About the Society

The Tsimshian First Nations (TFN) Treaty Society is comprised of five Tsimshian First Nations in Northwestern British Columbia in effort to achieve a treaty agreement(s) with Canada and British Columbia under the British Columbia Treaty Commission process.

The TFN Treaty Society is legally registered as the Kitselas, Gitga'at, Kitsumkalum, Metlakatla, Kitasoo/Xaixais Treaty Society under the provincial Registrar of Societies as of September 17, 2004.

The purpose of the Society is to administer funds for treaty negotiations received on behalf of the Kitselas, Gitga'at, Kitsumkalum, Metlakatla, Kitasoo/Xaixais First Nations. (Incorporation Documents, 2004)

Guiding Principles

At the April 2005 planning session, the members agreed on the following principles:

• Acknowledging the strength in the five Tsimshian First Nations working together;
• Respect for differences;
• Recognition and respect for each others territories;
• Cherishing our common language, history  and traditions;
• Respect for our elders;
• Protecting our children and future generations;
• A commitment to resolve our differences through an agreed to dispute resolution process;
• Recognition and defense of our collective rights and the rights of individual First Nations;
• Enhancing and protecting our political, social economic and territorial rights;
• Working towards self-government and greater self-determination in a manner that respects the will of the people through democratic principles and also respects the traditional system of governance;
• Entrenching our rights to food, clothing, shelter, health and education;
• Enhancing and protecting our existing Aboriginal rights and the future rights of Tsimshian First Nations for future generations