation. These rights include the exclusive power to protect, develop and manage reserve land and natural resources - including enacting land and resource laws and tax collection. The Lands and Taxation Department uses this authority to preserve and enhance kʷikʷəƛ̓əm land, waters, resources, heritage, language and culture.

To learn more about the Land Code, visit our Land Code page. 

Permits and Bylaws

KFN’s Development and Permit Services Counter is part of the Lands and Taxation Department. Current and perspective tenants and permitholders are very welcome to call or visit the counter (it’s best if you make an appointment) to learn about our land resource management policies and laws.

The Nation currently has four bylaws for slakəyánc (I.R. #1):

• Bylaw 1993-03 Animal Control
• Bylaw 1999-102 Disordered Conduct and Nuisances
• Bylaw 2014-01 Trespassing
• Bylaw 2014-02 Unsightly Premise
  

We are in the process of developing additional bylaws and permits.

Tax and Fee Collection

The Land Governance is home to kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation’s taxation authority.

To pay taxes, charges, permits and other fees contact:

Kwikwetlem First Nation
Development and Permit Services
2 – 65 Colony Farm Road
Coquitlam, BC V3C 5X9

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Key Land Governance Staff

Sue Lizotte, Director
Email: sue@kwikwetlem.com
Phone: 778-908-1250

Joseph Tootoosis, Strategic Alignment Officer
Email: joseph.tootoosis@kwikwetlelm.com
604-356-2944

Yasmin Atwal, B.A. Land Governance Executive Assistant
Email: yasmin.atwal@kwikwetlem.com
Phone: 778-549-1433