Nisga'a Dancing in Both Worlds

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History

Indigenous Rights

Land Claims

Cultural Preservation

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The Story of Survival and Land Ownership of the Nish God People.

The Nish God people have lived in the Kali Aksum, river Nass, and surrounding mountains for centuries.
The eruption of a volcano in 1780 caused a devastating disaster, resulting in the loss of over 3000 lives.
In 1793, Captain George Vancouver encountered the Nishka villagers but did not offer any valuable trade.
From the 1830s, European immigrants invaded northern British Columbia, leading to the establishment of Hudson Bay posts and the start of land grab.
Missionaries arrived in 1864, disrupting cultural traditions and tearing the communities apart.
Smallpox, measles, and overfishing further impacted the Nish God people and led to the closure of canneries.
Chief Israel Scott Een led a delegation to Victoria to claim ownership of their land, but their claims were ignored.
Dr. Frank Calder later tells the story of five people arriving and surveying the land, causing tension among the Nish God people.

The British Columbia Land Question and the Fight for Aboriginal Rights

Surveyors establish reserves in British Columbia, leading to the birth of the land question.
The government in Victoria suppresses Aboriginal rights, including through the residential schools program.
Thousands of Indigenous children suffer in residential schools, facing overcrowding, sickness, and abuse.
Chief Arthur Calder adopts a young boy, Frank, and sends him to a residential school with the intention of turning him into a "white man."
Frank maintains his cultural identity and returns home committed to preserving his culture.
In 1913, Mishka leaders petition the Privy Council in London for land claims, but the matter is deferred to a Canadian court.
The BC government and the public show little sympathy towards Indigenous land claims until 1960.
A joint parliamentary committee is formed in 1960 to address Indigenous conditions, particularly the land question.
Tom Berger, a young father studying the Indian question, agrees to represent the Indigenous peoples in their fight for recognition of their Aboriginal title.
Prime Minister Trudeau initially opposes Indigenous land claims, stating that the answer is no.

Nishka Negotiations for Aboriginal Rights and Title

Attended meetings with Indian bands and tribes that faced criticism.
No alternative to taking action and pursuing Aboriginal rights and title.
Confident in proceeding with business despite opposition.
Lost Supreme Court case, but continued to fight in appeals court and Supreme Court of Canada.
Concerned about Emmett Hall's involvement in the case.
Six out of seven judges accepted the existence of Aboriginal title before European settlers.
Procedural question led to a technical loss, but opened up the question of Aboriginal title.
Happy with the three to three split decision as it led to negotiations and settlements.
Presented demands to Prime Minister Trudeau, who acknowledged the importance of the Supreme Court judgment.
Began a 13-year marathon of negotiations for land claims.
Provincial government initially refused to participate except as an observer.
Negotiations included issues of land, resources, education, policing, parks, subsurface resources, and water rights.
Premier established the BC treaty process in 1991 to carry out negotiations with First Nations.

Negotiating with the Niska Tribe: A Journey of Compromise and Trust

The Niska negotiators had extraordinary longevity and continuity in their leadership, giving them a corporate memory and a clear vision of their goals and objectives.
The Niska Tribe stayed true to their principled position from the beginning to the final settlement, showing their commitment to achieving their vision.
Negotiations required compromise from all parties involved, as each provision represented a compromise from someone's perspective.
Understanding the interests of the other side was crucial in finding solutions and addressing concerns, such as the ownership of submerged lands.
The Niska Tribe often discussed matters internally before announcing the outcome to the other side, showcasing their talented and cohesive negotiating team.
Humor played a role in diffusing tension and maintaining a positive atmosphere during tough times.
Building trust was essential, and spending significant time together in various locations helped foster a strong relationship among all parties.
At the last minute, a contentious issue threatened the treaty, but creative solutions and determination helped overcome the obstacle and reach a successful conclusion.

The Journey of the Nishka People Towards Self-Governance and Prosperity

Emotional moment as settlement legislation is passed, signifying life or death for the Nishka people.
Nishka people now have the means to work things out for themselves, charting their own course.
Opportunity to showcase the new status of the Nishka nation and what it could mean for Canada.
Governor-General's official visit signifies the recognition and equality of the Nishka people.
Building trust and equality through negotiations and treaties.
Encouragement of economic development and support for local entrepreneurs.
Practical jobs and technical training for young people to secure future prosperity.
Nishka people have the resources, land, and ability to make laws for development.
Laws should assist and open doors for development rather than being impediments.
Nishka people are actively getting involved to ensure their success.

Perspectives on Resource Management and Cultural Preservation in the NASS Territory

The use of fish wheels on the NASS has been important for monitoring salmon runs and ensuring sustainability.
The Niska fishery has been managed without conflicts or issues.
Participation in the fishery allows individuals to earn money while enjoying a recreational activity.
The implementation of treaty agreements has provided opportunities for economic development.
Advanced technologies, such as telemetry systems, are used to carefully manage fish stocks.
Some individuals have pursued higher education in resource management to improve the management program.
The treaty has fostered better relationships among residents of the valley.
The school system in the NASS encourages further education and career opportunities.
There is a desire to preserve and promote the Anishka culture and language.
Some individuals plan to incorporate their cultural identity into their future careers.

The Changes and Progress in School District 92 and the Unique Cultural and Economic Aspects of Canoe Creek Village.

Changes in literacy, numeracy, language, and culture in School District 92 have given hope for the future.
Students in the village can now carve their own culture and showcase it through singing, dancing, and speaking their language.
Education is seen as key to the success of the treaty, with the goal of Mishka individuals attaining post-secondary and graduate levels of education.
Canoe Creek Village has approximately 220 residents, with a significant number of children and a growing number of university degrees among the adults.
The village sponsors students for higher education, but there is a shortage of funds and more applicants than available resources.
The village is known as the seafood capital of the NASS and attracts tourists with its annual crab fest and beautiful scenery.
The B&B business is well-established in the area, and the hospitality of Canoe Creek is renowned worldwide.

The History and Achievements of the Nishka Tribe

The Nish God people have inhabited the Kali Aksum, river Nass, and surrounding mountains for centuries.
Devastating disaster caused by a volcano eruption in 1780 resulted in the loss of over 3000 lives.
European immigrants invaded northern British Columbia in the 1830s, leading to the establishment of Hudson Bay posts and land grab.
Missionaries arrived in 1864, disrupting cultural traditions and tearing communities apart.
Smallpox, measles, and overfishing further impacted the Nish God people and led to the closure of canneries.
Chief Israel Scott Een led a delegation to Victoria in an attempt to claim ownership of their land, but their claims were ignored.
Dr. Frank Calder tells the story of five people arriving and surveying the land, causing tension among the Nish God people.
Surveyors establish reserves in British Columbia, giving birth to the land question.
Thousands of Indigenous children suffer in residential schools, facing overcrowding, sickness, and abuse.
Chief Arthur Calder adopts a young boy, Frank, and sends him to a residential school with the intention of assimilating him into white culture, but Frank maintains his cultural identity.
In 1913, Mishka leaders petition the Privy Council in London for land claims.
The BC government and the public show little sympathy towards Indigenous land claims until 1960.
Tom Berger agrees to represent the Indigenous peoples in their fight for recognition of Aboriginal title.
Prime Minister Trudeau initially opposes Indigenous land claims but attends meetings with Indian bands and tribes.

Importance of Fish Wheels, Education, and Cultural Preservation in the NASS

Fish wheels are used for monitoring salmon runs and ensuring sustainability.
The Niska fishery is managed without conflicts or issues.
Participation in the fishery allows individuals to earn money while enjoying a recreational activity.
Treaty agreements have provided opportunities for economic development.
Advanced technologies, such as telemetry systems, are used to carefully manage fish stocks.
Higher education in resource management is pursued to improve the management program.
The treaty has fostered better relationships among residents of the valley.