March 30, 2016

The Nisga’a Nation has been working with the Province of British Columbia to conclude the transfer of approximately 22,000 ha of Provincial Crown upland (called “Nasoga Gulf Upland”) in fee simple, and a long term lease over the foreshore and submerged lands at Nasoga Gulf.  Maps depicting the Nasoga Gulf Upland and the Nasoga Gulf foreshore and submerged lands are attached to this notice.

It is anticipated that once the Nasoga Gulf Upland is transferred to the Nisga’a Nation, those lands will be added to Nisga’a Lands pursuant to paragraph 11 of the Lands Chapter of the Nisga’a Final Agreement.

Pursuant to the October 2014 agreement with Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Ltd. (“PRGT”) which allows PRGT to build a natural gas pipeline through the Nass Area and Nisga’a Lands, the Nisga’a Nation has an option to secure capacity in the proposed PRGT pipeline for use by an LNG developer.  Since that time the Nisga’a Nation has been actively pursuing opportunities for LNG development in the vicinity of Nasoga Gulf.

Although no project is proposed for this location at this time, the area may eventually be developed and may include LNG or other infrastructure development.  Nisga’a citizens will, of course, be informed as these opportunities progress.

The Chief Executive Officer of Nisga’a Lisims Government will be reporting further on this proposed transaction during the scheduled WSN sitting at the end of March.

Discussions in respect of this proposed transfer will continue and the Province will soon begin consultation discussions with Lax Kw’alaams First Nation, Metlakatla First Nation, Kitsumkalum First Nation and Kitselas First Nation.