The Kitselas Treaty is a big step for the Kitselas First Nation. Instead of being ruled by the Indian Act, the Kitselas People will have our own government and Constitution. With Treaty, we will make our own laws, decide what is best for our People, and take care of our land in a way that respects our culture and traditions.
You won’t wake up on Effective Day and find everything has dramatically changed, but the Treaty will help Kitselas grow and become stronger as a Nation. With control over our land, we can build businesses, improve roads and buildings, and create new job opportunities. After Treaty, we will have more power to decide how we want to use our land and resources.
All programs and services continue. The Treaty adds and does not remove any benefits from Members. Programs and services may increase with Treaty— it’s up to Kitselas!
The Treaty gives the Kitselas People the freedom to build a bright future – the Kitselas Way – while honouring our culture and past.
What do we Have to Give up With Treaty?
- Indian Act (YES) – Kitselas People restored to Freedom
- Indian Status (NO) – we keep our Indian Status & all benefits within Canada
- Tax Exemption (NO) – we keep existing tax exemptions, exactly as they are now
- Program & Services (NO) – we keep every dollar of program & service funding Kitselas receives now, plus are eligible for any new programs or services
- Lands (NO) – we will actually own our Indian Reserves, not Canada, along with ~96,000 acres of additional land, too
- Traditional Territory (NO) – we keep every square inch of our Kitselas Traditional Territory, including hunting, fishing, & gathering rights, and will be consulted on future developments
- Aboriginal Rights & Title (NO) – All Rights & Titles are protected forever by Canada’s Constitution & Courts
- Inherent right to self-government (NO) – We choose how we govern ourselves, rather than the Indian Act deciding for us
FAQs About Life After Treaty
Q: How will the Kitselas government change after the Treaty?
A: The Kitselas Treaty will bring us control over our future, including increased economic opportunities, ownership, greater control of harvesting rights (hunting, fishing, etc.), improved services, a financial settlement, control of our education, the ability to govern ourselves, and freedom from the constraints of the oppressive Indian Act.
Q: How will the Treaty help the Kitselas economy?
A: The Treaty gives Kitselas full control over our land, which means we can start businesses, build homes, and improve our community. The money made from businesses will help provide jobs and support important services for everyone.
Q: How does the Treaty help protect Kitselas culture?
A: With the Treaty, the Kitselas Government can create programs to teach our language, history, and traditions. We can also make laws that protect our cultural sites and way of life. This helps future generations stay connected to their heritage.
Q: With the Treaty, do we lose our Indian Status?
A: No, with the Treaty, we keep our Indian Status and all benefits.
Q: What happens to Certificates of Allocation after the Treaty?
A: After the Treaty, if you have a Certificate of Allocation (COA) for your home, you will continue to own your home and own the land that your house sits on—just like any other Canadian. A replacement title (ownership) document will be issued by Kitselas, not Canada or BC.