25 years have passed since the first modern treaty in BC entered into force, releasing the Nisga’a nation from the limits of Indian law and allowing him to make his own decisions for his land and his people.
Enttered into force on May 11, 2000, the historical Treaty of Nisga’a has been seen by many as an important milestone on the way to reconciliation in BC
It was also the first treaty in Canada to directly recognize the inherent right of a first nation to self -government.
Andrew Robinson, CEO of the government of Nisga’a Lisims, remembers that on May as of joy and celebration.
“Our nation gathered and sang a song that the Canoa de Nisga’a has landed,” he said On the coast Host Gloria Makarenko.
“[It] It was appropriate for that time to give respect and tribute to all who spent 113 years fighting for our right to self -government, hence the number of the Nisga’a road that our treaty partners, British Columbia and Canada, had agreed: Highway 113. “
The Nisga’a nation was the first to sign a modern treaty in BC
The Minister of Indigenous Relations of Corona and Affairs of the North, Gary Anandasangaree, said in a press release on Friday that “this milestone represents not only the strength and vision of the leadership of Nisga’a, but also the lasting impact of the associations of treaties based on respect, recognition and self -determination.”
Treaty impact, 25 years later
The treaty included the title of the Earth about 2,000 square kilometers of land in the Nass Valley of BC, northwest of Terrace, and almost $ 200 million in compensation.
He also opened the door to joint economic initiatives and development between the nation and the province. Robinson says that if the impact was calculated, it would probably amounted to billions of dollars contributed to local, national and global economies.
The Nation created the first mining royalty company of indigenous property of Canada, which brings together several indigenous communities and investors. They are also one of the three partners in the KSI Lisims LNG project proposed.
Beyond the control of its own lands and resources, the treaty also allowed the Nation to administer its own health schools and services. And, he released them from the rules of Indian law.
Robinson says that many young people in their community today have never experienced life under Indian law.
“They only know what the Government of Nisga’a Lisims is, the government for its people,” he said.
Self -government provides certainty
Robinson says that the treaty has provided certainty and clarity for his nation, but also for others.
“We are doing the nation and strengthening the region,” he said.
“Not only does it give certainty to British Colombians and Canadians, but it provides certainty to the global community that the relationship is actually healing through these self -government agreements.”
BC Prime Minister David Eby said in a press release on Friday that the treaty marked a turning point in the history of BC, calling him a fundamental and future document.
“Reflecting on the last 25 years, we have achieved as much as treaty partners, and we will continue working in collaboration to carry out our objectives with the treaty as a guide: associations are the way to progress,” he said. “I thank Nisg̱a’a Lisims for their leadership and congratulate all the citizens of Nisg̱a’a for this anniversary.”
Robinson says that the economic, social and educational development opportunities provided through self -government have made room for a clear path forward, and helped maintain relations between the Nisga’a nation and the neighboring communities of Terrace, Prince Rupert, Kitimat and Smithers.
“We believe that the reconciling was executed when they provided us with our right to self -government, and we take it today with our due diligence, the best we can.”
