A new way forward
Xatśūll Mountain House Ranch is a first-of-its-kind agreement between First Nations and the B.C. Government. The latter bought the ranch and is leasing it to Xatśūll. The lands will be transferred to Xatśūll if a Treaty is ratified. A standing committee helps with the higher-level ranch functions while Xatśūll has hired experienced staff for the day-to-day operations.
Why Xatsull Mountain
House Ranch?
Xatśūll is who we are and the territory where the ranch is located. The ranch is located at the end of Mountain House Road which runs through our Deep Creek (Cmetēm) community that many of our members call home. We asked them for name suggestions for the ranch. Next, members were asked to vote on all the names that were submitted and Xatśūll Mountain House Ranch is where we’ve ended up.
The eagle was drawn by our own Kelly Menakian. Much like with our band logo, the eagle represents the people of Xatśūll while, in this instance, the post represents the ranch and lands that support our people living here.
About the ranch
The ranch is made up of 3,840 acres of deeded land, 280 acres of additional pasture and over 13,000 acres of range tenure. Those lands would be transferred from the province to Xatśūll if all parties agree to a Treaty. Over 1,200 acres on the ranch are hay-producing. The acquisition was made as part of the NStQ treaty negotiation process and helps to address ranching tenures impacted by proposed treaty settlement lands.
The cattle and the equipment on the ranch are owned by Xatśūll and not leased, unlike the ranch and the land the ranch is on.
Looking ahead
The Ranch has already provided our community with meat, for example through our food bank, and we’re aiming to continue to provide beef to the community.
Looking to the future, our goal is for the ranch to offer training opportunities for members as well as a source of employment.
Ranch Staff
Willee Twan
Cow Boss
Richard Branch
Farm Foreman
