Pause Bill 21: Kitselas Treaty Act – Frequently Asked Questions

Press Release

On April 15, 2026, the Government of BC introduced Bill 21: Kitselas Treaty Act. The Nine Allied Tribes and Lax Kw’alaams Band leadership have called on the Government of BC to pause the legislation until meaningful consultation can occur to fix the fundamental issues.

The Nine Allied Tribes and Lax Kw’alaams Band leaders have been in Victoria to voice concerns and share our story. We thank Nation and community members for their ongoing support and curiosity about this work. For updated information, please visit Lax Kw’alaams Band Facebook page. All media events and updates will be posted.

1. What is the Kitselas Treaty Act?
Bill 21: Kitselas Treaty Act was introduced in BC’s legislature on April 15. The provincial legislation proposes to ratify a modern treaty between Kitselas First Nation, BC, and Canada. It will recognize Kitselas self-government, provide 382 square kilometers of land ownership, and authority over resources, culture, and social services.

2. Is Lax Kw’alaams Band against treaties and self-determination?
The Nine Allied Tribes and Lax Kw’alaams Band continue to support First Nations pursuit of modern treaties and the inherent right to self-government and self- determination within their own territory. However, the Kitselas Treaty Act impacts over 90 per cent of our traditional territory.

3. Why are we trying to pause the legislation?
The Kitselas Treaty affects over 90 per cent of our traditional territory and several critical issues in the bill need to be fixed, including Kitselas’ governing rights, drastically increased consultation rights, economic benefits through their treaty harvesting sites, control over ancestral remains to name a few – all outside their territory. The legislation would also impact economic interests, public interests, and more clarity is needed about future land and resource decision-making.

4. Does this act change Lax Kw’alaams Band rights?
There is little clarity in the bill that addresses this, other than a clause that signals First Nations with concerns to litigate on the treaty, and this is concerning. This is part of the reason Lax Kw’alaams Band is asserting and protecting its own rights.

5. Was Lax Kw’alaams Band consulted?
Lax Kw’alaams Band has been raising these concerns with the province but was not meaningfully consulted or listened to. The process did not reflect our protocol agreement with the province, and we were not provided with time to review the bill before it was introduced, which violated DRIPA.

6. How does leadership respond to Kitselas’ statement that the treaty does not affect the rights of other Nations?
Kitselas’ own public materials state that overlap and shared territory issues remain unresolved and that discussions with neighbouring Nations are still ongoing. Unresolved overlap issues may affect future consultation processes, harvesting activities, governance responsibilities, and land and resource decision-making in these areas. The Crown still has obligations under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, the Honour of the Crown, and the duty to consult and accommodate before legislation moves forward.

7. How can I have my voice heard and get involved?
Lax Kw’alaams Band members are encouraged to write to the Premier and Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. The more voices that bring these concerns to the government, the more impact we can have to ensure our rights, title, and territory are protected now, and for future generations.

8. What are we asking the province to do?
The Nine Allied Tribes and Lax Kw’alaams Band is asking the province for a pause on the legislation to allow for meaningful consultation with us, and to reinstate the Aboriginal Affairs Committee in order to properly deal with the complex issues raised by the legislation.

9. What is the Nine Allied Tribes and Lax Kw’alaams Band doing to pause this legislation?
Together, the Nine Allied Tribes and Lax Kw’alaams Band is asserting their position, reviewing the act, and protecting our rights. Leadership has been in Victoria meeting with opposition MLAs to garner support to pause the bill. We have also aligned with Wei Wai Kum First Nation, as they are also experiencing similar issues regarding Bill 20: K’omoks Treaty Act. Once a pause is announced; we will work in good faith with BC and Kitselas to resolve critical concerns.

10. How far are we willing to go to stop this?
The Nine Allied Tribes and Lax Kw’alaams Band are prepared take all necessary legal, peaceful, necessary to protect their rights, title, and territory. Our members have said on social media they are furious, and will not stand for impacts to their rights and title by the legislation.

11. How is this bill creating economic uncertainty in the area?
The North Coast corridor, including the Port of Prince Rupert, is a major economic driver for the province and for Western Canada. According to Prince Rupert Port Authority 2020 data, approximately $60 billion in annual trade moves through the port. As is, the bill stands to disrupt economic certainty, deter investment, and delay major projects.

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