Wesakechak

May 11, 2010 marks the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Nisga’a Treaty. From the website set up to recognize this celebration:

Nisga'a Elders

The Nisga’a people have lived in the Nass River Valley since time immemorial. In the late 1800s, when much of Nisga’a traditional territory was declared Crown land, the Nisga’a people began petitioning government to recognize our connection to and ownership of Nisga’a territory. In 1998, a signing ceremony at New Aiyansh signalled the completion of a quarter century of negotiations and the birth of the Nisga’a Final Agreement, British Columbia’s first modern treaty.

A Nation Renewed

May 11, 2000, the Effective Date of the treaty, was a historic and triumphant day for the Nisga’a people. It marked the end of a 113-year journey-and the first steps in a new direction. On that day, the Indian Act ceased to apply to the Nisga’a people (except for the purpose of Indian registration) and, for the first time in modern history, the Nisga’a people had the legal authority to conduct our own affairs. The treaty ended the uncertainty regarding land ownership and opened the door for joint economic initiatives in the development of the Nisga’a Nation’s natural resources. It benefits all Canadians. News of the Nisga’a Final Agreement has traveled far beyond the Nass Valley-across British Columbia, Canada, and around the world. Governments and Aboriginal peoples are all watching the implementation of the treaty with keen interest.

The Nisga’a Final Agreement serves as an example. It demonstrates that governments and First Nations can, in good faith, work together to forge a more secure future for everyone.

The Minister of Norther Affairs issued the following press release to recognize this event:

Ottawa, Ontario (May 11, 2010) — The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians issued the following statement today: “I want to extend my congratulations to the President of the Nisga’a Lisims Government, Mr. Mitchell Stevens, and the Nisga’a people on the 10th anniversary of the effective date of the Nisga’a Final Agreement. 

This landmark agreement demonstrates the benefits that modern treaties can bring to First Nation people and their neighbours – building a solid foundation for renewed and lasting relationships and brighter futures for all concerned.

Under the treaty, the Nisga’a Lisims Government has been able to take advantage of new opportunities in the Nass Valley in areas such as forestry, eco-tourism, pine mushroom harvesting and the service sector. Since the treaty was signed, there have also been significant improvements in unemployment rates and high school graduation rates.  Canada shares in the pride of the Nisga’a Lisims Government and the Nisga’a Nation for the progress they have made and the strong relationship we have built together along the way.

The Nisga’a Final Agreement marked a new beginning for the Nisga’a people and the Nass Valley as a whole.  As the work to implement this groundbreaking treaty continues, Canada remains committed to working with the Nisga’a and the Province of British Columbia to advance our shared goals.”