On behalf of the Nisga’a Nation, Nisga’a Lisims Government wishes to extend sincere condolences to the family and friends of a dear and longtime friend of the Nisga’a, Jim Fulton.

Fulton, who succumbed to cancer on December 20, 2008 served as the New Democratic Party (NDP) MP of the Skeena riding for four consecutive terms from 1979 to 1993.  Over that period, Jim maintained a positive working relationship with the leadership of the then Nisga’a Tribal Council in their efforts to achieve what has since become the Nisga’a Treaty.  

As an advocate for native rights and with a strong environmental track record, Fulton’s passion for those causes served the Nisga’a Nation well in its century long quest to achieve self-government and ownership to traditional land.

Nelson Leeson, who was intimately involved with the Nisga’a land claims negotiations, remembers spending a lot of time with Fulton in Ottawa.

“He’d keep blazers and ties in his office for those who didn’t have any. There was a rule then, you couldn’t eat in the Parliamentary restaurant unless you wore a jacket and a tie,” Leeson added.

“The first time I met him was in the late 70s, in Prince Rupert, when he was running for the NDP,” said Leeson.

“I was very much impressed with him and I knew I could trust him right away. He was one of the few people I felt that way about,” Leeson added.

Leeson said he was most impressed with Fulton’s memory. “He knew a lot of our people on a first name basis,” said Leeson.

Fulton is survived by his wife Melanie Friesen, and children, Katy, Blair and Linnea.