Office of the Designated Representative
SERVICES
Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government (NLG), Abeline Stewart, Manager – 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, Abeline Stewart 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 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).
The Designated Representative for the Nisga’a Nation
All court documents, or other agreements must be addressed to the Designated Representative for the Nisga’a Nation, Abeline Stewart, Manager.
Please fax all Court Documents & Notice of Significant Measures to our Confidential Fax: 250-633-3086.
If you are providing Notification – updates on files (Court Dates, Mediation, Trials, FCC. Or any type of Meetings; ICM, FGC, FCPC), incident reports – 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.
- Abeline Stewart- Manager – Designated Representative C: 250-975-5293 Ph: 250-633-3006 abeline.stewart@nisgaanation.ca OR designatedrepresentative@nisgaanation.ca
- Grace Clayton -Administrative Assistant C: 250-615-9560 Ph: 250-633-3056 grace.clayton@nisgaanation.ca
We look forward to working with you, please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions.
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).
The Designated Representative for the Nisga’a Nation
All court documents, or other agreements must be addressed to the Designated Representative for the Nisga’a Nation, Abeline Stewart, Manager.
Please fax all Court Documents & Notice of Significant Measures to our Confidential Fax: 250-633-3086.
If you are providing Notification – updates on files (Court Dates, Mediation, Trials, FCC. Or any type of Meetings; ICM, FGC, FCPC), incident reports – 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.
- Abeline Stewart- Manager – Designated Representative C: 250-975-5293 Ph: 250-633-3006 abeline.stewart@nisgaanation.ca OR designatedrepresentative@nisgaanation.ca
- Grace Clayton -Administrative Assistant C: 250-615-9560 Ph: 250-633-3056 grace.clayton@nisgaanation.ca
- Annie Stewart, Court Coordinator C: 672-977-7892 Ph: 250-633-3054
We look forward to working with you, please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions.