Office of the Designated Representative

SERVICES

The Director of Programs & Services of the Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government (NLG) is designated as the representative for the Nisg̱a’a Nation, as represented by the Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government, under British Columbia child and family legislation, including the Child, Family Community Services Act (CFCSA), the Family Law Act (FLA) and the Adoption Act.

As the NLG Designated Representative, the Director of Programs & Services receives notice each time the issue of the custody or guardianship of a Nisg̱a’a child comes before the courts anywhere in the province of British Columbia.


The Office of the Designated Representative participates in child and family court proceedings on behalf of NLG’s Director of Programs and Services to ensure that Nisg̱a’a children retain their Nisg̱a’a cultural identity and maintain their connection to Nisg̱a’a family and to the Nisg̱a’a community.

Under the Nisg̱a’a Treaty, Nisg̱a’a Government has standing in any judicial proceeding in which custody of a Nisg̱a’a child is in dispute, and the court will consider any evidence and representations in respect of Nisg̱a’a laws and customs. See Chapter 11, paras. 94–95, and 98.

The Ministry of Child and Family Development (MCFD) director must inform NLG when a Nisg̱a’a child is the subject of a presentation hearing or an application for a temporary or continuing custody order. A representative for NLG may then appear and participate in these court proceedings. See sections 33.1(4)(d), 34(3)( e), 36(2.1)(f), 38(1)(c.1), and 42.1(3)(c).

If an application for guardianship is made in respect of a Nisg̱a’a child, the applicant must serve NLG with notice of the proceeding. See section 208.

Before a Nisg̱a’a child may be placed for adoption, a director of adoption or an adoption agency must make reasonable efforts to discuss the child’s placement with NLG. See section 7(1)(a.1).

All court documents, or agreements must be addressed to the Designated Representative for the Nisg̱a’a Nation, Director of Programs and Services.

If you require a name in your documents, you may address to Janet Nisyok, Manager, On Behalf of the Designated Representative.

Please fax all court documents to our Confidential Fax: 250-633-3086.

If you are providing Notification of Significant Measures, you may email and/or call the individuals listed below, who consult and respond to all matters, on behalf of the Designated Representative for the Nation.


We look forward to working with you, please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions.