Our Nation, Our Story
Our Vision & Future
Ulkatcho First Nation envisions an independent Nation and an interconnected community — one where all generations thrive together. Our vision is rooted in the land, guided by our Elders, and carried forward by our youth.
We are committed to building a Nation where members have access to quality housing, education, health services, and economic opportunities — all while maintaining and strengthening our cultural identity as Dakelh / Carrier people.
Our priorities include self-determination, transparent governance, environmental stewardship of our ancestral territories, and the revitalization of the Dakelh language and cultural practices for future generations.
History of UFN
The Ulkatcho First Nation is a Dakelh (Carrier) Nation whose people have inhabited the Chilcotin plateau and surrounding mountain territories of central British Columbia since time immemorial. The name "Ulkatcho" refers to the people of the high country — a reflection of the elevated, rugged landscape that has shaped the culture and identity of this Nation.
Historically, the Ulkatcho people were semi-nomadic, following seasonal patterns of the land — harvesting pine mushrooms and soapberries in the forests, fishing for trout in the clear mountain rivers, hunting moose and caribou across vast territories, and gathering at seasonal camps to share knowledge and ceremony.
The community is centered in Anahim Lake, BC, a remote community in the Chilcotin region. Despite the challenges of colonization, the Ulkatcho people have maintained a deep connection to their territory, language, and traditions.
Today, Ulkatcho First Nation is a registered band under the Indian Act with an elected Chief and Council. The Nation has been actively involved in land use planning, forestry agreements, and economic development initiatives that reflect both traditional values and contemporary needs.
The land continues to guide how we live,
learn, and work together as a Nation.
Ancestral Origins
The Ulkatcho people are part of the broader Dakelh (Carrier) Nation, one of the largest Indigenous language groups in British Columbia. The Dakelh language belongs to the Athabaskan language family and is spoken across a vast territory in central BC.
The ancestral territory of Ulkatcho First Nation encompasses the Anahim Lake area, the Itcha-Ilgachuz mountain ranges, the Dean River watershed, and extensive plateau lands. This territory is rich in wildlife — moose, caribou, grizzly bear, wolves — and in cultural significance, marked by ancient trails, obsidian quarry sites, and places of ceremony.
Obsidian — volcanic glass found in the territory — was historically traded across vast distances, evidence of the Ulkatcho people's role as skilled travellers and traders long before European contact.
The Ulkatcho territory spans the Chilcotin plateau and surrounding mountain ranges.
Travellers & Entrepreneurs
The Ulkatcho people have always been entrepreneurial by nature. Long before European contact, they were skilled traders who moved obsidian and other goods across vast networks connecting interior and coastal peoples. This spirit of enterprise and adaptability continues today.
Through the Ulkatcho Group of Companies and partnerships with resource industries, the Nation continues to build economic strength while protecting its lands and asserting its rights.
Ulkatcho Group of Companies
Building economic strength through business partnerships and resource development aligned with community values.
Clean Energy
Investing in clean energy projects that benefit the community and protect the environment for future generations.
Alliance Agreements
Five Alliance Agreements signed with industry partners, creating employment and economic opportunity for members.