Lax Kw’alaams Leaders Unite in Historic Governance Accord, Pave Way for Written Constitution Referendum – NetNewsLedger
April 8, 2025
Lax Kw’alaams, BC A powerful move toward Indigenous sovereignty is unfolding on Canada’s West Coast, where hereditary and elected leaders of the Lax Kw’alaams First Nation have signed a groundbreaking Governance Accord and announced a historic referendum to adopt a written Constitution.
The model—blending traditional governance with modern elected leadership—could serve as inspiration for First Nations across Northwestern Ontario, where similar discussions around inherent rights and self-governance are gaining momentum.
The signed Accord formalizes cooperation between the hereditary leadership of the Allied Ts’msyen Tribes and the elected Lax Kw’alaams Council. It ensures that no decisions will be made on Lax Kw’alaams territory without shared input—an approach deeply rooted in traditional governance systems, yet structured for modern application.
