Kitsumkalum First Nation has announced the beginning of the ratification process for its proposed treaty and constitution.
If ratified, the Kitsumkalum treaty will formally recognize the Nation鈥檚 rights to self-governance, land ownership, harvesting, and resource management. It would also mark the implementation of the Kitsumkalum constitution, a foundational document for self-determination and community governance.
Chief Councillor Troy Sam confirmed a vote will take place on Nov. 1 in a press release on June 25, calling it the result of more than 30 years of negotiation with the governments of Canada and British Columbia.
鈥淥ur Nation negotiated this treaty for over 30 years to get to this point,鈥� he said. 鈥淥ur people will go to the polls on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, to cast a vote for their future! I acknowledge all the hard work and dedication from our leadership leading up to this announcement. We would not be here without them.鈥�
The ratification process will be managed by an independent committee composed of representatives from Kitsumkalum, the Province, and the Government of Canada. Over the next four months, the Kitsumkalum treaty team plans to engage extensively with Nation members to ensure a well-informed vote, said an Aug. 6 press release.
An information session for Kitsumkalum members was held in the evening.
Spencer Chandra Herbert, B.C.鈥檚 Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, acknowledged the significance of the process.
鈥淭hanks to the perseverance and commitment of the leadership of the Kitsumkalum First Nation, and the hard work of everyone at the treaty table over many years, it鈥檚 now up to the people of Kitsumkalum to vote for their future,鈥� he said.
Rebecca Alty, federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, called the announcement a 鈥渕ajor milestone on the path to self-determination.鈥�
鈥淭his important achievement is a testament to the community鈥檚 strength, vision and leadership," she said in the press release. "I encourage all Kitsumkalum community members to participate in this important process by asking questions, voting and making your voices heard.鈥�
Kitsumkalum is a member of the Tsimshian First Nations Treaty Society and has negotiated alongside Kitselas First Nation, though each community鈥檚 agreement will be ratified independently. The process follows the 2019 introduction of the Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy, a shift in provincial and federal approaches that aligns with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Community members can access the ratification documents and information on the voting process at .
