Nisga'a and Province celebrate 19th year of the Nisga'a Treaty

The Nisga'a Nation was celebrated at the Legislature on Thursday
on the 19th anniversary of the Nisga'a treaty
(all photos from BC Gov't flckr feed)

It has been called the blue print for British Columbia treaty making and yesterday the Nisga'a Treaty was celebrated on its 19th anniversary with a range of events taking place at the British Columbia Legislature.

It was on May 11th, of 2000 that Nisga'a Nation became the first modern treaty nation in the province and long fought process with federal and provincial officials over decades that established the new relationship between the Nisga'a Nation and the two other levels of government.

Hosting Thursday's celebration at the Legislature was MLA Melanie Mark who  is a citizen of the Nisga'a Nation, who spoke of the journey that the Nisga'a made towards the treaty completion.


“I am proud to be a citizen of the Nisg̱a’a Nation with deep roots in Laxgalts’ap, this anniversary represents another major milestone in the Nation’s journey to self-determination. This treaty is empowering Nisg̱a’a citizens through education, cultural and economic opportunities, cultivating thriving conditions for generations to come.”

Nisga'a Nation President Eva Clayton and Advanced Education Minister
Melanie Mark at Thursday's anniversary celebrations

During the day of celebration at the Legislature, the Nisga'a treaty flag was on display in the Hall of Honour and Nisga'a drummers opened the speech making to make note of the historical nature of the event.

Eva Clayton, the current President of the Nisga'a Nation also spoke on themes of the treaty and its importance to the Nisga'a people.

“We are very honoured by the kind gesture of our Treaty partner, the Government of British Columbia, in hosting this Nisg̱a’a Treaty anniversary event. This truly demonstrates that the Province values our government-to-government relationship and shared responsibility in the ongoing implementation of the Nisg̱a’a Treaty.”

In his comments to the gathering Premier John Horgan made note of the long path that the Nisga'a had to take to gain the treaty, observing how when the ancestors of the Nisga'a first came to the Legislature in 1887 from the Nass Valley to settle the land question and were told to "go away" by the premier of the day.

Premier Horgan speaking to the long path that the Nisga'a had to take
towards a treaty with British Columbia and Canada

Mr. Horgan then recounted the many journeys for the Nisga'a that followed with trips to Ottawa, England and Victoria to continue to push for their rights and their territory to be re-established.

In the late 1990's the treaty was finally was signed, with the Premier noting the words of Joe Gosnell at the time of the finalization of the treaty.

"I'm talking about the Nisga'a treaty, a triumph I believe for all British Columbians and a beacon of hope for aboriginal people around the world. As British Columbians, as Canadians I believe we should all be very proud.  

It's a triumph because under the treaty the Nisga'a people will join Canada and British Columbia as free citizens. Full and equal partners in the social, economic and political life of this province and indeed this country. 

It's a triumph because under the treaty we will no longer be wards of the state, no longer beggars in our own lands. 

It is a triumph because under the treaty we will collectively own 22,000 square kilometres of land, far exceeding the postage stamp reserve that was set aside for us by colonial governments"

As British Columbia continues on with the treaty process across the province, many point to the Nisga'a Treaty as the guideline for the parties to follow towards creating a treaty that offers respect, inclusion and a confirmation of commitment to reconciliation.

The Nisga'a Lisims Government observed on the event through their website, as well as to post a number of videos of Thursday's anniversary celebration at the Legilsature.

Included in the video review are the comments from Ms. Clayton who spoke of the struggles of the past and the hopes for the future.

The videos can be viewed here.

The Province also has a collection of photos of the anniversary here.

You can review the Provincial governments statement on the Nisga'a celebrations of the 9th here.

For more items of note related to the Nisga'a government and the Nass valley see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review