Declaration & Constitution

We are Nisg̱a’a, the people of Ḵ’alii-Aksim-Lisims. From time immemorial we have lived in the lands that K’amligiihahlhat gave to our ancestors. We observe Ayuukhl Nisg̱a’a, we have heard our adaawak relating to all our ango’oskw, from the simgigat and sigidimhaanak’ of each of our wilp. We honour and respect the principle of the common bowl. We are Nisg̱a’a — Since the beginning of time, our leaders have upheld the honour of our nation, and many have grown old and passed on seeking justice for our people. We have heard their stories, we celebrate their loyalty, and we are inspired by their courage. Their struggle was not in vain, their work is now finished, their vision is realized in our time.

Our canoe has been launched; our journey continues. We are Nisg̱a’a, we declare to all the world — We are a unique Aboriginal nation of Canada, proud of our history, and assured in our future. We claim and take our rightful place as equal participants in Canadian society. Our destiny is living peacefully together with the other nations in Canada. We commit ourselves to the values of our Ayuuk which have always sustained us and by which we govern ourselves, and we each acknowledge our accountability to those values, and to the Nisg̱a’a Nation.

We adopt this Constitution, recording here a solemn promise to ourselves and our future generations, confident that under this Constitution — The Nisg̱a’a Nation will prosper as a self-reliant society with a sustainable economy; Nisg̱a’a culture, self-determination, and well-being will be preserved and enhanced for generations to come; The traditional role that the simgigat and sigidimhaanak’, and respected Nisg̱a’a elders, as recognized and honoured in Nisg̱a’a culture from time immemorial, will be respected; Nisg̱a’a elders, simgigat and sigidimhaanak’ will continue to provide guidance and interpretation of the Ayuuk to Nisg̱a’a government; Nisg̱a’a spirituality will thrive and prevail in this land that K’amligiihahlhat gave to us; and the Nisg̱a’a Nation will flourish as a free and democratic society.

We are Nisg̱a’a, the people of Ḵ’alii-Aksim-Lisims — May K’amligiihahlhat continue to protect our land and nation.