Bands share title to rez

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Twenty-one bands in the Sto:lo Nation celebrated an addition to their land holdings on Oct. 23, a reserve that they will share jointly and equally.

Deanna Honeyman, leasing officer for the Sto:lo Nation lands department, said "This is probably one of the first times something like that has actually happened, that 21 First Nations actually got together to have one parcel of land be added to their reserve as joint owners."

The reserves that presently make up the Sto:lo Nation are spread out between Hope and Fort Langley on both sides of the Fraser River, said Honeyman.

The new land parcel, about 12 acres, is the site of the former St. Mary's school, constructed around 1863 and run by the Order of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate until 1960.

At that time, the Crown took over the property and built a new school, which it operated until 1984.

Indian Affairs notified the Sto:lo Nation three years ago the land parcel could go on the block for sale if the Sto:lo bands did not wish to add it to their reserve holdings. Twenty-one of the 24 bands within Sto:lo territory expressed interest in owning the land, and created a technical team to work out the details. Sto:lo Nation CEO Joe hall, Sto:lo Nation lands manager Valerie Sam and Indian Affairs lnds manager Linda Kerr were the appointees.

On Sept. 12 last year, 20 First Nations signed the Joint Reserve Management Agreement and one other First Nation signed subsequently.

A referendum to ratify the agreement was held on Nov. 26, 2003, at which time the 21 became part owners of the reserve. They are the Aitchelitz, Chawathil, Chem, Chehalis, Kwantlen, Kwaw Kwaw Apilt, Leq'a:mel, Matsqui, Popkum, Scowlitz. Seabird Island, Shxw'ow'hamel, Shxwha:y Village, Skawahlook, Skowkale, Skwah, Soowahlie, Squiala, Sumas, Tzeachten and Yakweawioose First Nations.

The three First Nations that opted out did not give reasons said Honeyman.

They have named their new reserve Pekw'xe:yles, which means "broken bluff."

Honeyman said they haven't decided an ultimate use for the land. "Right now, there's buildings on the site, and there's offices being leased by Sto:lo Nation. It's going to be used as the same purposes. There's a craft-making facility, there's a daycare, and then just general office admin offices there... They have up to 15 years in order to have the land designated, but up until then, the Sto:lo Nation can continue to lease it."

The joint reserve management agreement mandates five years to designate the land for leasing purposes, but the period could be extended "three more terms" providing all 21 First Nations agreed on the process, said Honeyman.

Representatives of the First Nations and the lands department met "on a fairly regular basis," prior to signing and will continue to do so, she said, "to discuss what are the next steps that need to be taken."

Honeyman said they were trying to get the word out to all former students of St. Mary's Residential School about the day-long celebration planned.