The Lheidli T'enneh Band is a First Nations government and community located in the city of Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. As the original inhabitants of the area now occupied by Prince George, the band’s traditional territory encompasses the Fraser River and its surrounding lands in central British Columbia.
Governance
The band is governed by an elected Chief and council, who serve under the framework of the Indian Act. The council is responsible for administering band programs and services, including housing, education, health, and economic development initiatives.
Population
According to the most recent publicly available enrollment data, the Lheidli T'enneh Band has several hundred registered members, with a portion residing on reserve lands and the remainder living off‑reserve in Prince George and other communities.
Reserve Lands
The band holds reserve land designated as the Lheidli T'enneh 196A (formerly known as the Prince George Reserve). This land is situated adjacent to the downtown area of Prince George and is the site of community facilities, housing, and cultural centers.
Historical Background
The name “Lheidli T'enneh” translates from the Dakelh (Carrier) language as “People of the River” or “People of the Fraser River,” reflecting the community’s historic connection to the riverine environment. The band signed the Treaty 8 agreements in the early 1900s, and its members were historically involved in the fur trade, fishing, and later, in the development of regional railway and forestry industries.
Contemporary Initiatives
In recent years, the Lheidli T'enneh Band has pursued economic development projects, including partnerships in commercial real estate, tourism, and natural resource management. The band also prioritizes cultural revitalization, offering language programs, cultural workshops, and the preservation of traditional practices.
Legal and Political Context
The band is a member of the British Columbia Treaty Commission’s processes and engages with provincial and federal governments on issues related to land rights, self‑government, and resource stewardship.
Location Within Prince George
The band’s administrative offices and community center are located within the city’s municipal boundaries, facilitating cooperation with municipal authorities on urban planning, infrastructure, and service delivery.
References
Information is drawn from publicly available governmental publications, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada records, and the band’s official communications.
