On March 31, Mayor Siemens had the honour of joining Chief Dalton Silver of Semá:th (Sumas) First Nation and BC Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Christine Boyle to commemorate the provincial return of the culturally and spiritually significant Lightning Rock lands to Semá:th, marking an important step in advancing reconciliation between the First Nation and the Province.
The Province shared that Semá:th will take ownership of the 36-hectare Lightning Rock site, which is located near the Atkinson Road and Eldridge Road intersection, adjacent to the Semá:th Reserve. The lands make up part of the larger Lightning Rock sacred site and are the location of an ancestral burial ground. The return of the lands also includes an updated road agreement between the Province, the City and Semá:th to conduct a feasibility study for any alternate routes for a quarry access road that currently runs through the property.
The land transfer process began almost 10 years ago, starting with a memorandum of understanding between the Province and Semá:th in 2017, followed by the purchase of the land by the Province in 2024. As part of the agreement, the Province will also work with the Nation to formally protect the site, facilitate discussions between Semá:th and quarry operators about quarrying activity and potential economic opportunities, and provide $1 million to support the development of a cultural education and healing centre.
As a City Council we greatly value our relationships with neighbouring First Nations. This is a significant milestone for Semá:th and the City of Abbotsford was honoured to be at the Legislature to mark this historic event.
Abbotsford City Council
