Llenllenéy'ten Statement on District Lot 962 Crown Land Purchase
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Llenllenéy'ten confirms the intended purchase is A reconciliation measure, publicly planned and mutually supported. |
May 29, 2026
Clinton, B.C.: Llenllenéy’ten (High Bar First Nation) is issuing a statement to address public concerns circulating on social media regarding the planned Crown land purchase of District Lot 962 (DL 962). Llenllenéy’ten wishes to be clear: this process has been underway transparently and collaboratively since 2024.
DL 962 is approximately 52.8 hectares of Crown land owned by the Province of British Columbia, located within the Village of Clinton municipal boundary. Kúkpi7 and Council of Llenllenéy’ten formally approved proceeding with the Crown land purchase and development proposal by Band Council Resolution on February 25, 2026.
Following colonization, Llenllenéy'ten was assigned reserve lands along the Fraser River that have long been recognized as uninhabitable as a practical, serviced community land base. As described in Llenllenéy'ten's own records and recognized by federal officials as early as 1917, these lands lack potable water, electricity, road access, and the core infrastructure required for governance, housing, health services, and a sustainable modern community.
While these lands remain central to the Nation's identity, history, and family connections, their condition has scattered our people from their homelands across BC and beyond. DL 962 sits within Llenllenéy'ten's unceded traditional territory and represents a step toward bringing our people home and toward rebuilding a practical land base for present and future generations.
Transparency and respect for our partners have guided this process from the beginning. The Village of Clinton has been an active and informed partner throughout. The timeline of engagement is as follows:
The trail systems on DL 962 are valued by the community, and Llenllenéy'ten is committed to maintaining public trail access as a core element of the long-term plan for the lands. Specific trail alignments will be developed through detailed site planning, in dialogue with the Village of Clinton, our members, and the trail-user community.
“We have been transparent at every step. The Village of Clinton knows our plans, supports our plans, and has reflected them in its Official Community Plan. We are not asking anyone to leave. We are coming home.” – Kúkpi7 Jamie Fletcher, Llenllenéy’ten
“The steep hills and agricultural land in the Village limit the places that are possible for development. The Village of Clinton has highlighted this portion of DL962 as a viable option for residential development since the adoption of the 2016 Official Community Plan. Additionally, working with High Bar to help them achieve their goal of bringing a local, residential population and services to Clinton promotes our mutual goal of sustainable and responsible growth. The community’s concerns about access to trail systems are legitimate, and the Village has supported High Bar First Nation since 2024 on this project. High Bar First Nation has been clear from the start that trail access will be maintained in the short term, and alternate plans made, in collaboration with the Village and the community, in the long-term. We are committed to continuing to work with High Bar First Nation to support this important project in the interest of reconciliation.” – Mayor Roland Stanke, Village of Clinton
Llenllenéy’ten remains committed to a shared future built on transparency, respect, and mutual benefit for all who live on and alongside these lands. We honour the voices of our community and welcome genuine dialogue. Those with questions are encouraged to engage through official channels and to attend future public meetings where our plans will continue to be shared openly.
About Llenllenéy'ten Llenllenéy’ten (High Bar First Nation) is a proud member of the Secwépemc Nation whose territory is located in the Fraser Canyon–Cariboo central interior region of British Columbia. Guided by traditional Secwepemc values of unity (knucwentwécw), family (kw’séltkten), and care for future generations (stsmémelt), Llenllenéy’ten is committed to supporting the wellbeing, governance, and cultural vitality of its members. We have lived on these lands since time immemorial, and we plan on being here for generations to come.
Media Background Media are asked to review the full backgrounder prior to publication to ensure accuracy in reporting on Llenllenéy'ten. Access it here. |
Media Contact Contact: Roxanne Kennedy, Communications Specialist Email: comms@hbfn.ca Phone: 250-819-1099 Website: www.highbarfirstnation.ca |
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