First Nations

In early 2017 TYBO Contracting Ltd. was honoured to enter into a working construction venture with the Semiahmoo First Nations (SFN). After a rigorous interview process the Semiahmoo First Nations Chief and council chose TYBO to aid in the enhancement of their reserve lands, an area of land totalling 312 acres. This collective endeavour means business opportunities for both TYBO and the Semiahmoo First Nations by bringing jobs to the community and hiring locally, within the Semiahmoo First Nations. An improved standard of living within the reserve lands will be brought about by supplying new sewage lines and a new water supply, as well as opening doors to economic opportunities outside the band’s traditional territory.

The Semiahmoo First Nations are different than most Aboriginal communities due to surrounding developments, and as a result the loss of most of their economic resources. As well, their historical food sources have been nearly devastated with the salmon supply being very limited, there are no more shell fish, and commercial fishing opportunities are no longer available. As a result, the SFN’s economic opportunities now lie in business partnerships, both on and off the reserve.

The Semiahmoo First Nations stated that they chose TYBO Contracting because of our commitment to the local community, employees, safety, tradition, as well as to family, which has now expanded to include the 90 members of the Semiahmoo First Nations community. Collectively, TYBO and the Semiahmoo First Nations are looking forward to further cultivating and nurturing not only our businesses, but also our relationships with one another. Together we hope to bridge the gap between First Nations and local industries, and it is agreed upon that a vital component to a successful future together is mutual respect.

Thank you to Semiahmoo First Nation’s Chief, Harley Chappell, and his council. Together, we can “Build a Legacy in our Community”.

Semiahmoo geographically

The Semiahmoo First Nation Reserve covers an area of approximately 385 acres of land. This land borders White Rock, South Surrey and the US border. The Reserve is bound by Marine Drive to the north, Highway 99 to the east and to the south follows the Semiahmoo Bay coastline.

The Little Campbell River travels westward through the District of Langley and Surrey just above the US border then drains into Semiahmoo bay bisecting the site.

McNally creek is the only tributary flowing into the river on the site from the north. The Little Campbell River watershed extends to the east as far as Langley, to the north into South Surrey and to the south as far as Blaine, WA.

SEMIAHMOO First Nations

Semiahmoo First Nation is located in South Surrey bordering with both Surrey and White Rock and US to the south. Semiahmoo historically occupied all of Boundary Bay from Blaine to Point Roberts.

 

Semiahmoo oral history and archeological studies state they have inhabited this traditional territory since the end of the last major flood in this area (approximately 8-12,000 years), flourishing with the abundance of shellfish and salmon that frequent the bay, until contact and an epidemic, that almost eradicated the people, as well as an international border separating them, moved the Semiahmoo people on to current reserve boundaries.

 

Currently the population of Semiahmoo members only numbers at 90 registered members. The current elected Chief and council are Harley Chappell (Chief), Joanne & Roxanne Charles (Council) as well as an Economic development board Willard Cook (President) and Kevin Cook and Joanne Charles (Board Members). The TYBO/Semiahmoo joint venture was developed in spring of 2017 to promote development opportunities for both organizations, as well as bridge the gap between aboriginal and non-aboriginal business.

 

We Work alongside

  • Ministry Of Transportation And Infrastructure
  • CP Rail
  • BC Rail
  • Translink
  • BC Hydro
  • Trans Mountain Pipeline
  • Ministry Of Transportation
  • Transportation Investment Corporation
  • Resort Municipality of Whistler
  • City of White Rock
  • City of Langley
  • City of North Vancouver
  • City of Vancouver
  • City of Prince George
  • City of Surrey
  • City of Burnaby
  • City of Chilliwack
  • City of New Westminster
  • City of Richmond
  • City of Kelowna
  • City of Kamloops