A few hours to the north of Vancouver lies the St'át'imc Nation. St'át'imc (pronounced Stat-lee-um) is both the name of the people and that of their ancient land which encompasses the biggest mountains, canyons, rivers and lakes in southwest British Columbia, with abundant clean water and wildlife such as salmon, sturgeon, eagle, spotted owl, mule deer, mountain goat, cougar, grizzly bear, wolf and many plants used for food or medicine.

Welcome to St'át'imc Territory

Wilderness Committee Educational Report Vol.26 - No.06, Summer 2007

The Use Of St'át'imc Lands
Adapted from the St’át’imc Land Use Plan

The Nxekmenlhkalha lti Tmicwa (St’át’imc Land Use Plan) is St’át’imc law regarding territorial lands and resources. The Land Use Plan (LUP) translates St’át’imc Vision and Principles into action. The LUP is focused on identifying lands designated for protection and sustainable use. The protected areas include: water, cultural, habitat and environmentally sensitive areas. Our territory is vast: 17,600 square kilometres from Harrison Lake northwest to South Chilcotin Provincial Park, east to Hat Creek near Cache Creek, and southwest back to Harrison Lake. The St’át’imc Land Use Plan was developed using an ecosystem-based planning process, relying on St’át’imc knowledge, supported by western scientific knowledge. As stated by our ancestors in the declaration of the Lillooet Tribe, May 10, 1911: “we are the rightful owners of our tribal territory and everything pertaining thereto”.

The LUP is a method to:

  • e xercise St’át’imc title
  • m anage and protect our territory for the future
  • d evelop a vision for the St’át’imc economy
  • b uild unity and capacity through participation
  • p rovide a voice for the people


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