Tsimshian Protocol for Cooperation Amongst the Tsimshian Nation

posted December 1, 2008

Delegates in assembly at Kitsumkalum, Nov. 6, 2008. (Morris Mason photo)

November 6, 2008. The community of Kitsumkalum hosted five other Tsimshian First Nations (Kitselas, Lax Kw’alaams, Metlakatla, Gitxaala Nation and Gitga’at) for a meeting to address completion of a formal agreement amongst all of the Tsimshian respecting: communication issues, traditional territories, cooperation and management relationships as well as economic opportunities in the area. Kitasoo did not attend due to prior commitments.

This was the third meeting in the past eighteen months in effort to address issues that are common to each of the seven Tsimshian First Nations – both for benefits and progress or even if it is problems faced in trying to provide community benefits for membership. A draft agreement was presented, discussed and amended at the meeting however at the end of the day, not everyone was willing to sign off in approval.

There was agreement by Kitselas, Kitsumkalum and the Gitxaala Nation (Kitkatla) to initial as agreed in principle and indication from Metlakatla, Lax Kw’alaams and Gitga’at to bring the draft home for further review and direction. Kitasoo had indicated prior to the meeting their willingness to sign the draft Protocol. There was also agreement to form a Joint Work Group. The Working Group will assist in readiness of agenda and format for the next meeting and to begin work on some of the proposed issues, in particular, to develop a draft ‘Tsimshian Dispute Resolution Process or Policy’ that can guide resolution of disputes amongst the individual communities e.g. on boundary differences, on resource management issues, and on approaches to government or industry. Issues’ concerning the Prince Rupert Port expansion is a clear example of development that affects all of the Tsimshian First Nations.

The BC Treaty Commission has been called upon to chair the last two meetings as they view any effort amongst First Nations to address internal boundary issues and working relationships will be helpful to those involved in treaty as well as those who are not treaty participants. Some the terms of the Protocol include:
• “are historic neighbours…”
• “believe that collaborative discussion among the Tsimshian in areas of service delivery contribute directly to the health and well being of our communities.”
• “…this Protocol represents a commitment by the Nations to work together to promote positive and long term processes.”
• “…The Nations may agree to amend this agreement at any time;”

Along with the initialling of approval for the Protocol, Kitselas, Kitsumkalum and Gitxaala agreed there are important issues that can be addressed on a collective basis if we put our effort to it. There was expression of concern that a growing population in the Northwest that is gaining land and opportunities that First Nations are pursuing while the First Nations find ways to debate with each other on how to proceed or who owns the lands.

Those First Nations not able to fully support the Protocol as drafted felt it was not detailed enough in some areas and too detailed or inconsistent in others. A suggestion was made to hold meetings in each of the various communities to ensure understanding of detail and requirements. Lax Kw’alaams representatives offered to host the next meeting in their community before the end of January.

In closing the meeting, Kitsumkalum Chief Councillor Don Roberts expressed optimism for progress as well as regret that full agreement wasn’t reached. Kitsumkalum presented all participants with a commemorative cup listing names of each community along with beautiful pictures depicting the people living on the ocean and on the Skeena River system.

Kalum leadership welcoming delegates (Morris Mason photo)

Jody Wilson, A/Chief Commissioner BCTC Chairing the meeting and
Chief Councillor Glenn Bennet (Kitselas) (Morris Mason photo)