Timeline
The Nisg̱a’a Nation’s history is a saga of resilience, cultural vitality, and unwavering commitment to sovereignty in the face of formidable challenges. For millennia, the Nisg̱a’a have inhabited the rugged landscapes of the Nass River valley and its surrounding territories in what is now known as British Columbia, Canada. Our journey is marked by deep connections to the land, rich oral traditions, and a profound sense of community. From ancient times to the contemporary era, the Nisg̱a’a have navigated encounters with external forces, maintained their distinct cultural practices, and forged pathways towards self-determination.
This timeline endeavours to chart the dynamic tapestry of Nisg̱a’a history, highlighting pivotal moments, cultural achievements, and ongoing quests for justice and empowerment.
1887
1888
1890
1910
1913
1924
1927
1949
1951
1955
1960
1973
1976
1982
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1996
1998
1999
2000
2002
2004
2005
2008
2009
2011
2020
1887
1887
Nisg̱a’a Chiefs travel by water to Victoria to discuss the Nisg̱a’a Land Question; they are turned away on the steps of the legislature by Premier William Smithe.
1888
1888
Aboriginal fishers are excluded from commercial fishing until 1923.
1890
1890
First Nisg̱a’a Land Committee established.
1910
1910
Prime Minister Laurier promises to settle the Land Question.
1913
1913
Nisg̱a’a Land Committee submits its petition to the British Privy Council in London.
1924
1924
Nisg̱a’a Nation allotted 76 square kilometres of reserve land.
1927
1927
Ottawa prohibits Aboriginal people from organizing to discuss the Land Question.
1949
1949
Nisg̱a’a Chief Frank Calder is elected to the B.C. legislature.
1951
1951
Parliament repeals provisions of the Indian Act that outlawed the potlatch and prohibited land claims activities.
1955
1955
Nisg̱a’a Land Committee is re-established as the Nisg̱a’a Tribal Council; Frank Calder is elected its first president.
1960
1960
Aboriginal people are granted the right to vote in federal elections.1973
1973
In the “Calder Decision,” the Supreme Court of Canada rules that the Nisg̱a’a had held Aboriginal title before settlers came, but the judges split evenly on whether Aboriginal title continued to exist.1976
1976
Nisg̱a’a begin negotiating with Ottawa (B.C. government attends as an observer). The federal government adopts a “comprehensive land claims policy”; the Nisg̱a’a claim is the only one in B.C. started under this new policy.1982
1982
Constitution of Canada recognizes and affirms existing Aboriginal rights.1989
1989
Nisg̱a’a people begin managing their own healthcare system through the Nisg̱a’a Valley Health Authority.1990
1990
British Columbia formally enters Nisg̱a’a negotiations.1991
1991
A tripartite framework agreement is signed between the Nisg̱a’a Nation, Canada, and British Columbia.1992
1992
Nisg̱a’a Fisheries is established to manage the resource in partnership with Canada.1993
1993
Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisg̱a’a (Nisg̱a’a House of Wisdom) is established to provide Nisg̱a’a -based post-secondary programs in Nisg̱a’a communities and select urban centres.1994
1994
B.C. delegates authority to the Nisg̱a’a Nation for Child and Family Services.1996
1996
On March 22, representatives of the Nisg̱a’a Tribal Council, Canada, and British Columbia sign the Nisg̱a’a Agreement in Principle, paving the way for a final agreement.1998
1998
On August 4, the Nisg̱a’a Treaty is initialed in New Aiyansh, making news around the world. On November 7, the Nisg̱a’a Nation votes to ratify the Nisg̱a’a Final Agreement and adopt the Nisg̱a’a Constitution.
On November 30, the Nisg̱a’a Final Agreement (Bill 51) is introduced in first reading to the British Columbia legislature.
1999
1999
On April 26, the Nisg̱a’a Final Agreement (Bill 51) is granted Royal Assent.2000
2000
On April 13, the Senate approves the Nisg̱a’a Final Agreement; the Nisg̱a’a Treaty is formally ratified and Bill C-9 is granted Royal Assent. On May 11, the Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government formally comes into effect, constitutes itself, and passes first laws. On September 14, Wilp Si’ayuukhl Nisg̱a’a , Lisims government’s new legislative and administrative building, opens as the formal seat of Nisg̱a’a government in New Aiyansh.2002
2002
In December, the 28-kilometre Nisg̱a’a Highway Kincolith Extension Project is complete, connecting Gingolx to the rest of the Nisg̱a’a Nation and the wider North American road network.2004
2004
Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government establishes enTel Communications Inc. (now known as Lisims Communications LP) to bring broadband Internet access to the Nass Valley.2005
2005
The Nisg̱a’a Highway 113 Upgrade Project is complete. The project includes the upgrading of 90 kilometres of gravel source road to a paved, two-lane, 70 km/h year-round highway. The Forestry Transition Committee concludes and the Nisg̱a’a Nation takes full control of all timber resources on Nisg̱a’a Lands.2008
2008
After six years of dedicated work, the Anhluut’ukwsim Saw’inskhl Nisg̱a’a (the printed version of Ayuukhl Nisg̱a’a ) is presented for the first time at the Nisg̱a’a Nation Special Assembly. A cornerstone of the Nisg̱a’a culture, the document is a gift to future generations.2009
2009
Ground-breaking for the Nisg̱a’a Museum takes place in July.2011
2011
On May 11, 2011 the Nisg̱a’a Nation officially opens the Nisg̱a’a Museum. This facility houses the Nisg̱a’a artifacts repatriated from Canada and BC under the Nisg̱a’a Final Agreement and is a permanent place for all peoples to experience the rich life and legacy of Nisg̱a’a Nation.2020
