 In 1879, the federal government allocated three reserves to the New Westminster Indian Band, including of the South Westminster Reserve, on the North Arm of the Fraser River, and on Poplar Island.A smallpox epidemic devastated the New Westminster Band, reducing the band members from about 400 people to under 100.Many of the remaining Qayqayt were assimilated into other local reserves, such as the neighbouring Musqueam Indian Band.