The Modern Treaty Process
Kitselas has been working toward a modern treaty since 1993. There are six steps to go through and each can take years.
Kitselas is currently in Stage 5 of the BC Treaty Commission’s Treaty six-stage negotiation process.
Learn About the 6 Stages of the Negotiation Process
The First Nation files a Statement of Intent with the BC Treaty Commission to negotiate a Treaty. Kitselas first signed the Statement of Intent in 1990 as part of the Tsimshian Tribal Council.
An initial meeting is held to exchange information, discuss research, identify main issues of concern and determine the readiness of all parties to begin negotiations.
This is the agreed-upon agenda that identifies the issues to be negotiated, the goals of the negotiation process and a timetable for negotiations.
Negotiations at this stage will form the basis of the Treaty. The AIP also lays the groundwork for the implementation of the treaty Final Agreement negotiations. In 2013, Kitselas voted in favour of the AIP.
Kitselas voted in favour of the Treaty and Constitution on April 10, 2025. Kitselas’s vote
was the first step of the three-part ratification process before the Treaty is completely ratified and comes into effect.
The next two steps involve provincial ratification and federal ratification.
Once the Treaty is ratified and comes into effect, Kitselas will be in Stage 6: Implementation of a Treaty.