Nisga’a Nation celebrates 25 years of self-governance under 1st modern-day treaty in B.C. [Video]

It’s been 25 years since the first modern-day treaty in B.C. came into effect, releasing the Nisga’a Nation from the bounds of the Indian Act and allowing it to make its own decisions for its land and people. 

Brought into force on May 11, 2000, the landmark Nisga’a Treaty has been seen by many as a major milestone on the path to reconciliation in B.C.

It was also the first treaty in Canada to directly recognize a First Nation’s inherent right to self-government.

Andrew Robinson, CEO of the Nisga’a Lisims government, remembers that May day as one of joy and celebration.

“Our nation gathered together and sang a song that the Nisga’a canoe has landed,” he told On The Coast host Gloria Makarenko.

“[It] was fitting for that moment in time to pay respect and homage to all of those that spent 113 years fighting for our right to self-governance — hence the number of the Nisga’a Highway that our treaty partners, British Columbia …