world pandemic era and treaty negotiations in northern bc
Pre-pandemic era of negotiations. Tsimshian First Nations, Kitselas and Kitsumkalum, BC and Canada. Chaired by BC Treaty Commission.
Tsimshian First Nation negotiator with BC team and Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Murray Rankin. Chaired by BC Treaty Commission.
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Tsimshian First Nation Treaty Negotiations, include five Tsimshian communities involved in Tripartite (Canada, BC & First Nation) talks, after a year of carrying out business while adapting to a world threatened by a deadly virus transmitting its way around the world, our normal has not changed as dramatically as others seem.
Pre-Covid, negotiators travelled between home bases, each taking turns as host, and carried out a three-day session of talks each month. Through the coronavirus era, tripartite negotiators met weekly and table talks range from morning only to all-day discussions. March was an active month at the treaty tables, and the advanced tables arranged one-on-one meeting with BC's Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Murray Rankin. Minister Rankin was updated on the table's status talks for the Tsimshian communities and provided feedback to the concerns brought forward. Issues regarding the pace of negotiation and identifying where some of the hold-ups are occurring. Though no final decisions were made, the minister has a first-hand account of where his negotiation team is with these treaties. The Tsimshian communities, there are a couple of band council elections scheduled for 2021, one of which has already occurred. Incumbent Chief Don Roberts was voted in as Chief Councillor for another term, his eighth term serving his community along with a solid team of councillors, six out of seven of which have been re-elected for the fourth time in a row. Chief Roberts was recognized as the leader of a strong team of officials and personally congratulated by the honourable Premier of BC, John Horgan and Minister Murray Rankin. As we roll into a new fiscal term, the momentum of talks shall continue with the regular schedule of internal preparations at the start of the week, with negotiations throughout the rest of the week. |
simple measures to ride the second wave of covid-19 transmission
With deepest sympathy as the nisga'a nation remember Dr Joseph Gosnell
Tsimshian Treaty Society express condolences to the Nisga'a Nation as they mourn the loss of Dr Joseph Gosnell.
The lessons he taught, the love he gave, the way he cared for people... all those live on in you.
Health care investigation is urging indigenous to come forward
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Addressing Racism: An independent investigation into Indigenous-specific discrimination in B.C. health care
The survey is now closed. For further, detailed information and updates regarding this investigation, click here. |
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Tsimshian first nation treaty tables during the corona virus era
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Five Tsimshian communities continue activities through the world wide pandemic. The tables remain vigilant in negotiating agreements with the crown governments. In fact, since COVID-19 spread across the territories around the globe, the Tsimshian teams adapted instantly to virtual collaborations.
Today, if you ask a negotiator about their schedule, they will likely tell you they are busier and attending more meetings every week than ever before. Day in and day out, on top of other community business, treaty talks carry on daily. |
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After numerous delays, Gitga’at First Nation has managed to complete its community elections. Fortunately, having a custom election code, where they have the flexibility to adapt to the current conditions, and in coordination with One Feather, community members were able to select their leadership electronically.
Congratulations! Chief councillor: Arnold Clifton Council officials: Cameron Hill Bruce G Reece Simone Reece Marven Robinson All the best to you during your three year term! |
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COVID-19 AT A GLANCE RESOURCES FOR ALL BC RESIDENTS
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Many Band Administrations are trying to help their members living off reserve to find and apply for the government supports available in BC. Together with the BC Federal Council, we’ve developed a COVID-19 At a Glance of Resources for All BC Individuals that you can reference and share. This document will be updated at the end of every week with new information and updates.
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Learn more and get all COVID-19 updates at www.fnha.ca/coronavirus
2019-nCov / Coronavirus disease (covid-19): Prevention and risks
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It is crucial to know:
How coronavirus spreads, how to prevent coronavirus and the level of risk of coming into contact with it. |
Indigenous Services Canada recognizes has prepared an information page where you can stay up to date with the events as they unfold.
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Hoobiyee!
2020
GITLAXT’AAMIKS
February 21-22, 2020
Hobiyee 2020, 50th ANNIVERSARY of the Gitlaxt’aamiks Ceremonial Dance Group as their community hosts the annual event marking the New Year for Nisga’a.
Two full days of ancient ceremony performances sharing culture through stories, songs and dance. Special events included an exclusive interview by CFNR with Sim’oogit Hleeḵ, Dr Joseph Gosnell. (Video posted above).
Also adding to this, an additional event following the Grand Entry, the 2020 All Native Tournament Masters Champions, the Gitlaxt’aamiks Gitmidiik Masters, were introduced.
*The Halayt-Simgigat studied the Buxw-laks moon, the moon of February, and they made note of the different shapes leading up to the full moon. Over time, 3 they observed that whenever the first crescent moon (thin-shaped) is in the shape of the Hoobix – the bowl of the Nisga’a wooden spoon with the ends pointing upward, this meant abundant resources in the harvesting seasons to follow in K’alii-Aksim Lisims (the Nass Valley). The oolichans would be plentiful, the salmon … berries … and various other resources important to the Nisga’a; all in all, a bountiful year predicted.
Two full days of ancient ceremony performances sharing culture through stories, songs and dance. Special events included an exclusive interview by CFNR with Sim’oogit Hleeḵ, Dr Joseph Gosnell. (Video posted above).
Also adding to this, an additional event following the Grand Entry, the 2020 All Native Tournament Masters Champions, the Gitlaxt’aamiks Gitmidiik Masters, were introduced.
*The Halayt-Simgigat studied the Buxw-laks moon, the moon of February, and they made note of the different shapes leading up to the full moon. Over time, 3 they observed that whenever the first crescent moon (thin-shaped) is in the shape of the Hoobix – the bowl of the Nisga’a wooden spoon with the ends pointing upward, this meant abundant resources in the harvesting seasons to follow in K’alii-Aksim Lisims (the Nass Valley). The oolichans would be plentiful, the salmon … berries … and various other resources important to the Nisga’a; all in all, a bountiful year predicted.
* The Simgigat – Nisga’a Chieftains; The Halayt is often referred to as a spiritual leader, medicine man or doctor (https://www.nisgaanation.ca/sites/default/files/Hoobiyee-2012.pdf)
February 28 & 29th - HOOBIYEE! - 2020 - TS’AMIKS EDITION - Celebrate the Nisga’a New Year in - Vancouver
Watch it live at CFNR FM
HOOBIYEE! - 2021 - Gitwinksihlkw
Kitselas, Gitga’at, Metlakatla, Kitasoo/Xaixais Treaty Society
DBA TFN TREATY SOCIETY holds Annual General Assembly
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Wednesday, February 12, 2020, the TFN Treaty Society held its annual general meeting via teleconference, finalizing societal obligations for 2019.
Attendees were: President/Chair Chief Harold Leighton (Metlakatla), CEO/Chief Negotiator Gerald Wesley (TFN Treaty Society), Secretary Chief Councilor Don Roberts (Kitsumkalum), Director Chief Arnold Clifton (Gitga’at), Band Councilor Cyril Nabess, Proxy for Treasurer Chief Judy Gerow (Kitselas), Guests Negotiators Joycelyn Mitchell, Steve Lehrner (Metlakatla) and Admin Assistant Jeanette Spalding (TFN Treaty Society) Regrets include chief councillor Judy Gerow (Kitselas) and Chief councillor Roxanne Robinson (Kitasoo/Xaixais) Nine motions were reviewed and carried covering issues like financial management, annual audit statement reports and other audit preparation requirements; preparations are in gear for the up and coming 2020-2021 fiscal term. Every year at the annual event, directors are appointed. By-law indicates for each community; their elected chief counsellor will serve as director to the society. 2019-2020 Director appointees are: Director-President/Chair Harold Leighton Director-Treasurer Judy Gerow Director-Secretary Don Roberts Director Arnold Clifton Director Roxanne Robinson 2020 Annual General Meeting will be arranged for by the end of this calendar year. |
Sm‘algya̱x language book "‘Wii Amap‘a̱sm Hana̱‘a̱x" released December 16, 2019
Sm’aglyax is the language of Tsimshian (Ts‘msyen) First Nation of the Pacific coast. The late matriarch Mildred Roberts, a fluent speaker, passed away in October of 2016 and left a legacy of stories and songs.
Mildred actively practiced and taught art and language; she was a storyteller contributing generously to the oral history of the people of Kitsumkalum, a community in the Ts‘msyen territory of the coast.
A team of friends and family of the late Mildred Roberts: Anne Hill, Music instructor at Kitsumkalum community school, ‘N Aksa Gyila̱k‘yoo; Marian Laval of University of Northern BC; Frances Campbell-Sam, Illustrator; Jeanine Philippe, Photographer; Heather Bohn, Communications Manager, in collaboration with language experts and translators, published and released “‘Wii Amap’a̱sm Hana̱’a̱x Sleeping Beauty Mountain” on December 16, 2019.
A Sm‘algya̱x/English book, A story and song narrated in both Sm’algya̱x and English that provides a glimpse into the worldview of Ts‘msyen people and their relationship with our mother earth.
This book is suitable for all ages and available for purchase at House of Sim-oi-ghets in Kitsumkalum and Misty River books in downtown Terrace.
Mildred actively practiced and taught art and language; she was a storyteller contributing generously to the oral history of the people of Kitsumkalum, a community in the Ts‘msyen territory of the coast.
A team of friends and family of the late Mildred Roberts: Anne Hill, Music instructor at Kitsumkalum community school, ‘N Aksa Gyila̱k‘yoo; Marian Laval of University of Northern BC; Frances Campbell-Sam, Illustrator; Jeanine Philippe, Photographer; Heather Bohn, Communications Manager, in collaboration with language experts and translators, published and released “‘Wii Amap’a̱sm Hana̱’a̱x Sleeping Beauty Mountain” on December 16, 2019.
A Sm‘algya̱x/English book, A story and song narrated in both Sm’algya̱x and English that provides a glimpse into the worldview of Ts‘msyen people and their relationship with our mother earth.
This book is suitable for all ages and available for purchase at House of Sim-oi-ghets in Kitsumkalum and Misty River books in downtown Terrace.
Tsimshian First Nations Summer 2019 Election Update
Congratulations to Tsimshian Communities on the Coast in completing a busy Summer at the poles. The community of Metlakatla First Nation (FN) came out August 28th, 2019 and voted in a fresh start at their council chamber, the previous team having served a three-year term.
Chief Councilor: Harold Leighton
Council Members:
Alvin Leask
James Nelson
Robert Nelson
Alrita Leask
Miranda Leighton
Darci Nelson
Kitasoo/Xai’Xais First Nation voted in July 2019 giving rise to
Chief Councilor: Roxanne Robinson who leads the charge in a wide array of special forces including, Heath, Climate Change, Public safety, to name a few.
The council table seats five council members:
Christopher Knights, Deputy Chief
Barry Edgar
Isaiah Robinson
Frank Robinson
Lorna Fraser
Though Kitasoo/Xai’Xais FN runs under a custom election code, the term remains at two years.
Chief Councilor: Harold Leighton
Council Members:
Alvin Leask
James Nelson
Robert Nelson
Alrita Leask
Miranda Leighton
Darci Nelson
Kitasoo/Xai’Xais First Nation voted in July 2019 giving rise to
Chief Councilor: Roxanne Robinson who leads the charge in a wide array of special forces including, Heath, Climate Change, Public safety, to name a few.
The council table seats five council members:
Christopher Knights, Deputy Chief
Barry Edgar
Isaiah Robinson
Frank Robinson
Lorna Fraser
Though Kitasoo/Xai’Xais FN runs under a custom election code, the term remains at two years.
2019 Band Election Results – Kitselas First Nation
TFN Treaty Society would like to wish CONGRATULATIONS to Kitselas on another successful band council election. It is an exciting time when a whole community exercises its democratic right and decides who they want to represent and lead the community as it grows and prospers.
With eight leaders seeking Chief Councilor Chair, and 27 candidates vying for a council seat, results for the leadership table are:
Chief Council – Judy Gerow (plus a council seat)
Council – Cyril Bennett-Nabess
Clarisa Spencer
Chad Gerow
Lynn Parker
Harold McDames Sr
All the best to the People of the Canyon!
With eight leaders seeking Chief Councilor Chair, and 27 candidates vying for a council seat, results for the leadership table are:
Chief Council – Judy Gerow (plus a council seat)
Council – Cyril Bennett-Nabess
Clarisa Spencer
Chad Gerow
Lynn Parker
Harold McDames Sr
All the best to the People of the Canyon!
Tsimshian of the North West Coast Vote 2019
2019 is the year communities in Tsimshian country will be expressing themselves and choosing who will lead through a new term.
It is an election year like no other. Not only will there be a federal election out of Ottawa, but also, the Crown’s seven Tsimshian Indian Act bands in the North West of British Columbia have or will be taking to the polls this year.
Kitsumkalum community members expressed confidence in their leadership in February where the community elected in the same Chief Councillor and all Councillors as before, except one new community official joining the team for the two-year term.
Happening now! Kitselas First Nation’s official list of candidates running for leadership positions is released. Eight candidates are vying for the Chief seat and 27 candidates looking to fill six councillor chairs. Kitselas First Nation community will take to the polls on June 12, 2019.
Following Kitselas’ elections, Kitasoo/Xaixais will vote in their leadership in July, Metlakatla First Nation candidates will be campaigning for an August vote.
Closing out 2019, Gitga’at First Nation community will be voting in November.
The largest Tsimshian community, Lax Kw’alaams, not TFN Treaty Society affiliate, will elect their council team in November and second largest, Gitxaala, also not TFN Treaty Society affiliate, has recently sworn in their new leadership team in April where the leadership will serve their community until 2023.
It is an election year like no other. Not only will there be a federal election out of Ottawa, but also, the Crown’s seven Tsimshian Indian Act bands in the North West of British Columbia have or will be taking to the polls this year.
Kitsumkalum community members expressed confidence in their leadership in February where the community elected in the same Chief Councillor and all Councillors as before, except one new community official joining the team for the two-year term.
Happening now! Kitselas First Nation’s official list of candidates running for leadership positions is released. Eight candidates are vying for the Chief seat and 27 candidates looking to fill six councillor chairs. Kitselas First Nation community will take to the polls on June 12, 2019.
Following Kitselas’ elections, Kitasoo/Xaixais will vote in their leadership in July, Metlakatla First Nation candidates will be campaigning for an August vote.
Closing out 2019, Gitga’at First Nation community will be voting in November.
The largest Tsimshian community, Lax Kw’alaams, not TFN Treaty Society affiliate, will elect their council team in November and second largest, Gitxaala, also not TFN Treaty Society affiliate, has recently sworn in their new leadership team in April where the leadership will serve their community until 2023.
Tsimshian First Nations Treaty Society Update
Though it has been quiet on the TFN Treaty Website, the Communities within Tsimshian Territory have been busy.
Every month, Metlakatla, Kitsumkalum and Kitselas spend three days at the table with the Crown Governments, Canada and British Columbia negotiating toward settling a Final Agreement, updated information can be found through each community treaty office, their web page or social media account.
Metlakatla First Nation set the stage for negotiating their final agreements by signing their Agreement in Principle with the Crown Governments in February 2019, bypassing the formal referendum approach and crown government procedures that could stretch this stage up to 2 years.
Congratulations to Kitsumkalum First Nation; the community expressed confidence in their leadership by electing the same team of leadership at their council elections as the end of February. There was one change, Aaron Horner joins the team after Susan Spalding didn’t run this term. After serving ten terms, she has recently become a proud grandma and will be focusing on nurturing her growing family for the time being.
The new council team at Kitsumkalum is as follows:
Chief Councillor
Don Roberts
Councillors
Cynthia Bohn
Wayne Bolton
Kenny Brown
Aaron Horner
Troy Sam
Kathy Wesley
Lisa Wesley
Kitselas First Nation community will be taking to the poles in June 2019. Kitselas leadership currently includes Chief Councillor Joe Bevan, Councillor and Deputy Chief Judy Gerow, Councillors Cyril Nabess-Bennett, Gerald Seymour, Clarissa Spencer, Roxanne Ridler, and Sue Bevan.
Gitga’at First Nation and Kitasoo/Xai’xais First Nation celebrate the release of IMAX documentary “Great Bear Rain Forest: Land of the Spirit Bear” a feature-length documentary which premiered February 12 and is now open to the public in Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto and Sudbury. The communities teamed up with Heilsuk Nation and Pacific Wild with the creation of this picture of one of the most remote places on the planet.
You can access community web sites through a link under TFN Treaty's "Affiliates" link.
Every month, Metlakatla, Kitsumkalum and Kitselas spend three days at the table with the Crown Governments, Canada and British Columbia negotiating toward settling a Final Agreement, updated information can be found through each community treaty office, their web page or social media account.
Metlakatla First Nation set the stage for negotiating their final agreements by signing their Agreement in Principle with the Crown Governments in February 2019, bypassing the formal referendum approach and crown government procedures that could stretch this stage up to 2 years.
Congratulations to Kitsumkalum First Nation; the community expressed confidence in their leadership by electing the same team of leadership at their council elections as the end of February. There was one change, Aaron Horner joins the team after Susan Spalding didn’t run this term. After serving ten terms, she has recently become a proud grandma and will be focusing on nurturing her growing family for the time being.
The new council team at Kitsumkalum is as follows:
Chief Councillor
Don Roberts
Councillors
Cynthia Bohn
Wayne Bolton
Kenny Brown
Aaron Horner
Troy Sam
Kathy Wesley
Lisa Wesley
Kitselas First Nation community will be taking to the poles in June 2019. Kitselas leadership currently includes Chief Councillor Joe Bevan, Councillor and Deputy Chief Judy Gerow, Councillors Cyril Nabess-Bennett, Gerald Seymour, Clarissa Spencer, Roxanne Ridler, and Sue Bevan.
Gitga’at First Nation and Kitasoo/Xai’xais First Nation celebrate the release of IMAX documentary “Great Bear Rain Forest: Land of the Spirit Bear” a feature-length documentary which premiered February 12 and is now open to the public in Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto and Sudbury. The communities teamed up with Heilsuk Nation and Pacific Wild with the creation of this picture of one of the most remote places on the planet.
You can access community web sites through a link under TFN Treaty's "Affiliates" link.
Treaty NewsFor the latest news and information on treaty negotiations click here
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Publications
For the latest issue of our society newsletter, or other materials developed and distributed by the society click here
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Learning Centre
To learn more about treaty negotiations and related issues click here. For answers to frequently asked questions click here.
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Stage 5 - Negotiating Final Agreement
The aim is to reach a handshake agreement followed by community vote. Once approved the signing ceremony will commence. This is very much like the Agreement in Principle stage except the terms are now final. Once the final agreement is signed, the implementation date or effective date is set. From that day forward, Kitsumkalum and Kitselas communities are set free from under
Agreements-in-Principle
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Photos courtesy the Province of British Columbia
NOTE: due to large file size, downloading this document may be slow
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Photos courtesy the Province of British Columbia
NOTE: due to large file size, downloading this document may be slow
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