The Chawathil First Nation app is now available

Chawathil First Nation, known in Halq'eméylem as Chowéthel (pronounced "cha-wah-thul"), is a Stó:lō community whose people have lived in their present location for thousands of years. The band was known as Hope before 1988. Its traditional territory once covered much of what is now Hope and the surrounding area. The main reserve, Chawathil 4, sits near Katz and makes up almost 90% of a 614.1-hectare landbase.

As Stó:lō, or "river people," Chawathil members depend on the river and the land. Fishing, hunting and gathering remain central to their culture and traditions. Community life is shared and respects the wisdom of Knowledge Holders and Elders. The Nation's language is Halq'eméylem, part of the Coast Salish language family. The community's history includes the founding of Fort Hope on Chawathil territory in 1848 and the gold rush of 1858.

Chawathil is a member government of the Stó:lō Tribal Council and elects its leaders under a Custom Electoral System. In July 2025 members elected Chief Aaron Pete, together with Vice-Chief Kelsey John and a council of five. The Nation also has an Elders Council and a Youth Council. Recent community projects include:

• Renovated homes and new BC Housing units
• A confirmed child care centre and a new food bank
• Major infrastructure upgrades and a community mobile app

The Nation also runs the Telte-yet Campground on the Fraser River in downtown Hope. To learn more, visit the Chawathil First Nation website.