Image: Xwchíyò:m Cheam First Nation / Xwchíyò:m (Cheam First Nation) announced Tuesday morning (Jan. 7) that it has discovered an illegal composting operation within the Cheam reserve from what it calls a "repeat offender."

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Cheam First Nation

Chilliwack-area First Nation discovers illegal composting operation within its reserve

Jan 7, 2025 | 9:25 AM

CHILLIWACK — Xwchíyò:m (Cheam First Nation) announced Tuesday morning (Jan. 7) that it has discovered an illegal composting operation within the Cheam reserve from what it calls a “repeat offender.”

According to a news release from the First Nation band, Xwchíyò:m says a repeat offender known to Environment and Climate Change Canada has been operating a questionable composting facility on private property within its reserve. Cheam First Nation says it is working in partnership with the property owner to manage the site and remediate the situation thereafter.

“Damage to the environment can happen from a lack of understanding, or it can be fueled by money,” Cheam FN wrote in a statement. “These issues cross all boundaries and barriers. Recently, we discovered that a repeat offender, known to Environment and Climate Change Canada, has been operating a questionable composting facility on a private property within the Cheam Reserve. It saddens us to know that while working so hard to protect the waters and land around our traditional territory, this encounter happened so close to home.”

The band says Environment Canada has visited the site and is taking action against the owner of the materials. It says the health of nearby land and sacred waters surrounding the band are in a critical state.

“We are seeing an exponential increase in the cumulative impacts of pollution, industry, and destruction of habitat caused by development,” Cheam said. “When it comes to the environment, Cheam recognizes that there are far-reaching issues and change doesn’t come without a cost.”

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Cheam’s traditional law states, “This is our land, we must care for everything that belongs to us.”

Over the last year, Cheam has worked with partners and government agencies in areas such as mining, environment and agriculture, within its community, as a leader in working towards much needed change. Cheam says its band continues to strive towards a healthy, prosperous future for its people and generations to come.