Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, has issued the following statement in response to the ‘yes’ vote by eligible voters on the ratification of the Kitsumkalum Treaty and Self-Government Constitution:

“On behalf of all British Columbians, I would like to congratulate the eligible voters and leadership of Kitsumkalum First Nation on the successful ratification of their treaty and constitution.

“As noted in the preliminary results, of the 705 eligible voters, 625 cast ballots on the treaty with 569 (approximately 91%) voting ‘yes;’ 629 cast ballots on the constitution, with 563 (approximately 89.5%) voting ‘yes.’ 

“For the treaty and constitution to be ratified, each vote requires a double majority. That means more than 50% of eligible voters on the voters list needed to cast a ballot, and more than 50% of those voters needed to cast a ballot in favour of the treaty and constitution. Based on these results, we understand these thresholds were met.

“Kitsumkalum First Nation, the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia have been in treaty negotiations since 1993.

“With negotiations on the Kitsumkalum Treaty complete and a successful ratification vote, the Kitsumkalum people have now chosen their path forward. This decision is one that generations of Kitsumkalum people have worked towards.

“I wish to congratulate Chief Councillor Troy Sam of Kitsumkalum First Nation, Kitsumkalum Council, Elders, past Chiefs, the Kitsumkalum Treaty Team, the Eligibility and Enrolment team, and the Tripartite Ratification Committee for all of their hard work and dedication that has brought us to this momentous day. I acknowledge the work has been immense and we wouldn’t be here without you. 

“In particular, I would also like to recognize the leadership of the late Chief Don Roberts, Simoogit ‘Wiidildal, Waap Łagaax Gisbutwada, and his tireless dedication over decades to achieving a fair and just treaty for the Kitsumkalum people. 

“The next step is for British Columbia to ratify the treaty, then all parties sign and finally Canada ratifies. Provincial and federal ratification involves the B.C. legislature and Canadian Parliament each passing treaty-implementation legislation. As the minister of Indigenous relations and reconciliation, I remain firmly committed to taking this path alongside the Kitsumkalum people.

“Throughout the next steps of this process, there will be further opportunities for regional and public engagement, as well as ongoing consultation with neighbouring First Nations.

“The Kitsumkalum Treaty is a path to self-governance and self-determination, recognition of rights, revitalization of Tsimshian culture and the Sm’algyax language, collaborative resource management and new economic opportunity. Not only will the Kitsumkalum people benefit from this treaty, but the entire Skeena region will see tangible benefits, such as job creation; investments in economic development, housing and infrastructure development; and increased tourism opportunities. It provides the basis for a revitalized relationship between Kitsumkalum, their neighbours and all levels of government by fostering shared understanding, providing predictability and supporting further work together in the region.”

Learn More:

For more information on the preliminary vote results, visit: https://www.facebook.com/Kitsumkalumtreaty/posts/pfbid027ZP53DqnLgnv4WwBU8xcpukXxwssyWAoHc6E1KtPXjz7AA7LvYYakzhqJ8J3ysgTl

Treaty information and updates are available here: https://www.kitsumkalumtreaty.ca/

For more information on Kitsumkalum Treaty negotiations, visit: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/govtogetherbc/engagement/kitselas-and-kitsumkalum-treaty-negotiations