XGFNG Nenqay Department

Our Vision

The Xeni Gwet’in Nenqay Department works to protect, restore and enhance the integrity of nenqay, to ensure that the Tŝilhqot’in continue to be effective stewards of the lands, waters, animals, and plants for generations to come.

Our Mandate

The Xeni Gwet’in Nenqay Department exercises our inherent rights and responsibilities as nènqàyní. As part of the XGFNG, we steward the waters, lands, plants, and animals, including the spirit that bonds us all with these sacred places as our ʔEsggidam before us.

Our Focus

The Nenqay Deparment is involved in a variety of nenqay-related work. Here are the 10 main Nenqay Department initiatives that we are currently focusing on:

Watershed Management
Tin Towh (Forestry)
Nen Ch'eh (Land Code)
Nenqay Use Plan (NUP)
- NUP- Draft Sept 2024
Tenure Management
Access Management
Range Management (within Xeni)
Wildlife Management
- Wildlife Management Strategy 2024
Clean Energy
Climate Change Adaptation

Xeni Gwet’in Visitor Protocol

On June 26, 2014, for the first time in Canadian history, the Supreme Court of Canada recognized 1,920 square kilometres of land as Aboriginal Title Land. Aboriginal title includes the rights to control the land and decide how it will be used, to use the land for traditional and modern purposes, and the full benefit and ownership of the lands and resources. This area is located within the caretaker area of Xeni Gwet’in. Under the Gwets’en Nilt’i Agreement, the “Declared Title Area” is being transitioned to full Tŝilhqot’in management, benefit, and control.

Visitors are welcome to pursue traditional activities that are in keeping with the wilderness character of the area. Please book guided non-motorized access to the backcountry with Xeni Gwet’in Visitor Centre in Nemiah Valley – check our website for more info.

Please tread lightly and do not wander off road, across residential property, or disturb old homesteads and equipment. Please respect the privacy of our communities.

Ancient ruins, artifacts, historic remains, and fossils are fragile and irreplaceable, please tread lightly. Artifacts should not be disturbed or removed as they belong to the Tŝilhqot’in and must be left in their place.

Ceremonies are sacred events: please dress and act respectfully. Applause is typically not appropriate as these are religious ceremonies not performances. If in doubt, follow the lead of other community members.

Mechanized and off-road vehicles are restricted to designated roads only – prior to visiting please consult with Xeni Gwet’in and check the website for updated information. Please do not cut trails or clear roads and leave gates as you find them.

Use local guides and established routes for back-country hiking and backpacking.

Please contact us for guides or join one of the several lodges in the area who have signed a protocol with us to protect the land for everyone to enjoy while building a sustainable future together.

Tŝilhqot’in People of Xeni (2010).