The Nisga’a have always governed ourselves according to Ayuukhl Nisga’a, the traditional laws and practices of the Nisga’a Nation. The Council of Elders provides guidance and interpretation of the Ayuuk to Nisga’a government. Composed of chiefs, matriarchs, and respected Nisga’a elders, the Council of Elders is appointed by NLG in accordance with Nisga’a law and the Nisga’a Final Agreement. The Chairperson of the Council of Elders is elected by all Nisga’a citizens.

Current Members

Sim'oogit N'iisyuus, Willard Martin, Chairperson of the Council of Elders

                 Regular Members                                                          

               Dr. Joseph Gosnell, Sim’oogit Hleeḵ                                (Lax̱sgiik - New Aiyansh)

                Perry Azak, Sim’oogit Dax̱aan                                      (Gisḵ’aast/Gitwinksihlkw)

               Andrew Mercer, Sim’oogit Wisin Xbil’tkw                       (Gisḵ’aast - Lax̱g̱alts’ap) 

               Alvin E. Nelson, Sim’oogit Sim’oogidim X̱sgaak         (Lax̱sgiik/Ging̱olx)                   

                Clyde Garret Davis, Sim’oogit W̓ii Gilax̱namḵ’ap         (Lax̱sgiik/Gitlax̱t’aamiks)

                Jacob Nyce, Sim’oogit Bax̱k’ap                                    (Lax̱gibuu/Gitwinksihlkw)

                Arnold Harry Martin, Sim’oogit G̱ennuu-g̱aaḵ               (Lax̱gibuu - Lax̱galts’ap)

                Harry Moore Sr., Sim’oogit Luudisdoos                        (G̱anada/Gingolx

                 Alternate Members:

                 Hubert Haldane, Sim’oogit Laay̓                                 (Lax̱sgiik - Lax̱g̱alts’ap)

                 Jeffery Clifford Azak, Sim’oogit Ax̱gwindaskw              (Lax̱gibuu - Gitwinksihlkw) 

                 Nancy Moore, Sigidimnaḵ’ Ḵ’alii-X̱sootkw                    (G̱anada - Lax̱g̱alts’ap)

                 Jennifer Haldane, Sigidimnaḵ’ Luu Sg̱adalḵs                 (Lax̱gibuu/Lax̱g̱alts’ap)

                Lorene Plante, Sigidimnaḵ’ Lootkw                            (Lax̱gibuu/New Aiyansh)

                Oliver McNeil, Sim’oogit Ni’iswalks                           (G̱anada - Gitwinksilhkw)

                Wilma Moore, Sigidimnaḵ’ Ax̱dii Wil T’aa                   (Gisḵ’aast - Lax̱g̱alts’ap) 

                Lavinia Clayton, Sigidimnaḵ’ Sim’oogidim Sigidimnaḵ’ (Lax̱sgiik - Ging̱olx)