Understanding the Nisga'a Treaty Preface

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Contents Preface	The Nisga’a Treaty stands as a symbol of hope and reconciliation between aboriginal and non-aboriginal Canadians. This summary sets out the basic principles and facts of the Treaty, initialed August 4, 1998 in Gitlaxt’aamiks. It offers insight into the historic background of the Treaty and emphasizes the importance of traditional Nisga’a culture in accordance with the Ayuuk. By reconciling the aboriginal rights of the Nisga’a Nation with the sovereignty of the Crown, the Treaty is intended to be a just and equitable settlement of the Nisga’a Land Question that spells out a new relationship based on mutual recognition and sharing. To the Nisga’a people, a treaty is a sacred instrument, the legal framework for a new society based on self-reliance and self-actualization. Fairly and honourably negotiated, the Treaty represents a major breakthrough for aboriginal self-determination — one of the most pressing issues in contemporary Canada and around the world. Joseph Gosnell, Sr. President, Nisga’a Tribal Council September, 1998 To Table of Contents

Contents

Preface

The Nisga’a Treaty stands as a symbol of hope and reconciliation between aboriginal and non-aboriginal Canadians.

This summary sets out the basic principles and facts of the Treaty, initialed August 4, 1998 in Gitlaxt’aamiks.

It offers insight into the historic background of the Treaty and emphasizes the importance of traditional Nisga’a culture in accordance with the Ayuuk.

By reconciling the aboriginal rights of the Nisga’a Nation with the sovereignty of the Crown, the Treaty is intended to be a just and equitable settlement of the Nisga’a Land Question that spells out a new relationship based on mutual recognition and sharing.

To the Nisga’a people, a treaty is a sacred instrument, the legal framework for a new society based on self-reliance and self-actualization. Fairly and honourably negotiated, the Treaty represents a major breakthrough for aboriginal self-determination — one of the most pressing issues in contemporary Canada and around the world.

Joseph Gosnell, Sr.
President, Nisga’a Tribal Council
September, 1998

To Table of Contents