GITLAXT’AAMIKS, B.C. – For the first time in its history, the Annual Premier’s Forum with B.C.’s Modern Treaty Nations was held on Nisga’a lands this week, a powerful symbol of the evolving government-to-government relationship in the province.
Leaders and technical staff from the eight Modern Treaty Nations gathered with the Premier and provincial cabinet ministers at the Nisga’a Lisims Government Legislature in Gitlaxt’aamiks. The forum, organized by the Alliance of B.C. Modern Treaty Nations, focused on the critical work of implementing their constitutionally protected treaty rights.
The Alliance, which includes the Nisga’a, Maa-nulth, Tla’amin, and Tsawwassen First Nations among others, represents Indigenous governments that have signed modern-day treaties with the federal and provincial crowns, establishing a path to self-governance.
Discussions at the forum were centered on tangible next steps, including establishing stable, long-term fiscal arrangements to replace outdated funding models. A key priority was ensuring that Modern Treaty Nations are meaningfully involved at the outset when new provincial legislation and policies are being developed, rather than being consulted after the fact.
The leaders also addressed pressing social issues impacting their communities, including the ongoing toxic drug crisis, homelessness, and community safety challenges.
Hosting the high-level forum in the Nass Valley holds special significance as the Nisga’a Nation recently celebrated 25 years of self-governance under the landmark Nisga’a Final Agreement.
Following the formal meetings, the provincial delegation was given a tour through the Nass Valley, visiting key cultural sites like the Gitwinksihlkw suspension bridge and the Laxg̱alts’ap Carving Shed, and concluding the day with a traditional salmon dinner at the Nisga’a Museum.
The annual forum remains a crucial venue for making progress on reconciliation and ensuring the promises of modern treaties are fully realized in British Columbia.
