Is Nisgaa Government “race-based?”
No. Under the Nisga’a Treaty, there is no such thing as race-based government — it is Nisga’a Government.. The Treaty does not restrict Nisga’a citizenship to people who meet the eligibility criteria set out in the Treaty.Nisga’a Government. may make laws so that non-aboriginal people may become Nisga’a citizens. This enablesNisga’a Government. to recognize that others may be members of their communities and participants in Nisga’a community and cultural life. In other words, Nisga’a citizenship cannot be denied to a person who meets the eligibility criteria, but it can be granted to others. reference: Nisga’a Government Chapter – paragraphs 9; (p) 39 If decisions made by Nisga’a Government. directly affect non-aboriginal people living on Nisga’a Lands (currently about 100 people), Nisga’a Government. must consult with them, or provide other means of participation. The rights of these non-aboriginal people are protected by the Canadian Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedo
