Ashcroft Ranch Returned to the Nlaka’pamux Following Purchase from Metro Vancouver

Press Release

April 03, 2025

​The Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council (NNTC), through its economic branch, Kntam a shaytknmahh: We Help the People Limited Partnership, has purchased the Ashcroft Ranch from Metro Vancouver.

The transfer was completed and registered in the land title office on April 2, 2025.

“The fundamental law of the Nlaka’pamux is ‘Take care of the land and the land will take care of you.’  We bought back our land so that we could take care of the land and have the land provide for our people,” said Chief Matt Pasco, Chair of the NNTC. “We are pleased to work with Metro Vancouver and others who choose to recognize and respect our connection to the land. What is good for the Nlaka’pamux is good for all.”

The land comprising the Ashcroft Ranch was an important village, shTLasht, and gathering site, Klooch Field, for the Nlaka’pamux before it was appropriated during colonization. The return of this land to the Nlaka’pamux will see the area go back to being an inclusive community hub and source of food security.  The community hub will include housing, recreation, education, medical facilities, elder care, and a Nlaka’pamux cultural centre. Food security will be based on ranching and farming.

The NNTC, a governing body of the Nlaka’pamux Nation, is mandated to protect and advance Nlaka’pamux title and rights including economic and jurisdictional rights. NNTC has continuously worked for the protection of the land and resources of the Nlaka’pamux Homeland including protecting the area now known as Ashcroft Ranch from being turned into a landfill.

The relationship between Metro Vancouver and the NNTC has grown to become close and collaborative. The transfer of the Ashcroft Ranch back to the Nlaka’pamux is a turning point in the re-establishment of Nlaka’pamux control over the Nlaka’pamux Homeland.

“This has been a carefully considered and meaningful process, and we are pleased to sell this important land to the Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council,” said Mike Hurley, Chair of Metro Vancouver’s Board of Directors. “Their connection to this area is deep and enduring, and returning this land to the NNTC is an excellent outcome that will provide incredible benefits to their community members.”

Metro Vancouver purchased Ashcroft Ranch in 2000 with a plan to develop a portion of the approximately 10,700-acre ranch as a landfill to provide long-term waste-disposal capacity for the region. However, in the intervening years Metro Vancouver renewed its focus on waste reduction and recycling, and a new landfill was no longer deemed necessary. The property has been operated as a cattle ranch for the last 25 years.

The NNTC purchased the land for $28 million, which is fair market value, through a competitive bid process.

About the Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council:

The Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council is a governing body of the Nlaka’pamux Nation. Carrying out its mandate for over 40 years, NNTC exists to protect and advance Nlaka’pamux title and rights and is involved with cultural and natural resources, environmental sustainability, economic independence, health, and well-being. Protection of Nlaka’pamux title means protection of the boundaries of our Nation.

NNTC is an Nlaka’pamux entity, not a provincially or federally incorporated or regulated body. Comprised of community members, leadership, and staff, NNTC also has a number of associated entities such as AEW LP, achoomEEnsh a Nlaka’pamux LP, Nhwelmen LP, Kntam a shaytknmahh: We Help the People LP,  and quAymn LP. These entities were established to meet the needs of the communities.

About Metro Vancouver:

Metro Vancouver is a diverse organization that plans for and delivers regional utility services, including water, sewers and wastewater treatment, and solid waste management. It also regulates air quality, plans for urban growth, manages a regional parks system, provides affordable housing, and serves as a regional federation. The organization is a federation of 21 municipalities, one electoral area, and one treaty First Nation located in the region of the same name.

Contact

Metro Vancouver Media Relations
media@metrovancouver.org

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