Nisga’a Self Government

The signing of the Nisg̱a’a Treaty in 2000 created self-government and set up the federated governance structure that has been in place since then.

The Nisg̱a’a treaty was the first modern treaty in British Columbia and was the result of over 110 years of effort by the Nisg̱a’a people. It recognizes Nisg̱a’a sovereignty over their lands and their authority to make laws.

The Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government is made up of the Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government (NLG), the four Nisg̱a’a Village Governments, three urban locals representing Nisg̱a’a living away from Nisg̱a’a territory, and a council of Elders. Each village acts through its Nisg̱a’a Village Government in exercising its rights, powers, and privileges and in performing its duties, functions, and obligations.

Wilp Si’ayuukhl Nisg̱a’a (WSN) is the 36-member legislative body responsible for considering and passing Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government laws. The Council of Elders provides guidance and oversight. To learn more, visit the Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government website.

The Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government governs by the principles of the Ayuuḵ, the time honoured Nisg̱a’a code. All decisions are considered according to Sayt-Ḵ’ilim-Goot, the Nisg̱a’a Common Bowl philosophy. Nisg̱a’a Government is democratic, representative, and responsible to its citizens.