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.
On June 24, 2024, the full draft Kitselas Treaty and Appendices were initialled by the Chief Negotiators from Kitselas, BC, and Canada. The initialling of the draft Treaty marks the end of formal Treaty negotiations.
The next step is for Kitselas members to ratify (vote) and approve both the draft Constitution and Treaty and Appendices. The vote is currently planned for April 2025.
FAQs About the Kitselas Treaty
Q: Why Treaty?
A: Negotiating a Treaty offers a path towards self-governance and getting Kitselas out from under the Indian Act.
Q: What is the Kitselas Treaty?
A: The Kitselas Treaty is a three-way agreement negotiated between Kitselas First Nation, the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia (BC) and consists of many chapters related to different aspects of community life. In addition, Kitselas will have its own constitution. The Kitselas Constitution will spell out its citizens’ rights and responsibilities, the Kitselas Nation’s governance structure, and its law-making powers—similar to the Canadian Constitution.
You can view the Kitselas Treaty here.
Q: How long has Kitselas been in the Treaty negotiation process?
A: Kitselas has been working towards a modern treaty since 1993.
Q: Where is Kitselas in the Treaty Negotiation Stages?
A: In the six-stage BC Treaty Commission Treaty negotiation process, Kitselas is currently in Stage 5: Negotiation to Finalize a Treaty.
Q: What happens if the Treaty is not approved?
A: If the Treaty is taken to a vote and if the result of the vote is less than 50% in favour of the Treaty, then the Treaty will be rejected and the Kitselas Treaty negotiations will come to an end.