Community Description
The Upper Similkameen Indian Band or Upper Smelqmix, is a First Nations band government in the Canadian province of British Columbia, whose head offices are located in town of Hedley in the Similkameen Country.
Treaty or Tribal Association
Okanagan Nation Alliance
Summary of Economic Development Agreements, Community Businesses and Joint Ventures
On top of the large touristic operations at the Mascot Mine, Upper Similkameen has interests in forestry in the Similkameen Valley: including ownership of a timber license, harvesting contracts, a woodlot, infrastructure development capabilities and a silviculture division. Upper Smilkameen also operates the Snaza'ist Discovery Centre, which allows visitors to explore the history of the Similkameen people. Upper Similkameen is party to several Forestry Agreements with the Provincial Government, as well as an Economic and Community Development Agreement.
Economic Development Background
In recent years the Upper Similkameen has increasingly become involved in the business community and we have become one of the largest employers in the area. Since 2004, we have operated and maintained the popular tourist attraction, the historic Mascot Mine.