SKEENA REGION – The Kitsumkalum First Nation has achieved a historic milestone, overwhelmingly voting to ratify its Treaty and Constitution with the federal and provincial governments, setting the stage for a new era of self-governance in Northwest B.C.
The results of the vote, held on November 1, showed massive support from the membership:
- Treaty: 569 members (90.7 per cent) cast ballots in favour.
- Constitution: 563 members (89.7 per cent) voted yes.
“By voting yes to our Treaty and Constitution, we honour the generations who fought for recognition and we open the door to a new era of self-government, accountability, and opportunity,” said elected Chief Councillor Troy Sam. “This is a proud day that secures a stronger future for our children and grandchildren.”
Decades of Negotiation Culminate in Landmark Agreement
The final agreement is the culmination of decades of negotiations, beginning in the early 1990s. The process included an agreement in principle in 2015, a draft treaty in 2024, and the final agreement reached in June of this year. The neighbouring Kitselas First Nation also successfully ratified its Treaty and Constitution earlier this year, on April 10.
If fully implemented, the Treaty will replace the Indian Act and establish law-making authority for the Kitsumkalum Nation on treaty lands concerning land-use, culture, heritage, and services. The land covered by the Treaty resembles a horseshoe, starting northwest of Terrace and extending toward the estuary, including areas around Port Essington southeast of Port Edward.
The financial package included in the Treaty provides:
- A one-time cash settlement of $44.2 million (adjusted for inflation).
- Additional one-time funding for start-up and transition costs.
- Ongoing annual operational funding for treaty management, resource, and infrastructure needs.
Next Steps: Provincial and Federal Ratification
While the Nation has ratified the deal, the Treaty must still be ratified by Canada and the Province. The B.C. government anticipates this will be done by 2028 through the necessary treaty implementation legislation. The final Treaty Effective Date will be determined by Kitsumkalum.
Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation for the Province, commended the result: “Kitsumkalum voters have ensured their voices are heard and their vision for the future will be realized,” he said. “We are committed to taking the path of meaningful reconciliation alongside the Kitsumkalum people and everyone in the Skeena area.”
