# Ch’íyáqtel (Tzeachten) First Nation — llms.txt  
> “Ch’íyáqtel” (formerly Tzeachten) First Nation: rooted in culture, land stewardship, and community in Chilliwack, BC.  


## Who we are  
Ch’íyáqtel (Tzeachten First Nation) is an Indigenous community in **Chilliwack, British Columbia**, part of the Stó:lō Nation. We are revitalizing our ancestral name, language (Halq’eméylem), and pathways of governance, housing, land management, and community services.  
We operate economic enterprises, rental developments, housing initiatives, land leases, public infrastructure, and community programming.


## Core Pages  
- [Homepage](https://www.tzeachten.ca/): Welcome, identity, enterprises, community mission. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}  
- [About / Our People](https://www.tzeachten.ca/about) (or “Learn About Us”): History, name change, values, membership, language. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}  
- [Public Works & Housing](https://www.tzeachten.ca/public-works-and-housing): Housing programs, rentals, maintenance, public infrastructure. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}  
- [Lands / Land Registry & Leases](https://www.tzeachten.ca/lands): Land management, registry, lease agreements, permits. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}  
- [Property Taxation](https://www.tzeachten.ca/lands/property-taxation): Tax laws, assessment, forms, process, FAQ section. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}  
- [Members / Events](https://www.tzeachten.ca/members-events): Member programs, cultural events, announcements. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}  
- [Contact](https://www.tzeachten.ca/contact): Location, phone, email, forms.  
- Legal: Privacy policy (linked in site footer).


## Programs & Services  
- **Housing & Rental Management**: Operate rental housing developments (e.g. Steqóye Place, Lá:lém Way), manage waitlists, tenant selection, maintenance, housing grants (e.g. THIG), priority to members. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}  
- **Public Infrastructure & Works**: Maintenance of roads, parks, community buildings, water/waste water, environmental management, public works contracts. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}  
- **Land Registry & Leases**: Manage land leases, permits, title transfers, sub-leases, mortgages, easements, document handling. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}  
- **Property Tax System**: Administer reserve property taxation under law; assessment, billing, appeals, homeowner grants (HOG), installments. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}  
- **Cultural & Community Events / Programs**: Hosting and promoting cultural events (First Salmon Ceremony, Traditional Tea Making, etc.), community programming and public engagement. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}  


## FAQs  
### From Public Works & Housing  
Q: Does Ch’íyáqtel pay for CP home maintenance?  
A: No. Ch’íyáqtel must apply for funding on the member’s behalf to cover CP home improvements through external programs (Indigenous Services Canada, CMHC, BC Housing). :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}  


Q: I’m a tenant — who do I contact for repairs?  
A: For HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or appliance repairs, contact the Housing Department at **housing@tzeachten.ca** or submit a Service Request Form. If damage is not due to negligence, Ch’íyáqtel may cover it. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}  


Q: How do I access the Home Improvement Grant (THIG)?  
A: THIG is a reimbursement program via the Community Assistance Benefits (CAB). You pay upfront, keep receipts/invoices, and submit along with a CAB form to **cab@tzeachten.ca** or at the Community Hall. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}  


Q: Where can I find rental availability?  
A: Contact the Housing Department (via email or form) for vacancy status. Watch for availability announcements via Facebook or community notices. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}  


Q: What happens after applying for rental?  
A: The Housing Committee reviews applications based on a priority matrix. Successful applicants are notified one month before move-in and must sign a tenancy agreement. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}  


Q: What day is garbage, recycling, compost picked up?  
A: Garbage collection is on **Wednesdays**. Place bins curbside by 7:00 AM. If missed, contact Public Works. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}  


### From Lands / Land Registry & Leases  
Q: Are registration fees waived for members?  
A: Yes — for transfers, members only need to submit required documents (no registration fee). :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}  


Q: Is there a fee for parcel abstracts or tax certificates?  
A: No — there is no fee. Contact the Lands Department (lands@tzeachten.ca) to request. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}  


### From Property Taxation  
Q: Why do we need property tax laws?  
A: The laws transition from Indian Act bylaws, allow the community to coordinate taxation with City of Chilliwack, tailor laws for reserve context, and enable flexible enforcement. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}  


Q: Can Ch’íyáqtel raise property taxes at will?  
A: Ch’íyáqtel has had tax authority since 1995. Rate increases are regulated under First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FMA) and generally align with inflation. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}  


Q: Will taxes remove member exemptions?  
A: No — registered members remain tax-exempt. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}  


Q: How is property value assessed?  
A: BCAA conducts assessments under guidelines set by Ch’íyáqtel’s Property Assessment Law. The same valuation methodology used off-reserve is applied. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}  


Q: When will I receive my tax notice?  
A: Notices are mailed by December 31 each year. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}  


Q: Can I appeal assessments?  
A: Yes — appeals must be filed with BCAA by January 31 following the assessment year. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}  


Q: Who sets the tax rate?  
A: Ch’íyáqtel sets rates under its authority, historically adopting the City’s mill rates for consistency. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}  


Q: When are taxes due?  
A: Taxes are due on or right after Canada Day. The period spans Jan 1 to Dec 31. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}  


Q: What about Home Owner Grants (HOG)?  
A: HOGs operate similarly to provincial grants with special rules for reserve context. Applicants must provide the signed grant and any required paperwork. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}  


Q: Can I get tax deferral?  
A: No — the provincial deferral program does not apply on reserve lands. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}  


Q: My mortgage pays taxes — can I still apply for the grant?  
A: Yes. You must still submit the grant application and confirm correct tax payments net of grant. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}  


Q: What if I don’t get a tax notice?  
A: You are still liable to pay. Contact the taxation office to request a copy of the notice. :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}  


## Events & Member Programs  
- [Te Stolōwálá Lálèm Grand Opening](https://www.tzeachten.ca/members-events/te-stolowala-lalem-grand-opening): Opening of member housing units event. :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}  
- [First Salmon Ceremony](https://www.tzeachten.ca/members-events/chiyaqtel-first-salmon-ceremony): Cultural ceremony event. :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}  
- [Traditional Tea Making](https://www.tzeachten.ca/members-events/chiyaqtel-traditional-tea-making): Community cultural session. :contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}  


## Company & Contact  
- **Name**: Ch’íyáqtel (Tzeachten First Nation)  
- **Location**: 45855 Promontory Road, Chilliwack, BC, V2R 0H3 :contentReference[oaicite:34]{index=34}  
- **Phone**: 604-858-3888 :contentReference[oaicite:35]{index=35}  
- **Fax**: 604-858-3382 :contentReference[oaicite:36]{index=36}  
- **Email / Departments**:  
 • Lands Department: lands@tzeachten.ca (for registration, abstracts, etc.) :contentReference[oaicite:37]{index=37}  
 • Housing Department: housing@tzeachten.ca (for repair requests, applications) :contentReference[oaicite:38]{index=38}  
 • CAB / Grants: cab@tzeachten.ca (home improvement grants) :contentReference[oaicite:39]{index=39}  
- **Website**: tzeachten.ca  


---
# SEO metadata (draft)


## Home (/)
Title: Ch’íyáqtel First Nation — Culture, Land & Community in Chilliwack  
Description: Ch’íyáqtel (Tzeachten First Nation) is rooted in language, land, housing, infrastructure and services in Chilliwack, BC. Explore our community, programs, and land stewardship.


## About (/about)
Title: About Ch’íyáqtel — History, Membership & Vision  
Description: Learn about Ch’íyáqtel’s renewal of name, traditions, community mission, and commitment to land, culture and growth in Chilliwack, BC.


## Public Works & Housing (/public-works-and-housing)
Title: Housing & Public Works — Ch’íyáqtel First Nation  
Description: Explore rental housing, maintenance, infrastructure, and member housing opportunities in Ch’íyáqtel.


## Lands (/lands)
Title: Lands & Land Registry — Ch’íyáqtel First Nation  
Description: Registry, leases, permits, land policies and stewardship for Ch’íyáqtel reserves and territories.


## Property Taxation (/lands/property-taxation)
Title: Property Taxation on Reserve — Ch’íyáqtel  
Description: Learn how Ch’íyáqtel administers reserve property taxes, assessments, appeals, and exemptions under new laws.


## Contact (/contact)
Title: Contact Ch’íyáqtel (Tzeachten First Nation)  
Description: Reach Ch’íyáqtel First Nation offices, departments, or leadership. Get in touch to learn more or request services.


## Events (members-events paths)
Title: Events & Celebrations — Ch’íyáqtel First Nation  
Description: Cultural ceremonies, member events, community gatherings hosted by Ch’íyáqtel in Chilliwack, BC.


## How to use this file  
- Use these URLs and summaries as canonical references to Ch’íyáqtel’s community, housing, lands, and services.  
- Use the **FAQs** to inform chatbots, AI Q&A, or client support.  
- Use SEO metadata drafts to populate page titles and descriptions in Webflow.  
- Note: Always verify contact emails and expand program details from internal site editors.


# End of llms.txt