Kitselas Treaty Act introduced in B.C. legislature

VICTORIA -

Summary

• The Province has introduced provincial treaty implementation legislation - the Kitselas Treaty Act, 2026 - in the B.C. legislature as the first step in the government's ratification of the Kitselas Treaty
• A result of long-standing and comprehensive negotiations, treaties address a wide range of interests and are an important part of advancing reconciliation and recognizing First Nations' inherent rights, including self-determination
• The Kitselas First Nation entered treaty negotiations in 1993 with the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia
• Throughout the next steps of the ratification process there will be further opportunities for regional and public engagement, as well as ongoing consultation with neighbouring First Nations

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The Province has introduced provincial treaty implementation legislation - the Kitselas Treaty Act, 2026 - in the B.C. legislature as the first step in the government's ratification of the Kitselas Treaty.

"The introduction of the Kitselas Treaty Act is a significant milestone along the path of treaty-making in British Columbia," said Premier David Eby. "The treaty, if fully ratified, will be an extraordinary instrument for the Kitselas people to create a better future for their families and future generations as a self-governing community, while at the same time creating jobs and opportunity for the entire region. At their heart, modern treaties like the Kitselas Treaty are creating a path to certainty for our province. A path to predictable relationships, fostering partnerships and a framework for all people in B.C. to live together and increase prosperity for everyone."

The Kitselas Treaty Act provides for the first step in provincial ratification of the Kitselas Treaty. The Act establishes the legal status of the Kitselas Treaty, including statutory provisions necessary to implement the treaty and consequential amendments to other statutes. The bill will be debated and put to a vote by members of the B.C. legislature.

"Making treaties with First Nations in B.C. leads to greater prosperity, certainty and togetherness for all of us in B.C.," said Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. "And this historic moment shows that we are on the right path toward a bright future. I would like to express our government's recognition, in particular, for the many years of dedicated service by Mel Bevan, who passed away in October 2023 and who served as Kitselas chief negotiator for many years and worked so hard with so many others to bring a proposed treaty to the people."

Once introduced and debated and if passed in the legislature, several provincial and federal steps must be undertaken to ratify and bring the treaty into force. The bill completes one of the two steps required for provincial ratification of the Kitselas Treaty. The other step for provincial ratification is signing of the treaty, which must be done by Kitselas, B.C. and Canada before the treaty is reviewed by the federal Parliament. If fully ratified by all parties, the Kitselas Treaty will be one of the first comprehensive treaties to come into effect since the Tla'amin Treaty in 2016.

"Kitselas first stated working on this treaty 30-plus years ago, building on the vision of our Elder Sm'ooyget Sha-Gann Mel Bevan," said Chief Glen Bennett, Kitselas First Nation. "We believe that only through our treaty, can Kitselas regain control of our lands, our laws and our rights, building a new self-governing future with Canada and B.C."

This treaty represents the significant shifts in the treaty negotiation process in B.C., including the finalization of the Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for Treaty Negotiations in 2019. These positive shifts reflect new collaborative approaches to negotiation that expedite and better address the needs and priorities of communities.

"Reaching this stage is a major step for Kitselas after many years of dedicated negotiation," said Rebecca Alty, federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations. "The treaty clearly sets out rights, supports self-government and helps manage land and resources in a consistent way. This moves reconciliation forward and strengthens relationships between governments."

Milestones in negotiating the Kitselas Treaty

The Kitselas Treaty was negotiated under the B.C. Treaty Commission process. The Kitselas First Nation entered treaty negotiations in 1993 with the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia. In 2012, all negotiators reached an agreement-in-principle, with all parties signing in 2015, establishing agreement on the substantive elements to be detailed in the completed treaty.

In the years since, Kitselas, B.C. and Canada have engaged and informed Kitselas members, people throughout the region, neighbouring First Nations and all levels of government and industry partners. Engagement is an important aspect of treaty and reconciliation negotiations and the ratification process.

On June 24, 2024, chief negotiators initialled the Kitselas Treaty. Initialling marked an important milestone in the treaty journey, as it signalled the conclusion of substantive negotiations. Initialling was subject to important caveats, including Canada and B.C. fulfilling their duty to consult other First Nations and the completion of a final legal and technical review of the treaty.

The legal and technical review of the treaty concluded in 2025, resulting in the ratification version of the Kitselas Treaty. Since then, minor change negotiations have been ongoing as outlined in the General Provisions Chapter of the Kitselas Treaty. At the same time, Crown consultation with neighbouring First Nations has remained ongoing.

In the first step of ratification, eligible voters of the First Nation voted on whether to approve the treaty and a self-government constitution. On April 10, 2025, of more than 96% of eligible voters who voted on the treaty and constitution, 87% voted in favour of ratifying the treaty and 82% voted in favour of ratifying the self-government constitution.

Quotes:

Sean Bujtas, mayor of Terrace -

"Congratulations to Kitselas on reaching this enormous milestone. The treaty is good for Kitselas and good for the City of Terrace: the certainty and self-direction of being a Treaty Nation will invite prosperity into our region. I commend Kitselas on the hard work and stamina that has resulted in this historic achievement."

Michael Fernandes, president, Terrace Chamber of Commerce -

"The Terrace District Chamber of Commerce recognizes the Kitselas Treaty as an important step forward for reconciliation, economic certainty and long-term prosperity for the Kitselas people and those who live and work within their traditional territories. This agreement will open the door to new partnerships, investment opportunities, and shared economic growth by providing a clear framework on self-governance, land stewardship and economic participation for the Kitselas people."

George Abbott, commissioner, BC Treaty Commission -

"Today, we celebrate the introduction of the Kitselas Treaty and remember many of the leaders who have dedicated their lives to advancing reconciliation and achieving a modern treaty for a prosperous future for all. Modern treaties establish a true nation-to-nation, government-to-government relationship and provide certain on lands and resources that bring benefits to First Nations, British Columbia and Canadians. Today, we mark an important step towards achieving these efforts."

Quick Facts:

• Kitselas is a member of the Tsimshian First Nations Treaty Society, which represents multiple Tsimshian Nations whose combined territory spans the northwest coast and the lower Skeena River, including the Prince Rupert and Terrace areas.
• Kitselas First Nation has a population of approximately 745 members. About half live on the Kitselas reserve of Gitaus, a 15-minute drive east of Terrace, or in Kulspai, a smaller reserve east of Terrace.
• In Sm'algyax, a dialect of the Tsimshian language, Gitselasu (Kitselas) means "people of the Canyon," referring to the Kitselas Canyon.
• For more than 30 years, Kitselas First Nation and Kitsumkalum First Nation have been negotiating their two treaties together, which will result in two distinct, separate treaties. The unique ability to work together for 30 years demonstrates the close family ties and collaborative spirit between the two First Nations.

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