Nisg̱a’a Treaty
Government
The Nisg̱a’a Final Agreement is British Columbia’s first modern treaty. A landmark in the relationship between Canada and its Aboriginal peoples, the Treaty came into effect on May 11, 2000, marking the end of a 113-year journey — and the first steps in a new direction. On that date, the Indian Act ceased to apply to Nisg̱a’a people.
The Nisg̱a’a Final Agreement is the first treaty in British Columbia to provide constitutional certainty in respect of an Aboriginal people’s Section 35 right to self-government. It recognizes Nisg̱a’a Lands and opens the door for joint economic initiatives in the development of the Nisg̱a’a Nation’s natural resources.
An example of hope, trust, and cooperation, the Nisg̱a’a Final Agreement is being studied by governments and Aboriginal peoples the world over. The Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government is already seeing the benefits of being free from the confines of the Indian Act.
