Image: City of Mission / Mission Mayor Paul Horn (back centre) and council members are pictured.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

City of Mission

City of Mission, area First Nations to mark historic return of 60 hectares of land to local bands

Jun 10, 2025 | 9:36 AM

MISSION — The City of Mission says a community celebration will be held next week to mark a historic agreement in which 60 hectares of land have been returned to area First Nations.

The municipality announced Monday that the event is being hosted by the Leq’á:mel, Màthxwi, and Semá:th (LMS) Society, with support from the City of Mission, to honour of the Í:xel Sq’eq’ó, agreement, on Tuesday, June 17 at Fraser River Heritage Park.

This free event is open to all and offers attendees an opportunity to learn more about the Í:xel Sq’eq’ó agreement, hear from dignitaries, witness cultural performances and music, and enjoy activities such as face painting and more.

The agreement, which finalized with the B.C. government earlier this year, saw 60 hectares of traditional land returned to Leq’á:mel, Màthxwi, and Semá:th First Nations under the LMS Society.

“Mission is fortunate to be located on the shared territories of some of the most collaborative and forward-looking First Nations in this province and country,” Mission Mayor Paul Horn said. “Today’s achievement is a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together for the common good. Reconciliation is not just a word—it’s action. It means working side by side to tackle our shared challenges: building a stronger economy, creating affordable housing, protecting the environment, addressing poverty, and improving health outcomes for everyone. We are proud to mark this moment, but even more so, we are energized by what lies ahead. Together, we will build a future that brings opportunity and prosperity to all who call our shared territories home.”

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As part of the agreement, the lands have been subdivided to create a park parcel of approximately 50 hectares, which will be leased to the City of Mission to co-manage with the LMS Society for public use as a community park, and two 5-hectre development parcels, to be developed by the LMS Development Corporation, to support housing in the area and increase economic and social opportunities.

The City of Mission says the historic agreement was over thirteen years in the making. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fraser River Heritage Park, 7494 Mary Street, in Mission. Speeches and remarks will be made by the Nations, representatives from the provincial government, and the City of Mission.