|
|
NORTHWEST
TRIBAL TREATY
We, the Northwest First Nations have occupied and governed our respective
territories since time immemorial. The Creator put us on our territories
and gave us laws in which to define and govern our relationships with
each other and with the animals, plants, lands, waters and air. We have
maintained our spiritual beliefs, our languages, our way of life and
traditions. We have done this through intermarriage and the exchange
of material and food resources, and shall continue to do so through
infinity. We, the signatories to this Treaty are of one heart in the
advancement and protection of our common interests identified in the
following principles:
- We shall continue to practice our own tribal political system
and laws, and we intend these separate jurisdictions to continue.
- We shall continue to express our sovereignty as Nations.
- We shall assist each other to reaffirm our continuing Hereditary
Title and give expression to our rights; and to defend these against
any erosion through external forces.
- We shall collectively join the other First Nations' efforts to
pursue the explicit recognition of aboriginal title in Canada's
constitution.
- We shall continue to enter into bilateral and multilateral relationships
with each other to strengthen and assist in settling matters and
common concerns regarding our respective cultural identities, traditions,
diversity, equality of our peoples and our common boundaries according
to our traditional laws.
- We shall, in the spirit of sharing and co-existence, continue
to enter into mutually beneficial relationships regarding access
to traditional territories and natural resources. These include
all resources that come from our territories.
We, as represented by the undersigned leaders of the respective First
Nations, reaffirm these principles by this treaty.
Dated at Lax Kxeen, Monday February 11, 1991
Signed by representatives
of:
Tsimshian Nation
Haisla Nation
Haida Nation
Wet'suwet'en Nation
Nisga'a Nation
Gitksan Nation
Lake Babine Band
Gitanyow Nation
Carrier Sekani Nations
Listed but not signed:
Tahltan Nation
Taku River, Tlingit
Kaska Dene Nation
|
