The Modern Treaty Process
The BC Treaty Commission’s Treaty negotiation process consists of six-stages. Kitsumkalum is currently in Stage 5 – Negotiation to Finalize a Treaty.
The First Nation files a Statement of Intent with the BC Treaty Commission to negotiate a Treaty. Kitsumkalum 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, Kitsumkalum voted in favour of the AIP.
The Treaty that is concluded at this stage will formalize the relationship between all parties, any legal or technical issues are resolved and any outstanding items are re-opened. At the completion of this stage, a final agreement will be signed that is legally binding. Kitsumkalum is currently in Stage 5 and preparing to take the Final Agreement to a referendum for its members in 2022.
If the Kitsumkalum people vote ‘Yes’ for the Treaty, the plans to implement the treaty are put into effect or phased in as agreed during this stage.
