In a historic first, the Annual Premier’s Forum took place on Nisga’a lands this June, hosted at the Nisga’a Lisims Government Legislature in Gitlaxt’aamiks. The event gathered leaders and technical staff from B.C.’s eight Modern Treaty Nations, joined by the Premier’s office and cabinet ministers.
Organized by the Alliance of B.C. Modern Treaty Nations, the forum focused on implementing constitutionally protected treaty rights. Discussions included establishing proper fiscal arrangements, ensuring Modern Treaty Nations are meaningfully involved in provincial legislation and policy, and advancing changes across the public service to better reflect treaty commitments.
Leaders also addressed serious issues affecting their communities, ranging from the overdose crisis and homelessness to community safety concerns involving drug offenders and sex-related crimes on treaty lands.
Following the forum, participants traveled through the Nass Valley, visiting key cultural and historical sites like the Gitwinksihlkw suspension bridge and Laxg̱alts’ap Carving Shed. The day ended with traditional salmon cuisine at the Nisga’a Museum.
The Annual Premier’s Forum remains a critical venue for progress between Indigenous governments and the Province, reinforcing a modern approach to reconciliation and treaty fulfillment in British Columbia.
